WhatsApp too Roll Out Telegram-Style Username System in 2026, Prioritizing User Privacy
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Meta Description: WhatsApp is poised to revolutionize user interaction with a new username system, allowing connections without sharing phone numbers – a move mirroring Telegram’s privacy features.
For over a decade, connecting on WhatsApp has meant sharing a phone number. That paradigm is set to shift dramatically. Meta’s WhatsApp is gearing up to launch a groundbreaking username system, slated for global rollout in early 2026, that will allow users to connect without revealing their personal phone numbers. Currently undergoing beta testing, this feature promises to reshape how over 2.8 billion active users interact on the world’s most popular messaging app.
Addressing Long-Standing Privacy Concerns
The move addresses growing privacy and security concerns, particularly within large group chats, online business transactions, and public forums. “For years,users have expressed a desire for more control over their digital identity on WhatsApp,” noted one analyst. The new username system aims to eliminate the need to expose personal contact information, offering an optional layer of privacy previously found on platforms like telegram, Signal, and Discord.
How the WhatsApp Username System Will Work
Leaked information from the latest WhatsApp beta for Android reveals a “Username Reservation” menu option, allowing users to claim and lock in their preferred username before the public launch – similar to securing a handle on Twitter or Telegram.This early reservation is particularly beneficial for businesses seeking brand-consistent names (e.g., @mybrand), influencers aiming to maintain a unified online presence, and regular users hoping to secure their desired usernames. Beta users on WhatsApp v2.25+ are encouraged to monitor updates to claim their usernames.
Basic username rules, as currently understood, include:
- Allowed Characters: Lowercase letters, numbers, underscores (_), and periods (.)
- Disallowed Characters: “www” prefixes, special characters, or spaces
- Minimum Length: Must include at least one letter
- Visibility: Publicly visible, but the user’s phone number remains private.
Users will be able to search for contacts using usernames rather of phone numbers, mirroring Telegram’s functionality and ensuring easier connection while safeguarding personal details.
Enhanced Privacy and Security Benefits
The implementation of usernames offers several key advantages:
- Anonymous Group Participation: Users joining large WhatsApp groups will no longer be required to reveal their contact numbers, fostering anonymity.
- Safer Business Interactions: Freelancers, sellers, and small business owners can interact with clients without exposing personal contact information, a important benefit for WhatsApp Business users.
- Protection from Spam and Data Leaks: Keeping private numbers hidden from unknown contacts reduces the risk of spam and potential data leaks.
- Username Reservation: Includes a “username reservation” option, allowing users to secure their names before the public release.
- Will usernames replace phone numbers entirely? No,phone numbers will still be required for account setup,but usernames will act as a public interaction handle.
- Is this update available for WhatsApp Business accounts? Yes, businesses can also register usernames to maintain brand consistency and protect owner privacy.
The upcoming WhatsApp username system (2026) marks one of the biggest privacy leaps in the app’s history. By replacing phone numbers with usernames, WhatsApp gives users more freedom, safety, and control, bridging the gap between personal privacy and open communication.
