WhatsApp has started rolling out a new feature that lets users create usernames, allowing them to chat without revealing their phone numbers. This update began this week and will be gradually available in the latest app version over the coming months.

Here’s how it works: users can find the option under Settings > Account > Username. While a phone number is still required to register an account, it will no longer be visible to others when sending a message for the first time—provided the username feature is activated.

This move comes as WhatsApp’s user base surpasses 3 billion worldwide. To ease the process, the app offers a username generator for those seeking available variations of their desired name.

Privacy takes center stage with this update. WhatsApp assures there will be no public directory or profile suggestions. To message someone, you must know their exact username. An optional passcode linked to the username adds an extra layer of protection against unwanted messages.

This change is especially relevant for community and work groups, where joining a conversation often exposes your phone number to new contacts. It also reshapes how customers and businesses interact on the platform.

On the business front, Meta is preparing a new internal identifier called Business Scoped User ID for WhatsApp Business accounts. This will help maintain conversations with users who opt for usernames instead of sharing their phone numbers. Additionally, creators and brands will be able to claim usernames already used on Instagram or Facebook, ensuring consistent identity across Meta’s ecosystem.

While WhatsApp’s username feature arrives later than competitors—Telegram introduced usernames in 2014 and Signal followed in 2024—it marks a significant step toward enhanced privacy. In Mexico, one of WhatsApp’s largest markets, this update is particularly impactful. A study by the University of Vienna and SBA Research ranks Mexico sixth globally, with 128.3 million active WhatsApp accounts linked to Mexican numbers, representing 3.71% of the global total.

For migrants and digital natives navigating privacy in a hyperconnected world, this feature offers a welcome balance between accessibility and control. It’s a subtle but meaningful shift toward safer, more inclusive communication.