WhatsApp to Roll Out Username Feature by June 2026, Boosting Privacy and Security

WhatsApp is introducing its largest and most popular feature next year. Beginning in 2026, users will be able to chat or call anyone using only their username while masking the display of a phone number. That means if you talk to someone new, it would also give you an option to keep your mobile number hidden from that person. A report by WABetaInfo claims Meta has been working on the new feature for a long time and will fully roll out by June of next year. The new update will provide WhatsApp users with a Telegram-like experience wherein people are able to search for each other and begin a conversation using only their username.

Many users have complained that their mobile number is exposed when talking to strangers. WhatsApp's new feature will address this concern. Now, those who don't want to share their personal information will be able to remain completely secure with the help of a username. This feature will also work for calling. This means that even during video or audio calls, you can make calls without revealing your number to the other person. This will prove extremely useful for those who are concerned about their privacy.

According to reports, developing this feature was not easy for the WhatsApp team. The company had to secure it with end-to-end encryption so that users' chat and call privacy was not compromised. After months of hard work, engineers have developed a system that is both secure and easy to use.