WhatsApp is finally addressing one of its biggest privacy limitations with the upcoming introduction of usernames, allowing users to connect without revealing their personal phone numbers. The messaging platform is reportedly gearing up to launch this long-awaited feature, which has been spotted in recent beta versions and represents a major shift from the app's traditional phone number-based identity system. Even more interesting, WhatsApp's beta builds show a username reservation feature that will let people secure their preferred usernames before the wider rollout of the full system.
Where do we go from here?
While WhatsApp has not shared an exact date, the reservation option is expected to roll out before the full username feature, and the extensive beta testing suggests we're getting close to a public launch.
The username feature has been spotted in multiple beta versions throughout 2024 and 2025, most recently in iOS beta version 25.17.10.70, which points to infrastructure that is largely in place. The backend structures are built, the user interface elements are ready, and the validation protocols have been coded into the app. That pace shows Meta is polishing the experience so it scales without the launch-day gremlins that haunt big features.
The timing lines up with broader pressure around privacy and user control. With legislation like the Digital Services Act in Europe and growing privacy awareness globally, WhatsApp's username system positions the platform to meet evolving compliance requirements while addressing user demand to share less personal data.
This feels like WhatsApp's most significant privacy advancement in the platform's history. It lets WhatsApp compete more directly with privacy-minded alternatives like Telegram and Signal that have relied on usernames for years. If you hate giving out your number to every new contact, or you run a business and want a cleaner, more professional way to chat, this change answers a long-standing ask.
And the moment is right. With privacy worries peaking and breach headlines never far away, username-based connections show the world's most popular messenger is ready to hand users more control. For the millions waiting to keep WhatsApp without giving up privacy, the wait looks almost over.
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