Phone numbers are out; usernames are coming to WhatsApp in 2026.
November 20th 2025
After two years of quiet testing, the WhatsApp messaging app will soon allow users and businesses to hide their phone numbers and be identified only by a username. This major feature is expected to change the landscape of business messaging on the platform.
According to Android Police, WhatsApp has begun informing its business users of the upcoming change with this feature, via an official communication detailing the steps to take to prepare for the update of their username.
The application explains: “ We are delighted to announce that WhatsApp will soon support one of the most requested features: the ability to adopt a username. This feature offers many advantages for both individuals and businesses: it allows for better privacy protection by displaying a username rather than a phone number in one-on-one and group chats. ”
The option will be rolled out in 2026. WhatsApp adds: “ For businesses, usernames make it easy to grow their presence on WhatsApp based on their name rather than their phone number, making it easier to connect with customers. Usernames also simplify sending messages to your business and reassure your customers about the privacy of their data: two major improvements to the business messaging experience on WhatsApp. ”
This feature has existed on other messaging apps like Telegram for quite some time. As a reminder, WhatsApp had 2 billion monthly active users worldwide in February 2025.
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