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New Delhi: WhatsApp has officially started preparing to introduce its latest usernames for Android and iOS users, with early access now reported to be reaching a limited set of users. This feature was earlier spotted in beta testing and is specially designed to enable users to connect without sharing their phone numbers.
Rather than that, users will be able to create unique handles, similar to platforms like Telegram and Instagram, and use them for discovery and communication.
Once it is enabled, interactions initiated via usernames will only display the selected handle, keeping the linked mobile number hidden. This feature is also expected to be optional, by enabling users to continue using phone numbers as the primary mode of identification if they prefer. Users will be able to create a username directly via the Settings section of the application on both Android and iPhone devices.
WhatsApp is also unveiling several restrictions to avoid impersonation and confusion. In the WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.17.10.70 upgrade, users must follow specific guidelines to reserve a username. Each account will support only one username at a time, although users will be able to change it later without affecting existing chats or account activity.
WhatsApp is also working on a system to verify username ownership via Meta’s Accounts Center. This feature might require users to link their accounts via Accounts Center, which enables management of connected Meta platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp in one place.
Users might be able to use the same username across platforms. If the username has already been claimed on Facebook or Instagram, it cannot be used on WhatsApp even if it appears available there.
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