WhatsApp is set to introduce a username-based system, allowing users to connect without sharing their mobile numbers, marking a major privacy update for the platform. Meta announced that users will be able to reserve their usernames starting next week, before the feature updates later this year.

The new system will make conversations more private by replacing phone numbers with unique usernames for first-time interactions. Users will need to know a person’s exact username to initiate a chat, as there will be no searchable directory or username suggestions.

To help users secure their preferred usernames, WhatsApp is opening early reservations ahead of the feature’s official launch. The platform will also offer a username generator to assist users in selecting names related to them.

Creators, businesses, and organisations will be able to reserve their existing Instagram or Facebook usernames on WhatsApp. The company has not yet shared complete details on how the feature will work for all users.

WhatsApp is developing an optional username key, requiring users to enter a unique key before messaging someone, even if they know that person’s username.

Once usernames become available, users will no longer need to share their phone numbers when messaging a person or business for the first time.

The username reservation option will appear under Settings > Account > Username after users install WhatsApp’s latest version once the feature becomes available in their region.