WhatsApp to Let Users Chat Without Swapping Phone Numbers

WhatsApp to let people chat without – WhatsApp is introducing a new functionality that enables users to communicate without exposing their phone numbers. By allowing the exchange of unique usernames, the platform aims to give users more control over their personal information. This feature will be rolled out globally to its three billion account holders over the coming months, according to the company. Starting from Monday, users will have the option to reserve a username within the app, though this will not be mandatory.

Privacy Enhancements and User Control

Once the feature is fully activated, users will be able to connect with one another using usernames alone. However, phone numbers will still remain an essential part of the WhatsApp account setup. Despite this, the service will now offer an additional layer of privacy. Users will have the flexibility to remove or modify their chosen names at any time, ensuring adaptability to changing preferences.

WhatsApp’s head of product, Alice Newton-Rex, highlighted that the feature addresses user concerns about sharing phone numbers, especially in group chats. “We’ve heard feedback that people don’t always want to disclose their numbers for contact,” she noted. The company describes usernames as a privacy tool, aiming to reduce the visibility of personal phone numbers in conversations. While this change is welcomed, it’s important to recognize that WhatsApp remains a platform with significant data collection practices.

“It is a good feature, but even if it does offer more privacy, remember WhatsApp is not a privacy-friendly app overall,” said Carisa Veliz, a professor at Oxford University and author of Privacy is Power. “It collects much metadata about users for marketing purposes.” Veliz emphasized that WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is part of a group of tech companies with a history of privacy issues. “We have to remember that WhatsApp is owned by Meta—one of the tech companies with the worst track records when it comes to privacy.”

Usernames and Restrictions

The new usernames will be limited to 35 characters, with few restrictions on their use. However, high-profile officials and celebrities will have their names reserved, preventing others from claiming them. For instance, users are unlikely to find a username like “Donald Trump” available for personal use. This limitation ensures that well-known names remain associated with their public figures, avoiding confusion and potential misuse.

WhatsApp’s decision to implement usernames comes as the secure messaging app Signal launched a similar feature in 2024. While Signal’s approach is more privacy-focused, WhatsApp’s usernames serve as a compromise between convenience and privacy. The company’s goal is to provide users with greater autonomy in how they identify themselves on the platform. “This feature will give users control over how they choose to show up,” Newton-Rex explained, underscoring the shift toward user-centric privacy options.

Monetization and Data Usage

WhatsApp’s privacy features come with trade-offs. The app does not use the content of private chats for advertising, as these are protected by end-to-end encryption. However, it collects metadata—such as who users message and when—to support targeted ads. This data is used to analyze user behavior and tailor content, even though the actual messages remain secure. Veliz pointed out that while usernames reduce exposure, metadata collection still raises privacy concerns, especially given Meta’s ownership of the platform.

Once the usernames feature is fully implemented, phone numbers will no longer be visible in conversations. This means that even if someone’s number is linked to their account, it won’t appear as part of their profile or in chat history. But the platform will not provide a public directory of usernames, so users can’t easily search for specific names. Additionally, phone numbers will still be required to create an account, ensuring that the app remains accessible while incorporating privacy improvements.

Impact on Privacy and User Experience

The introduction of usernames marks a step toward enhancing privacy on WhatsApp, but it doesn’t eliminate all data collection. Veliz warned that users should remain cautious, as the app’s overall privacy stance is still under scrutiny. “While usernames offer more control, the metadata they generate can still be leveraged for commercial purposes,” she added. This feature may help reduce the pressure on users to share their numbers in everyday interactions, particularly in group settings where anonymity is often valued.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp continues to evolve. The platform recently announced Kunal Shah, founder of an Indian fintech startup, as its new head, replacing Will Cathcart after seven years in the role. This leadership change comes as the company expands its features and addresses user demands for more privacy. The UK’s upcoming social media ban for under-16s will not include messaging apps, which means WhatsApp will still be accessible to younger users. However, the minimum age for the platform remains 13, ensuring that users are at least teenagers when they sign up.

Future of Privacy on WhatsApp

As WhatsApp integrates usernames, the question remains: how much privacy will users truly gain? The feature is designed to give users the ability to communicate without revealing their personal phone numbers, but it’s part of a broader strategy that still relies on metadata for monetization. Veliz’s comments highlight the importance of understanding how these tools work in tandem. “Privacy is a balance between what users can control and what the platform collects,” she noted.

With the usernames feature, WhatsApp is attempting to bridge the gap between convenience and privacy. While it’s a positive development, the company’s ownership by Meta means users must weigh the benefits against potential data usage. The feature may be particularly appealing to those who want to protect their phone numbers from being exposed in group chats or shared with contacts. However, the absence of a public directory could make finding users more challenging, depending on how the system is implemented.

As the rollout continues, WhatsApp users can expect a more flexible communication experience. The ability to use usernames instead of phone numbers could become a standard practice, especially in private conversations. Yet, the app’s commitment to privacy remains a topic of debate. The usernames feature, while a step in the right direction, is just one part of an ongoing effort to address user concerns in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Outside the UK, users can sign up for the Technologies Decoded newsletter to stay informed about the latest developments in tech. This initiative ensures that readers across the globe can access insights into how WhatsApp and other platforms are shaping digital communication. The feature’s launch is a clear indication that privacy is becoming a central focus for messaging apps, even as they continue to balance user experience with data-driven strategies.