WhatsApp users can set and share their username with others without their phone number being visible.
Usernames in WhatsApp have been available to a limited number of users since April 2026, as noted at the time by WABetaInfo. This way, users no longer need to share their phone number to start a conversation; a username is sufficient. The feature underwent a long beta period but was subsequently rolled out to a limited group. In a video from Trends, the Ghent-based startup Get In Touch announced that usernames in WhatsApp are now available in Belgium.
Username over phone number
In the future, users will be able to change their username in WhatsApp. This allows you to start conversations with people without having to share your phone number every time. The advantage is that your phone number remains hidden.
The feature appears in the settings menu under profile settings. There, you can set your username. You can choose to use your existing name from Facebook or Instagram, or pick a new one. In the latter case, you will still need to verify that it is actually you.
Additionally, there are several guidelines associated with a username. For instance, they may not start or end with a period and must be between three and 35 characters long. Furthermore, you are not allowed to use a domain name.
Search for businesses by name
Businesses can also get started with usernames by claiming a name. This allows users to easily look up companies by name, without a phone number. “With the introduction of usernames, it becomes much easier to find an organization, city, or municipality and start a conversation without a phone number. This significantly lowers the threshold for making contact,” says Els Peeters, co-founder of Get In Touch.
This article originally appeared on April 8, 2026, and was updated on June 29, 2026, with the latest information.