WhatsApp username finally rolls out: How to hide your phone number from strangers
Last Updated: 2026-05-28 09:49:02
WhatsApp is finally getting usernames, which means users will be able to communicate securely with other people on the app without the need to share their phone numbers. This unique feature allows users to choose a username so that they can search for contacts using their usernames and connect with them securely, while keeping their phone numbers private.
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WhatsApp now lets users set usernames to hide phone numbers- Users can connect securely without sharing their mobile number
- Username feature is optional and can be changed anytime
Moreover, on apps like Telegram or Instagram, if someone messages you using that username, they will see your handle instead of revealing the full number.
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Each account can have one username, and WhatsApp users can change it later without affecting their chats or account data. For sign-in and recovery, the phone number will still be linked to your account, but it will not be visible to most users in a group chat or to users who want to connect through a direct message.
WhatsApp username: Availability, requirements
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To check if you are part of this initial rollout of this feature, you can open your profile settings on WhatsApp. If you are eligible, you'll see a dedicated option to begin creating a username. WhatsApp currently has specific character requirements to create a unique username handle.
For instance, a username should be between 3 and 35 characters long with at least one letter. WhatsApp users can also choose lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. However, any username can’t start or end with a domain like ‘www.’ or ‘.com.’
How to set up a WhatsApp username
If your WhatsApp account is eligible, follow these steps to set up your account’s username.
- Open WhatsApp on your Android phone or iPhone
- Tap the three-dot icon in the top-right corner and select Settings. On iPhone tap the Settings tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Select your profile name at the top of the page to open your account details.
- Select the username option as it appears in the profile settings menu.
- Enter the username you want for your WhatsApp account, which can be between 3 to 35 characters long.
Once you enter a valid username, WhatsApp will check its availability. In case it is, you will be allotted the username. Moreover, the feature is completely optional, and users can also opt out of the service and continue using WhatsApp with their phone number as before.