WhatsApp is testing one of its biggest privacy feature that will allow people to create unique usernames instead of sharing their phone numbers. The change will make it possible for users to chat, join groups, and connect with others without revealing their personal numbers. This update, which is now being tested in beta, could completely change how more than 2 billion users communicate on the platform.
Just like Telegram, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp wants to let people identify themselves with a username rather than a phone number. This will make conversations safer, especially for people who use WhatsApp for business, online marketplaces, or large community groups where privacy is important.
According to leaked screenshots shared by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp has added a new section called “Username” in user profiles. People will be able to create a custom handle that others can use to find and contact them. Once this feature goes live, users will even have the choice to hide their phone numbers completely.
This change will help protect users from spam, scams, and privacy breaches. It will also make the app more professional and flexible for businesses and influencers who prefer not to share personal contact details.
To make the system secure, WhatsApp is working on a verification process to prevent fake accounts or username theft. Each username will be unique and connected to a real WhatsApp account. This will stop people from using someone else’s name or pretending to be another user.
WhatsApp is also testing a feature called the “Username PIN.” This will add another step for anyone trying to contact you using your username. Even if someone knows your username, they will still need your four-digit PIN to start a chat.
As explained by WABetaInfo, the WhatsApp beta version 2.24.18.2 for Android shows that users will be able to choose a PIN while setting up their username. This PIN will act as an optional safety measure to prevent unwanted messages and random interactions.
If your PIN becomes public or shared by mistake, you can easily change it at any time. Users who don’t want to use a PIN can also turn this feature off and make their profiles more open. This flexibility gives everyone full control over who can contact them and how private they want their chats to be.
WhatsApp users have been asking for more privacy and better control over how they share their personal details. Having to use a phone number to connect has always been a weak spot in the app’s privacy design. The new username system fixes this issue by letting people hide their real numbers and interact freely while staying anonymous.
This change will especially help professionals, journalists, and business owners who deal with large groups of people or unknown contacts. It will also protect ordinary users from spam messages and scams that target phone numbers.
Usernames and PINs are still under development. They are not available to beta testers yet, and there is no confirmed launch date. According to reports, it may take several more months before WhatsApp releases this update publicly. It is unlikely to arrive before the end of 2025, but when it does, it will likely roll out gradually for both Android and iOS users.
