According to notifications appearing within the app, the new feature will enable users to connect by sharing a username instead of a phone number in many situations, offering greater privacy when messaging people or businesses for the first time.
Eligible users can reserve a username by updating to the latest version of WhatsApp and navigating to Settings > Account > Username, where the option has begun appearing for selected accounts.
The feature is being introduced gradually, meaning it is not yet available to all users. WhatsApp said the rollout will continue over the coming months, with users being notified once the feature becomes available in their respective countries.
According to Meta Platforms, once usernames are enabled, users who initiate new conversations will be able to hide their phone numbers, provided they have chosen to use a username instead. This move is expected to strengthen user privacy while making it easier to connect on the platform.
