The Meta-owned messaging app just unveiled a massive privacy shift that could change how businesses and customers interact.

WhatsApp users will no longer have to share phone numbers to exchange messages as part of the latest update to the service.

Meta is finally preparing to roll out usernames on WhatsApp so users no longer have to share their phone number on the app. And users can reserve their preferred username right no

Reserving your optional username takes just a few seconds on the latest version of WhatsApp — go to Settings > Account > Username. We’ll be rolling out usernames gradually over the coming months and will notify you in WhatsApp when they’re available in your country.

WhatsApp has opened username reservations ahead of a major privacy update. Here's why businesses should secure theirs early.

WhatsApp has started rolling out username reservations. Here's how users can reserve a username, who is eligible and what the feature changes before the global launch.

WhatsApp is adding usernames that let people start conversations without sharing their phone numbers, expanding its privacy tools ahead of a wider rollout later in 2026. Users will be able to share a WhatsApp username instead of their phone number.

Professionals rack up an average of more than nine hours each week informally messaging clients