WhatsApp Introduces Usernames: More Privacy, Less Phone Number Exposure

2026-05-17 · 6 min de leitura · E. Ribeiro

WhatsApp has finally started rolling out the ability to create usernames, a feature that could completely transform how people chat on the app. Instead of sharing your phone number, users will be able to use an "@username", similar to what already exists on Telegram, Instagram, and other social networks.

The change is still being rolled out gradually, but Meta has officially confirmed the feature's development. The feature is expected to become more popular throughout 2026.

What changes with WhatsApp usernames?

Today, to chat with someone on WhatsApp, you usually need to share your phone number. With usernames, that changes. In practice, you will be able to:

• chat without showing your number
• add people by @username
• increase your privacy
• avoid exposure in groups
• talk to businesses without sharing your personal number

This brings WhatsApp closer to apps like Telegram and Signal, which have used usernames for quite some time.

More privacy and security

The main goal of this new feature is to improve user privacy. According to information released by Meta and sources following the app's testing, your phone number will no longer be the primary way to identify you in conversations.

• less exposure of your number in groups
• lower risk of spam
• more protection against scams
• greater control over who can contact you

Some tests even suggest that WhatsApp may offer a PIN or additional key to limit who can start a conversation with you.

How usernames may work

Although the feature is still in development, tests show that usernames should follow some rules:

• between 3 and 30 characters long
• include at least one letter
• allow letters, numbers, dots, and underscores
• cannot end with '.com' or similar domains
• must be unique, as on social networks

What this means for businesses and customer service

The update can also greatly impact businesses and professionals who use WhatsApp for customer service. With usernames:

• businesses can promote @names instead of numbers
• brands will have a more professional identity
• it will be easier to recognize official profiles
• users will be safer identifying legitimate accounts

This could reduce scams involving fake numbers impersonating companies.

Where does ZapToMe fit in?

Even with usernames arriving, tools like ZapToMe will remain useful. That's because most accounts will still use phone numbers, businesses will continue working with direct links, many contacts will happen by phone, and the username system will roll out gradually.

With ZapToMe, you will still be able to:

• start a chat without saving a contact
• generate a direct WhatsApp link
• talk to international numbers
• use WhatsApp Web via QR Code
• start chats quickly from your browser

In practice, the feature complements WhatsApp's new privacy phase.

When will the feature be released?

There is still no official date for all users. However, Meta has already started public testing and informed businesses about necessary adaptations for the new system. The feature is expected to roll out gradually through 2026.

Everything indicates that WhatsApp is moving toward a more modern, private model similar to other messaging platforms. And this could greatly change how we use the app every day.