WhatsApp to let users connect via username without sharing phone numbers
Hindustan Times—WhatsApp announced it will allow users to communicate by swapping usernames instead of sharing phone numbers, with a reservation system letting users claim their preferred handle before the feature fully rolls out. The change is a significant privacy upgrade for the world's most popular messaging app, enabling contact without revealing personal mobile numbers. TechCrunch reported users can already reserve usernames ahead of the broader rollout.
- Hindustan Times — Phone numbers can remain private once usernames are active; reservation underway
- Daily Mail — Science — WhatsApp to let people chat without swapping phone numbers - but you'll have to be quick to reserve your username
- Wired — Usernames Are Coming to WhatsApp Soon. Here's How to Reserve Yours
- Daily Sabah (Turkey) — WhatsApp announces users will soon be able to connect with others using usernames instead of phone numbers.
- ABC News — Technology — WhatsApp will let users communicate via username instead of sharing phone numbers
- BBC — WhatsApp will let users chat by swapping usernames instead of sharing phone numbers
- Premium Times — WhatsApp introducing usernames with a reservation system so users can claim handles early
- Dawn — WhatsApp will allow users to set usernames as a new way to connect without sharing phone numbers
- South China Morning Post — WhatsApp to roll out feature letting users text others without sharing phone numbers
- Al Jazeera — WhatsApp to let users go by usernames instead of sharing their phone numbers
- TechCrunch — Username reservation is already live — users can claim their handle now