After two years of testing, WhatsApp is preparing to let users and businesses hide their phone numbers and communicate through usernames a Switch that could meaningfully change how companies and customers interact on the platform.
Rollout Plans and Early Guidance
WhatsApp has begun notifying business accounts about the upcoming rollout, which is scheduled for 2026, according to Android Police. The platform has also issued early guidance to help businesses adjust ahead of the change.
The company confirmed that users will be able to create a username that appears in individual and group chats instead of a phone number. WhatsApp says the option has been among its most requested features, reflecting the increasing need for better privacy controls.
Privacy Benefits for Users, Easier Engagement for Businesses
For individuals, the update adds a layer of privacy by reducing the need to share personal phone numbers. For businesses, usernames could remove friction in customer engagement, as people may be more willing to reach out when their contact details aren’t immediately exposed. Companies can still choose to share their numbers when necessary.
The change brings WhatsApp closer to services like Telegram, where usernames are already standard. With roughly 2 billion monthly active users as of February 2025, the update marks one of WhatsApp’s most significant feature shifts in recent years.
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