WhatsApp May Soon Introduce @Usernames, Signaling a Shift Away from Phone Numbers
WhatsApp May Soon Introduce @Usernames, Signaling a Shift Away from Phone Numbers
WhatsApp could be on the verge of one of its most notable changes in years — the potential introduction of @username handles. For a platform that has relied solely on phone numbers since its launch back in 2009, this move would mark a significant shift in how users connect and find each other on the app. While nothing has been officially confirmed by Meta yet, reports from recent beta versions suggest that the feature is currently in active development.
Details uncovered by WABetaInfo point to a system where users will be able to choose a unique username — much like how Telegram operates — allowing people to chat without needing to share their phone numbers. According to these early findings, the usernames must follow a specific format: they must include at least one letter and can only contain lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. To avoid confusion with web addresses, any handle beginning with “www.” will be blocked. Additionally, usernames made up entirely of numbers or symbols won’t be allowed, which helps maintain clarity and prevents potential misuse.
One interesting development is that WhatsApp appears to be testing a reservation option, letting users claim their desired username in advance before the feature is rolled out to everyone. This kind of early access could be particularly useful for avoiding impersonation and giving active users a fair shot at securing the identity they want most. While this reservation feature is not yet public, its appearance in test builds suggests that WhatsApp may be preparing for a wider launch sooner than expected.
That said, there’s still no official release date for usernames, and Meta has yet to comment publicly. But the fact that a reservation system is already being trialled points to serious progress behind the scenes — and possibly a nearing launch.
In other updates, WhatsApp has also begun rolling out an in-app translation feature, which allows users to instantly translate messages without needing to switch between apps. This tool is now available across both iOS and Android devices. On Android, the translation currently supports six languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic. iPhone users, on the other hand, will get access to a broader range of over 19 languages, thanks to built-in integration with Apple’s Translate app.
While the username feature hasn’t been officially confirmed or released yet, these behind-the-scenes developments show that WhatsApp is continuing to evolve beyond its original, phone-number-based identity. Whether you’re interested in greater privacy, easier connections, or simply securing a personalized handle before anyone else grabs it, this potential update could reshape how we use one of the world’s most popular messaging platforms. It’s not official — yet — but all signs suggest that a big change might be just around the corner.
