Since the day WhatsApp launched, one number has been the price of entry for every conversation which is your personal phone number. Share it or do not use the app, that was the deal.
For over a billion people it felt uncomfortable but inevitable, because WhatsApp was simply too useful to abandon over a privacy concern with no available fix. Well, that concern just changed with one of the most significant privacy updates in the platform’s entire history.
In April 2026, WhatsApp launched a highly anticipated update introducing usernames, giving users a safer way to keep their phone numbers private. With this system, users no longer have to reveal their phone number during chats or when searching for contacts.
Once rolled out, users will be able to share a unique username instead of their mobile number when connecting with new contacts. Although the phone number will remain linked to the account for login, authentication, and recovery purposes, it will not be visible to people who contact users through their username.
How to Set Up Your WhatsApp Username
The setup process is straightforward for users who already have access. To create a username, go to the Profile tab in your WhatsApp settings and tap your profile photo at the top of the screen. There are shortcuts to use the same pseudonym as your Facebook or Instagram profile.
Usernames must be between three and thirty-five characters, include at least one letter, and cannot contain capital letters or most special symbols — only dots and underscores are allowed.
The platform will automatically check username availability before allowing users to save their handle. Each account will be allowed one username, which can later be changed without affecting chats, contacts, or account activity.
