WhatsApp has announced the introduction of usernames, allowing users to chat without sharing their phone numbers in a major privacy update.
The Meta-owned messaging app said users can now reserve a username starting this week, ahead of the feature’s full rollout later in 2026. To set it up, users must have the latest version of WhatsApp and go to Settings > Account > Username. The process, the company said, takes just a few seconds.
“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 company stated in its X announcement.
To curb misuse, WhatsApp said it has built in multiple layers of defense. Username keys will limit who can reach a user, there will be caps on how many new people an account can contact, and automated systems will detect and block abuse patterns. Users who encounter suspicious activity have been urged to report it directly in the app.
The update is expected to be widely used in Nigeria, where WhatsApp is a primary tool for personal, business and community communication. The company said further verified updates on the full launch date and functionality will be issued through official channels.
