Joining a WhatsApp group may soon no longer require exposing your phone number to dozens, or even hundreds of strangers.
The messaging platform is introducing usernames, a new feature designed to give users more privacy by allowing them to connect without sharing their phone numbers.
Announcing the update in a blog post, WhatsApp said the feature addresses a common concern among users who want to participate in group conversations but are uncomfortable revealing their personal contact details.
“You want to join the parent chat for the soccer team but you’re not ready to give your phone number to people you’ve never met,” the company said, explaining one of the motivations behind the new feature.
Instead of exchanging phone numbers, users will be able to communicate using unique usernames. Once the feature is launched and enabled, people contacting a user for the first time will see the username rather than the phone number.
WhatsApp said the change is part of its broader effort to strengthen user privacy.
“There’s no directory to browse and no suggestions, people will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time,” the company noted.
The platform is also introducing an optional “username key”, which users can enable to further restrict who can initiate conversations with them.
Away from the group chats, the feature is expected to benefit users who interact with new acquaintances, online communities, neighbourhood groups and other contacts without immediately disclosing their personal phone numbers.
WhatsApp has begun allowing users to reserve usernames ahead of the feature’s full rollout later this year. The company said reservations have opened early because, with more than three billion users worldwide, many people are likely to want the same usernames.
Users can reserve a username by updating to the latest version of WhatsApp and going to Settings > Account > Username. The feature will be introduced gradually, with WhatsApp notifying users when it becomes available in their country.
