WhatsApp is gearing up for one of its biggest WhatsApp Privacy Upgrade 2025 yet — the ability to use usernames instead of phone numbers. This means you’ll soon be able to chat without revealing your personal number, making your conversations safer and more private.
Soon you won’t need to share your phone number to chat, just your username Get ready to grab yours before someone else does.
WhatsApp to let users hide phone numbers: WhatsApp Privacy Upgrade 2025
WhatsApp is developing a new feature. This feature will allow users to connect with usernames. Users can hide their phone numbers. This update aims to prioritize user privacy. It will change how people interact on the platform. Discussions will be more secure. The feature is currently in beta testing. It may soon be available to everyone.
Why Usernames Matter
For years, WhatsApp has tied accounts directly to phone numbers. While simple, it has always raised privacy concerns— especially when joining groups or connecting with new contacts. With usernames, you can keep your number hidden while still being reachable.
WhatsApp Begins Testing Username Reservations
WABetaInfo spotted the new feature in WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.25.28.12. While it’s not live yet, the app’s code shows a new option under the Profile section that will eventually let users pick and reserve their usernames. Think of it as claiming your digital identity before the feature officially rolls out.
What’s new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a feature that will let users reserve their preferred username ahead of its official release, and it will be available in a future update!
| Key Points | Details |
| Name of the feature: | Username reservation |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development and not yet available for beta testing. In the meantime, you can read this article for a sneak peek. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp for iOS 25.27.73: what’s new? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that improves accessibility and interaction within the Calls tab! |
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 underscore ,
Although this feature is still in development, WhatsApp appears to be actively refining how users will manage their usernames even before the feature becomes available, aiming to provide a smoother and more intuitive process from the outset.
What This Means for Users
- More Privacy: No need to expose your phone number in groups or to strangers.
- Better Control: Decide who can reach you with username keys.
- Fair Access: The reservation system ensures everyone gets a chance to grab their username early.
A Step Toward Reducing Unwanted Messages
This new system could also change how privacy works on WhatsApp. According to WABetaInfo, the company is developing something called a “username key”, which would act like a second layer of verification. Only people who have both your username and key would be able to message you. That could drastically cut down on random or unwanted messages — something users have been dealing with for a while.
Want to know more about upcoming tech innovations? Check out our detailed guide on OpenAI Sora 2 capabilities and real-world use
Say Goodbye to Sharing Phone Numbers on WhatsApp
In order to communicate with others on WhatsApp, users have had to share their phone numbers for years. With this new update, users will be able to replace their phone number with a unique username that can be used for communication, similar to what is available on Instagram or Telegram.
When Will It Launch?
There’s no official release date yet, but WhatsApp is expected to roll this out gradually after testing with beta users. The reservation feature will likely appear in settings soon — so keep an eye out and reserve your username early .
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.
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp’s move toward usernames marks a **huge shift in how we connect online**. By breaking away from mandatory phone number sharing, the platform is giving users more privacy, control, and flexibility.
So, what username will you pick?
