Soon, you might not need to share your phone number to connect on WhatsApp.
The messaging app is working on a new feature that lets users create unique usernames—similar to what you see on Telegram or Signal. The goal? Give people more privacy and control over how they connect.
What to Expect:
Custom Handles: You’ll be able to pick a unique name with letters, numbers, dots, or underscores—between 3 and 30 characters. But don’t try using web-like addresses (e.g., ending in “.com”) or “www.” at the start. Those won’t be allowed.
Privacy First: Your username will show up instead of your phone number in new chats and groups. That means fewer strangers seeing your digits.
Extra Security with PINs: You can set a PIN to prevent random users from messaging you via your username—only people with the PIN can start a chat.
Change Alerts: If you update your username, your contacts will get a heads-up, just like when you change your photo or phone number.
Still in the Works
The feature is in development and has appeared in beta versions for iOS and Android. It’s not available yet, but the code hints that it’s coming soon.
By letting users connect through usernames, WhatsApp is taking a big step toward safer, more flexible messaging. No more giving out your phone number to start a simple chat.
