WhatsApp is working on a major update that will allow users to register and interact without using their phone numbers. The Meta-owned messaging giant is developing a new feature that replaces phone numbers with usernames for both individuals and businesses.
Currently, WhatsApp requires users to sign up and connect using their mobile numbers. However, with this new update, users will be able to create a unique username made up of letters and numbers—no special characters allowed. Usernames also won’t be permitted to start with “www.” or end with domain names like “.com,” a move aimed at curbing impersonation and misleading links.
The feature is still under development and is not yet available for public testing. According to WaBetaInfo and Mashable, Meta is fine-tuning the system and may still make adjustments before its release.
Once launched, users will be able to hide their phone numbers in chats, opting instead to display their usernames. If someone in a conversation updates their username, WhatsApp will display a system message in the chat to inform others of the change. Duplicate usernames will not be allowed, ensuring each is unique across the platform.
This feature marks WhatsApp’s move to catch up with rivals like Telegram and Discord, which already allow for user identification without revealing phone numbers. It also follows a string of other recent WhatsApp enhancements.
New additions include an online status indicator at the top of group chats, showing how many members are currently online. Users can now highlight important notifications with the newly introduced Notify feature, and iPhone users can scan and send documents directly from the app through the attachment option. iPhone updates also include setting WhatsApp as the default messaging app and the ability to zoom in and out during video calls.
These changes suggest WhatsApp is evolving from a traditional text-and-call app into a more flexible communication platform, giving users greater control, privacy, and convenience in how they connect.
