WhatsApp is gearing up for one of its biggest privacy-focused upgrades yet — a feature that will allow users to connect using usernames instead of phone numbers.

According to reports, the Meta-owned messaging platform is currently beta testing the feature, which aims to let users create unique usernames to chat, join groups, and interact without revealing their personal numbers.

The update mirrors systems already used on platforms like Instagram, Telegram, and X (formerly Twitter), where usernames serve as digital identifiers.

The feature will enable users to set up custom handles through a new “Username” option in their profile settings, giving them more control over their privacy — especially in large group chats, business interactions, and community discussions where sharing phone numbers can feel intrusive.

However, experts have cautioned that this development could introduce risks such as username hijacking, impersonation, and identity theft. To prevent this, WhatsApp reportedly plans to integrate verification and enhanced security measures alongside the rollout.

While the feature is still under development, it is expected to transform how WhatsApp’s over two billion users connect, shifting the platform’s identity system from numbers to names — a move many see as the future of private communication.