TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - WhatsApp is currently working on a username system that will allow users to connect without sharing their phone numbers. According to a review by 9to5Mac on Tuesday, June 2, 2025, the feature is being tested in the beta version through the TestFlight platform.
This upcoming feature will let users choose a unique handle, similar to what has already been implemented on messaging platforms like Telegram and Signal. While it has not yet been rolled out to beta testers, WABetaInfo has discovered several notification strings within the app, indicating that WhatsApp is developing both the interface and the rules for the username system.
The primary goal of this feature is to protect phone number privacy. Once launched, users will be able to communicate by using a username as their public identifier instead of revealing their phone numbers.
The review also noted that WhatsApp has set specific guidelines for username creation. Usernames cannot begin with "www" to avoid confusion with official websites. In addition, each username must include at least one letter and cannot consist solely of numbers or symbols. Accepted characters include lowercase letters (a–z), digits (0–9), periods, and underscores to ensure consistency and readability.
When users set a custom username, WhatsApp will confirm it with a confetti animation as a visual cue. If the rollout goes as expected, the username will appear in both private and group chats, replacing phone numbers.
If a user updates their username, WhatsApp will send a system message in the chat to notify others of the change, much like alerts for profile picture or number updates.
This feature is also expected to be available on WhatsApp Web. While the beta version of the app shows signs of the new system, WhatsApp has not yet announced an official release date.
