In recent years, WhatsApp has undergone multiple changes aimed at strengthening its dominance as the most popular messaging app on the planet. Among the most anticipated new features is the addition of Usernames, a feature that promises to transform the way you communicate and add an extra layer of privacy and control for its more than two billion active users. This long-in-the-making update represents one of the most ambitious changes ever implemented by the Meta-owned platform.
With the arrival of usernames, WhatsApp goes far beyond adding a simple cosmetic option. The feature aims to remove the need to share your phone number to chat., facilitating interaction, protecting identity, and adapting the service to the modern standards of other platforms like Telegram or Twitter. Below, we break down everything you need to know about WhatsApp usernames: how they work, benefits, requirements, privacy implications, interface updates, and more.
What are WhatsApp usernames?
Traditionally, WhatsApp has based its identification and contact system on phone numbers. Each account was associated with a unique number, which was the only way to add contacts or start individual and group chats. This is about to change dramatically thanks to the username feature, which will allow each user to choose a unique, public identifier that will effectively replace the phone number as the primary means of contacting unsaved people..
This identifier will be preceded by an at sign (@), just like on popular social networks, and will be the data you share if you want someone to locate you on the app without accessing your private number. This way, WhatsApp is looking to catch up with Telegram and other apps that have already opted for username systems. to provide greater flexibility, accessibility and security.
Advantages and benefits of the username system
- Enhanced Privacy: The main attraction is that You no longer need to share your phone number with strangers. or in specific interactions. This represents a crucial advance for those who want to keep their number safe from potential risks, scams, or unwanted contacts.
- Greater control over digital identity: Usernames make it easier to control how other people find and recognize you, avoiding awkward or unwanted situations.
- Ideal for work and professional environments: Professionals who manage customer service, stores or distribution channels will be able to maintain their privacy, using a unique nickname instead of their actual number.
- Facilitates account recovery: When linked to a username, You can recover your account without having to rely exclusively on a phone number., which is useful if you change lines or lose your SIM.
- Greater security against impersonation: Although there are associated risks, as we will see later, the system has been designed with measures to avoid coincidences and impersonations, learning from failures on other platforms.
How WhatsApp usernames work
The operation is quite simple and is oriented towards maximum usability. Once the option is deployed, each user will be able to configure a username from the settings or profile section of the application.This identifier will be globally unique: no two can be the same across the entire platform.
To start chatting with someone you don't have saved in your contacts, simply ask for their username and search for it directly from WhatsApp, without having to exchange phone numbers. The username will become your new key when searching, adding, and chatting with other people.
Process to create your username on WhatsApp
The process, although simple, has a series of strict rules to maintain the integrity and security of the system:
- From the setup menu, access your profile, where a new option will appear to set your username.
- Choose your identifier: You can combine lowercase letters (az), numbers (0-9), periods (.), and underscores (_). Must be between 3 and 30 characters, and include at least one letter.
- Specific restrictions: You cannot start with “www” or end with a domain name like .com or .net. The name is also not allowed to begins or ends with a period, or has two periods in a row.
- All the names must be unique On WhatsApp: If another user has already chosen it, you'll have to find an alternative.
During setup, the platform will immediately notify you if the chosen name is free (appears green if available, red if busy). Finally, a celebratory animation with confetti will confirm your successful registration.
When will usernames be available on WhatsApp?
The username feature is still under development. and beta testing on both Android and iOS. Although there is no definitive release date, specialized sources indicate that could be implemented before the end of 2025, with a gradual rollout once testing is complete and a secure, error-free experience is guaranteed. WhatsApp is carrying out a careful integration to avoid compromising existing infrastructure.
Changes in privacy and the way we interact
The jump to usernames revolutionizes the way users communicate. Now, If you start a conversation and the other person doesn't have you in their address book, they'll see your username instead of your number.Additionally, when you change your username, WhatsApp will notify your contacts, just as it does now with your profile picture or status.
This has a particularly significant impact on participation in groups and channels, where your number would previously have been exposed to dozens or hundreds of people. Now, you will only show your public ID if you want, protecting your personal number from prying eyes..
Advantages and risks: privacy and security analysis
Usernames represent significant advances in privacy, but they are not without potential risks:
- Enhanced Privacy: Not having to give your phone number is a reducing the risk of receiving spam, scams, or unwanted contactsPrivacy is multiplied when faced with prying eyes or cybercriminals.
