WhatsApp, the global messaging platform owned by Meta, has announced that it will soon allow users and businesses to adopt usernames, a major privacy-focused update that changes how people connect on the app.
The new feature, which is expected to roll out globally by June 2026, will let users choose a unique username that can be used for chats and business interactions instead of their phone numbers.
In a statement sent to business users, WhatsApp said the update is designed to strengthen privacy and enhance the business messaging experience for both individuals and companies.
“This optional feature will give people more control over how they share their contact information. For businesses, usernames will allow you to easily build your brand presence on WhatsApp based on your name rather than your phone number,” the company said.
The platform noted that usernames will make it easier for people to reach out to verified businesses without compromising their personal data, a shift that aligns with WhatsApp’s ongoing effort to promote secure, trust-based communication between brands and customers.
According to WhatsApp, businesses will need to make certain technical adjustments ahead of the update, including adopting a new customer identifier system to handle communications from users with usernames instead of phone numbers.
The new backend identifier will be supported on both current and upcoming API versions, allowing seamless integration into existing workflows such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
“Businesses will need to be ready by June 2026, and we are sharing this update in advance to give ample time to prepare,” WhatsApp said in the notice.
Additionally, companies are encouraged to update messaging workflows and connected systems that rely on phone numbers to accommodate the new username-based system.
