WhatsApp is planning to introduce usernames and unique IDs instead of phone numbers.
And allow users to send messages and make voice or video calls without sharing numbers.
ring up for its biggest plat-form overhaul with trans-ition from phone numbers to usernames and unique IDs, allowing users to send messa-ges and make voice or video calls without sharing their phone numbers, ET has le-arnt. The platform is expec-ted to roll out usernames by June 2026 globally, and both
consumers as well as busines-ses will be able to reserve uni-que handles, such as ‘HDFC Bank’ or ‘Ben Clark’, similar to platforms like Instagram, people aware of the develop-ment said.
WhatsApp confirmed it.
“We’re excited to bring user-names to WhatsApp in the fu-ture to help people connect with new friends, groups and businesses without having to share their phone numbers,” a company spokesperson said in a statement to ET.
“This feature will add an ex-tra layer of privacy for people and make it easier to reach bu sinesses on WhatsApp. We have more to share when ready.”