WhatsApp Username Feature Coming In 2026: Finally, Connect With Revealing Number!

After a long wait, WhatsApp is finally set to introduce one of its most requested features – usernames. Well, not that soon! As per a report by WabetaInfo, the WhatsApp username option will come by next year. Meta has started preparing businesses and developers for the upcoming rollout, which is expected to arrive in 2026, the report suggested. Also Read: WhatsApp Dating Scam: How A Bengaluru Man Lost Rs 32 Lakh To Fake High-Profile Matches

So, what will be changed with the username feature? Will it benefit you? Here is everything that you need to know about the WhatsApp username.  Also Read: You Can Now Use WhatsApp On Apple Watch! No iPhone Needed; Here's How To Use

WhatsApp Username: What Is It

This upcoming Username feature will let you connect on WhatsApp without sharing your phone number. This is something rival platforms like Telegram and Signal already offer, and WhatsApp seems to get it too. Currently, WhatsApp users can only message or call others if they have their phone number saved. With Username, it is about to change.  Also Read: How To Mute Notifications For One Chat On WhatsApp

Meta says the goal is to make WhatsApp safer and more private. For example, in business chats, companies will soon be able to display a brand username instead of a phone number, making it easier for customers to identify and trust official accounts. The company also mentioned that people “feel more confident engaging with businesses when their personal information stays private,” and this change aims to support that.

How Username Search and Calls Will Work

As spotted by feature tracker WABetaInfo, the username system will be integrated into the search bar within the app. You’ll be able to find someone by typing their username and then tap to start a chat, voice call, or video call – all without needing their phone number.

To prevent misuse, WhatsApp is also said to be developing “username keys” – a security feature that ensures only verified users can contact others using usernames. This could help keep scammers and spammers at bay.

Rules for WhatsApp Usernames

Before the official rollout, WhatsApp is likely to introduce an early reservation system so users can claim their preferred usernames. But there will be a few restrictions.

Based on the report, the usernames must be between 3 and 30 characters long, and they should not start with “www” or end with domain extensions like .com or .net. Moreover, you might only be able to include periods and underscores as special characters

When Will It Roll Out?

Meta has confirmed that the username feature will roll out gradually next year, with wider availability expected by 2026. It will start as an optional feature, allowing users and businesses to decide whether to switch to a username.

Once live, this change could make WhatsApp far more private and flexible – letting users connect easily without exposing personal numbers.