New Delhi, Mar 20: Messaging platform WhatsApp is likely to introduce a username-based communication system, allowing users to connect without sharing their phone numbers, according to media reports.
The feature, expected to roll out globally by mid-2026, could mark a significant shift in how users interact on the platform, which currently relies primarily on mobile numbers for identification.
Once implemented, users may be able to create unique usernames to send messages and make voice or video calls, offering an added layer of privacy and flexibility.
The move is seen as an effort to align the platform with other messaging and social media services that already support username-based interactions.
Meta Platforms, which owns WhatsApp, has not officially announced the timeline but is reportedly working on the feature as part of broader updates aimed at enhancing user privacy and experience.
Industry observers say the introduction of usernames could make it easier for users to communicate, especially in situations where sharing a phone number may not be preferred.
The development is also expected to bring WhatsApp closer in functionality to platforms like Telegram and Instagram, which already allow users to connect via handles instead of phone numbers.
If rolled out, the feature could represent one of the most notable changes to WhatsApp’s user identity system since its launch, potentially reshaping how privacy and connectivity are balanced on the platform.
WhatsApp remains one of the most widely used messaging services globally, and updates aimed at improving user control and security continue to be a key focus area for the company.
