WhatsApp users are getting screen names — here’s what that means for your account
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WhatsApp just revealed it’s taking privacy to historic levels this year by rolling out its most in-demand feature to the world — usernames. The popular messaging app has over 3.3 billion users and now all of them will be fighting for their names, as the new feature is officially out of beta testing.
This means no more sharing phone numbers with strangers as now you can connect with a username instead. However, the race is now on to get your preferred name — without the dreaded 1 after it — so reserve it immediately.
“Your phone number is personal and sometimes you want to connect without handing it over. That’s why we’re introducing usernames for WhatsApp,” the brand said on an X post.
To secure yours ahead of its launch date, just make sure to have the latest version of WhatsApp. Users will then receive a notification in the app when it’s available and then it’s all systems go.
Reserving your username takes only a few seconds. Just open the app, head to Settings, then Account and then click Username. Reservations will be open this week.
For creators, small businesses and other organizations who “want to maintain a consistent presence online,” the company has reserved an option to claim their existing Instagram or Facebook username.
This means celebrities or those who are well-known will not need to fight over their name — so don’t even try.
Once the feature is fully integrated, those who message a person or business for the first time will no longer see the phone number — if the username feature is enabled, WhatsApp told The Post.
The app will also help folks having trouble picking the best name possible with a username generator.
“Usernames are our latest step to make WhatsApp even more private. There’s no directory to browse and no suggestions – people will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time,” says Alice Newton-Rex, vice president of Product at WhatsApp, in a press release.
“To help control who can reach you on WhatsApp with your username, we’ve built an optional username key that others will need to know to message you,” Newton-Rex added.
Users flooded the X post with glee as they’ve been begging for the historic change.
One poster wrote, “This is actually a huge privacy upgrade. Sometimes you just want to connect without sharing your personal line.”
“Finally, a way to connect without giving away your number,” another said.
“After a long time, WhatsApp kept its word, thank you,” a third wrote, referring to the feature being taken out of beta phase.
To unlock another layer of privacy, WhatsApp users can attach a unique four-digit key, in addition to the username, to contact them.
Just note that usernames do not replace your phone number on WhatsApp; users will still be required to have a number to register in order to use the app.
The move comes after a similar app, Signal, rolled out usernames back in 2024. Signal is a free, open-source messaging app known for its hyper-secure, end-to-end encryption.