WhatsApp is preparing to undergo one of its biggest transformations yet. The Meta-owned platform is expected to launch a username-based communication system on its platform soon, according to reports. This would allow users to connect with each other without sharing their phone numbers.
According to The Economic Times, the feature is expected to be introduced globally by mid-2026, with June being a likely timeline. The update will enable users to send messages and make voice or video calls using unique usernames instead of relying solely on mobile numbers.
The move marks a major shift from WhatsApp’s long-standing phone number-based identity system to a more flexible and privacy-focused username model. Meta already offers usernames on Instagram and Facebook. Competing platforms like Telegram and Signal have had it for years. The change is expected to enhance user privacy, as people will no longer need to share personal contact details to start a conversation.
WhatsApp is expected to introduce the new feature — usernames — as an “optional privacy feature,” allowing users to choose whether to communicate via a username or continue using their phone number, the report says.
To be clear, this is not the first time we’re hearing buzz around username support on WhatsApp. Multiple reports over the years have mentioned that the feature has been in development, for some time now, though this is the first time we’re getting a potential timeline for launch. Usernames, as is the case on other platforms, are likely to be subject to availability. If someone already has your phone number, they might still be able to find and contact you, as usual.
In addition to usernames, WhatsApp is also exploring Guest Chats, a feature designed to expand communication beyond its existing user base. The feature may allow people to connect and join conversations without a WhatsApp account through a secure browser-based link, according to a WABetaInfo report. While guest users may have limited capabilities, restricted primarily to text messaging, WhatsApp is expected to retain end-to-end encryption for such users.
