WhatsApp Now Lets You Share Profiles Without Phone Number

Web Desk

June 30, 2026

WhatsApp has rolled out a new thing, that a lot of people have wanted for ages… the ability to connect with folks without having to share your phone number. You’ll still need a number to make the account , but after that you can pick a username instead, so other people dont need your number just to send you a message.

What’s New

Starting today, you can reserve a username before the feature fully lands later this year. Usernames have to be 3 to 35 characters long. Celebrities, public figures, and organizations get first pick, to reserve their names. Regular users can grab one too, as long as it matches WhatsApp’s rules. Also businesses and creators can align their WhatsApp username with their Instagram or Facebook handle, kinda like a consistent identity.

How to Set It Up

Once it’s live where you are, you’ll see a notification. Then go to Settings > Account > Username, and reserve your name. There’s also what WhatsApp calls a “username key”, which matters if someone wants to message you using your username, instead of your number.

Your Privacy Stays Protected

Usernames won’t be findable inside the app. So a person can only message you if they already know your exact username, not by searching for your name. You can change it, or switch it off whenever you want. WhatsApp’s product lead, Alice Newton-Rex, said this update is designed to give users more control over their personal contact details.