Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp is soon rolling out a new feature that will enhance user privacy. With this update, users will be able to chat without sharing their phone numbers.
This is a major privacy-focused update that could completely change how WhatsApp is used. Until now, whenever you started chatting with a new user—whether in a group or with an unknown contact—your phone number was visible to the other person. But soon, WhatsApp will introduce a feature that allows you to chat without revealing your mobile number.
The new feature will support username-based chatting, similar to apps like Telegram and Signal. This means you will be able to create a unique username that acts as your identity on WhatsApp. When you start a conversation with a new contact or chat with an unknown person in a group, the other user will see only your username—not your phone number.
Hints of the New Feature in Beta Version
The privacy feature was first reported by WABetaInfo, which revealed that testing has begun in WhatsApp’s iOS beta version 25.17.10.70. Users in this beta can set their preferred username, which can be between 3 to 30 characters and may include lowercase letters, numbers, underscores, and dots.
Why This Feature Will Be Useful
WhatsApp is introducing this feature to increase “individual privacy.” It will be especially beneficial for users active in professional or public groups who do not want to share their phone numbers with everyone. This update will make chatting on WhatsApp safer and more personal than ever.
Currently, the feature is not available to the general public, but it is expected to roll out on both Android and iOS platforms after testing is complete. Reports suggest the update could be released to all users in the second half of this year.