WhatsApp Set to Replace Phone Numbers with Usernames in Major Privacy Update!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

WhatsApp is reportedly testing a major change that would allow users to hide their phone numbers and interact via unique usernames instead — a shift designed to boost privacy and reduce unwanted exposure of contact information. [1]

What’s Changing

• A new “Username & PIN” system is in development, giving users three modes:
  • Username only show only your username to others.
  • Phone number — traditional mode.
  • Username with PIN require a 4‑digit PIN for others to initiate contact. [1]
• Users will be able to select unique handles (3–30 characters long, using lowercase letters, numbers, underscores, periods) subject to rules that prevent duplication or impersonation. [2]
• Existing contacts who already have your number will still see it; the username mode mainly hides your number from new contacts. [1]
• The update is currently visible in WhatsApp’s beta versions (Android and iOS), but has not yet been rolled out to all users. [3]

Why This Matters

• WhatsApp’s reliance on phone numbers has long raised privacy concerns, especially in group chats and public contexts.
• With usernames, users can maintain more anonymity — useful for public figures, businesses, or those cautious about sharing their number widely.
• The feature also aligns WhatsApp more closely with messaging rivals like Telegram and Signal, which already support username‑based contact.
• However, this shift introduces challenges:
  • Username squatting — people rushing to claim desirable usernames
  • Impersonation risk — fake accounts using usernames similar to real ones
  • Transition complexity — managing mix of phone numbers and usernames during rollout

What We Still Don’t Know

• The exact global rollout timeline or whether the feature will be mandatory or optional.
• How WhatsApp will handle username disputes, verification, or abuse.
• How the change will affect existing features such as contact syncing, backup, and business accounts.

Citations:

1. mint: www.livemint.com/technology/tech-news/whatsapp-tests-new-features-replace-phone-numbers-with-usernames-what-it-means-for-users/amp-11724145951802.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Business Today: www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/whatsapp-to-introduce-usernames-instead-of-phone-numbers-similar-to-telegram-and-signal-478770-2025-06-03?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Business Standard: www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/soon-whatsapp-will-let-you-hide-your-phone-number-behind-a-username-125060300245_1.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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