Follow In Instagram's Footsteps, WhatsApp Will Present Support For Username Usage

Username will be present on WhatsApp (doc. Unsplash).

JAKARTA WhatsApp will follow Telegram's footsteps in offering flexibility for users. If all this time WhatsApp only relies on phone numbers, this will change in the future.

The messaging platform under Meta will introduce username support or username, replacing user dependence on phone numbers. Telegram has been offering this option for a long time.

The policy of using the phone number on WhatsApp has existed since this platform was first present, namely since 2019. Every time a user wants to connect with a friend or colleague on WhatsApp, they have to exchange numbers first.

This method is indeed a hassle because each user has to memorize their number or check the number in the WhatsApp application first. To make it easier for users to share numbers, WhatsApp has provided a QR account.

However, there are still many who do not rely on this QR feature properly so the username option can be much easier. If the user forgets the phone number used, they can give the username instead.

This major change was first detected in June 2025 by WABetaInfo in the form of a code in the TestFlight WhatsApp version. Now, WABetaInfo has found further evidence, namely a username reservation system that is being prepared.

The new link in the Settings menu will allow users to order the desired username before the feature is officially released. This gives users the opportunity to get their username of choice and reduce the risk of impersonating identity.

Some basic rules have been set by WhatsApp. Usernames should not begin with 'www.' and must contain at least one letter. Allowed characters are restricted to lower letters (az), numbers (09), points, and lower lines.

This rule aims to prevent usernames that consist only of numbers or symbols and avoid confusion with website addresses. Restrictions on characters will keep users neat and easy to remember across platforms.