WhatsApp has been a core part of how people communicate across the globe. It’s simple, fast, and encrypted. But for years, there has been one major limitation—users needed to share their phone numbers to connect. That’s finally changing. WhatsApp is rolling out a WhatsApp username feature release date that will allow users to connect without revealing their personal mobile number.
This update marks a major shift in how WhatsApp users interact, and it brings the platform more in line with services like Telegram and Instagram, where usernames offer a layer of privacy and flexibility. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know, especially focusing on the WhatsApp username feature release date, how it works, and what it means for users and businesses.
What is the WhatsApp Username?
The new username feature allows you to create a unique ID (username) that others can search for and start a chat with you without having to know your phone number.
Before, the only way to add someone on WhatsApp was by saving their phone number in your contact list. This was a problem for many users who didn’t want to share their personal numbers with strangers, especially in groups, online marketplaces or professional scenarios.
The username feature solves this problem by giving you a secure and easy way to connect—no phone number sharing required.
When is the WhatsApp Username Feature Coming?
The biggest question right now is: When is the WhatsApp username feature releasing?
As of now, the username feature is in beta. It was first spotted by WABetaInfo, a WhatsApp update tracker, in 2.23.11.15 of the WhatsApp beta for Android in May 2023. This initial discovery showed a new section in the settings menu called “Username” where users could choose a username.
Fast forward to early 2024 and the feature is in multiple beta versions for both Android and iOS, so a global release is near.
Official Release Date
WhatsApp (owned by Meta) hasn’t given an official global release date yet, but here’s what we know based on testing and development:
- May 2023 – Username feature first spotted in beta 2.23.11.15 (Android)
- July to October 2023 – Testing and interface changes in multiple beta versions
- January 2024 – Feature in internal builds for both Android and iOS
- March 2024 – Server-side testing for select users
- Q2 2024 (Expected) – Public release likely to start with stable updates
As per Meta’s release cycle, beta features take 3 to 9 months to reach all users globally. Given this timeline, username feature should be stable by mid to late 2024, possibly starting in select regions first.
So, if you’re looking for the exact WhatsApp username feature release date, the answer is: Not officially announced yet, but likely in Q2 or Q3 2024.
How Will the WhatsApp Username Feature Work?
Here’s a breakdown of how the username feature is expected to work based on what’s been found in beta builds:
- Setting a Username
Users will be able to go to:- Settings > Profile > Username
- You’ll get the option to set a unique username, similar to Instagram or Telegram.
- It will follow the standard rules: alphanumeric, limited characters, no spaces, and must be unique.
- Privacy Controls
You’ll still have full control over who can find or contact you. WhatsApp is expected to include privacy settings such as:- Who can search you by username (Everyone, Contacts only, No one)
- Who can message you using the username
- Ability to block users even if they find your username
- User Search and Sharing
You will be able to:- Search for someone by username in the chat tab
- Share your username as a link (e.g., wa.me/@yourname)
- Use usernames in group chats or communities without showing your number
- Security and Encryption
WhatsApp has confirmed that usernames will not affect the platform’s end-to-end encryption. Chats initiated via username will remain encrypted, just like chats initiated via phone number.
Why Is WhatsApp Adding a Username Feature?
Here are the reasons:
1. Privacy
This is a big step forward for privacy. Many users have avoided using WhatsApp in professional or public settings because of the need to share personal phone numbers. A username gives you anonymity without compromising security.
2. Competition
Apps like Telegram and Signal already have usernames which makes user interactions smoother especially for groups or public channels. Telegram has been allowing people to find each other without sharing phone numbers for years. WhatsApp has been behind in this and is finally catching up.
3. Business and Commerce
With WhatsApp Business, usernames will simplify how customers reach businesses. Instead of sharing QR codes or numbers, businesses can just share their @username.
4. Group and Community Scaling
In large WhatsApp groups or communities, users currently see each other’s phone numbers which is a privacy concern. Usernames will make interactions cleaner especially in groups where members don’t know each other personally.
How will this affect WhatsApp Business users?
If you are a WhatsApp Business user this will make interacting with clients and customers much better.
- You can set a branded username (e.g. @mybrand) instead of sharing your business phone number.
- Makes marketing and customer support easier – just post your username on your website, social media or ads.
- Adds credibility and simplifies communication especially for businesses that operate across multiple channels.
The username feature will be available for both personal and business accounts, but businesses will get early access or priority in name selection like Instagram and Facebook business pages.
Can You Get Your Username Now?
There is no official way to get a username unless you’re in the WhatsApp Beta Program. But as the feature gets closer to release, WhatsApp might send a notification or in-app prompt to let you claim your username.
To increase your chances:
- Join the WhatsApp Beta via Google Play Store or Apple TestFlight.
- Keep your app up to date.
- Check the Settings > Profile for the “Username” option.
Common Questions About the WhatsApp Username Feature
Is it mandatory to create a username?
No. The feature is optional. You can still use WhatsApp the traditional way with phone numbers.
Will people still be able to see my phone number?
If you initiate contact or if your privacy settings allow it, yes. But if you’re only interacting via username in groups or new chats, your number can be hidden.
Can I change my username later?
Beta versions suggest that usernames will be unique and may be changeable, but with restrictions (like cooldown periods or limited changes).
Will there be username verification?
It’s unclear at this point. For business accounts, a verification badge may eventually be introduced.
Conclusion
The addition of a username feature is a long overdue update and brings more privacy, flexibility and control to the user. Whether you’re a casual user, business owner or part of a global team the new username system will make it easier to connect with people on WhatsApp.
To sum it up: no official release date for the WhatsApp username feature but based on beta development it should be publicly available in Q2 or Q3 2024
Follow WhatsApp’s blog or beta channels for updates and if you want to try it join the beta program now.
