Key Takeaways
- WhatsApp usernames will replace phone numbers on user profiles, enhancing privacy and shifting the app towards a social media identity model.
- The update is still in development and aims to reduce sharing of personal contact details, improving safety in interactions with unknown contacts.
- Usernames help protect real-world identities and will become the primary identifier for accounts, while phone numbers remain tied internally.
- This change also benefits businesses by allowing clearer branding within the app, enhancing customer-facing identities.
- WhatsApp is testing the feature and has not yet announced a release date, indicating a significant shift in identity representation.
WhatsApp usernames are becoming the main identity shown on user profiles. A new update hides phone numbers entirely and displays only usernames. The change strengthens privacy and shifts the app toward a social media style identity system.
WhatsApp usernames replace phone numbers on profiles
It now appear instead of phone numbers on profile pages. Screenshots shared by Android Police showed the updated profile design. Other users will no longer see a phone number when viewing a profile. Only the selected username will be visible. The feature is still under development.
WhatsApp has worked on usernames for some time. The goal is to reduce direct sharing of personal contact details. Usernames separate online identity from real world phone numbers. With WhatsApp usernames, interaction becomes safer, especially with unknown contacts or businesses.
Why does WhatsApp improve its privacy
It reduce exposure of phone numbers inside the app. This adds a layer of protection for users. Phone numbers often link directly to real world identity. Usernames allow communication without revealing that information.
The update follows earlier security research. A group of Austrian researchers identified a potential weakness. The issue allowed automated testing of phone numbers. Using this method, researchers accessed data tied to billions of numbers.
WhatsApp confirmed the issue was fixed. The company said there was no evidence of large scale abuse. By introducing usernames, WhatsApp further reduces future risks and ensures that phone numbers will no longer appear on profiles by default.
How it affect businesses
It will also support brand identity. Businesses can use usernames instead of numbers. This allows clearer branding inside the app. Usernames help create consistent customer facing identities.
WhatsApp first informed users about usernames in November. The company said profile visibility would change. The current update confirms progress toward full rollout, with WhatsApp usernames leading the change.
WhatsApp usernames as a core identifier
WhatsApp usernames will become the primary account reference. Phone numbers will remain tied to accounts internally. Public display will rely on usernames instead.
WhatsApp has not shared a release date. The feature remains in testing. The update signals a major shift in how identity works on WhatsApp. Usernames are expected to play a central role in future interactions.
Source: https://www.androidpolice.com/whatsapp-username-development/