WhatsApp to allow chats without phone number, using username

Last Updated on June 30, 2026

Summary✨

WhatsApp will allow users to chat using unique usernames instead of sharing phone numbers.

This privacy policy change aims to protect users’ personal contact information.

Users can reserve, change, or remove their usernames at any time, enhancing flexibility.

The feature addresses user concerns about sharing phone numbers in group chats.

The rollout of this feature will occur gradually across global regions.

WhatsApp is set to allow users to chat without sharing their phone numbers. With the remarkable privacy policy change, it is going to enable users to chat with unique usernames only.

The Meta-owned platform shared that the feature will be rolled out gradually across the global regions.

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Why is WhatsApp allowing a username and not a phone number for chat?

WhatsApp has stated that a phone number is personal and doesn’t need to be shared for chats. This is why it’s implementing a change where users won’t have to reveal their contact information to chat with other users.

Users can reserve their name via the app. The company says that it won’t be compulsory, though.

Likewise, people will be able to change or remove their usernames at any time. The flexibility further adds convenience to users.

Chat with your username on WhatsApp

When your name is approved for use, you will be able to connect and chat using your username only. You can block unwanted messages as well.

Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp’s head of product, recounted that some of the users didn’t want to share their phone numbers to contact others, especially in group chats.

She expressed hope that the change in the policy would “give users control over how they choose to show up” on the app.

So, finally, the feature brings major comfort for users who don’t want to share their personal contact information to connect and exchange messages on the platform.

The feature will roll out globally across the marketplace.

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Dinesh

Senior Editor; An experienced tech writer covering news mostly on telecommunication, internet, latest tech & trends, and Gadgets. Being a technophile, I am particularly fascinated by the evolution of mobile networks in Nepal from legacy networks (2G, 3G) to 4G (with VoLTE, VoWiFi, eSIM) and the prospects of the upcoming 5G, and equally enthralled by the development of internet from the dial-up connection to the 2 Gbps XGS-PON fiber broadband technology and their transformative impact in the country.