- Risk of impersonation: As it happens in all social networks, There may be attempts to impersonate people Using very similar names. WhatsApp combats this with strict rules and the uniqueness of each username, but there will always be room for confusion, especially if users don't double-check the identifier before starting a conversation.
- PIN and two-factor authentication: WhatsApp is testing an optional PIN system that will allow users to add an extra layer of protection to your usernameOnly those who know your PIN can send messages, helping you control who can contact you and limiting messages from strangers. This PIN system is voluntary and can be activated or deactivated by each user, providing flexibility based on privacy preferences.
- Support for two-step authentication: In addition to the PIN, the app continues to support two-step verification, providing even more protection against unauthorized access attempts.
- Facilitates account recoveryIf you lose your SIM or change your phone number, your username remains linked to your profile, helping you avoid losing connections or access to your account.
What happens to existing contacts and current chats?
Entering usernames will not affect your already saved contacts or previous conversations.People who already have your number saved will still be able to reach you as usual, either using your old number or your new username.
On the other hand, Conversations started by username will retain end-to-end encryption, so the security of chats is not compromised at any time.
Can we completely do without a phone number?
At present, The phone number is still a requirement to create a WhatsApp account. and to log in for the first time. However, once the username option is available, It will be possible to contact and be contacted only by username, hiding the real number from other users.However, existing accounts in your address book will still be able to see you via phone, ensuring the continuity of your usual contacts.
Will it be mandatory to set a username?
No, the feature is completely optional. If you choose not to define a username, other people will only be able to contact you by phone number.However, for the purpose of data protection and facilitating contact with new users, it is recommended to activate the feature when available.
Technical requirements and suggestions for creating your username
- It has to be between 3 and 30 characters.
- Include at least one letter of the Latin alphabet.
- Only lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores are accepted (Symbols such as @, $, %, except for the period and underscore are not allowed.).
- They cannot begin with “www” or end in domains such as .com, .net, etc.
- They cannot start or end with a period, nor have two periods in a row.
- The system automatically rejects duplicates. If the name is not available, you will have to try an alternative version.
There have been rumors in some media about the possibility of allowing symbols like '$' or '%', but according to leaked tests, are not currently supported, prioritizing consistency and security.
Will there be name auctions or sales like on Telegram?
At the moment, everything points to WhatsApp will not allow the buying and selling or auctioning of usernames As is the case with Telegram, where some identifiers can reach high values and are even paid for in cryptocurrency. WhatsApp's strategy is to assign names based on the "first come, first served" principle, so it's recommended to act quickly when the feature is active to reserve your favorite username.
Impact on user experience and security
Aside from privacy and ease of contact, usernames open the door to a renewed and more intuitive user interfaceWhatsApp plans to include username management in each account's profile section, alongside the avatar and group name. The first leaked images show a fluid and simple experience, making it easier to choose and change usernames.
Likewise, the platform Ensures encryption of all conversations initiated by username, maintaining its high standards of privacy and data protection. The use of an optional PIN and two-factor authentication will help secure accounts and prevent unauthorized access, a growing concern in today's digital landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions About WhatsApp Usernames
- Can I change my username once it's set up? Yes, you can change it, but WhatsApp will notify your contacts when you do so, to avoid confusion.
- What happens if someone tries to impersonate me using a similar name? The system only allows one identical username per account, although similar names may exist. WhatsApp recommends sharing your exact name only with people you trust and, if you use a PIN, activating that protection.
- Can I hide my username? No, just like your phone number, your username will be displayed when you interact with people outside your address book. However, using a PIN controls who can contact you.
- Will I still need my number to log in? Yes, your phone number is still the key to activating your account, but your username will be key to communicating more privately.
The introduction of usernames in WhatsApp represents one of the most revolutionary updates in the app's history, bringing its functionality closer to more modern and private models. Users will gain convenience, privacy, and control, with a system designed to avoid misunderstandings, minimize the risk of identity theft, and simplify the way they connect with others.
The flexibility to choose and protect your digital identity combines with improvements to the everyday user experience, bringing WhatsApp one step closer to becoming the ultimate communication super app. It's a good idea to stay up to date with the latest updates to be among the first to reserve your favorite username and take advantage of all the benefits this long-awaited feature offers. Share the information and more people will know how to manage WhatsApp usernames..