WhatsApp could soon let users chat using username instead of phone number
WhatsApp is testing username reservation and four-digit keys in its Android beta, allowing users to connect without sharing phone numbers. Alongside AI features and call scheduling, Meta plans message limits for non-responding contacts to curb spam and improve privacy.
Hyderabad: WhatsApp is taking a significant step towards modernizing its platform by testing a “username reservation” feature in the latest Android beta build (version 2.25.28.12). This development signals the impending introduction of usernames, allowing users to connect without relying solely on phone numbers, similar to competitors like Telegram.
Since its launch in 2009, WhatsApp has required phone numbers for registration and contact discovery. The new username system aims to provide greater flexibility and privacy. The current beta test, visible in the Settings menu, focuses on reserving usernames rather than full messaging access. Users can secure their preferred handles ahead of the official rollout, ensuring fairness in the allocation of popular names and helping WhatsApp manage demand and maintain platform stability.
Strict username rules
Code analysis suggests WhatsApp is enforcing strict formatting rules for usernames:
- Usernames cannot start with “www.”
- to avoid confusion with web addresses.
- They must include at least one letter.
Only lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), periods (.), and underscores (_) are allowed.
Additionally, WhatsApp is testing a four-digit “username key”, which users must share along with their username to connect with others. This adds an extra layer of privacy, preventing anyone from messaging a user simply by knowing their username.
Reservation feature and beta rollout
Some beta users can already customize and reserve usernames, allowing them to secure their preferred handle before the global release. WhatsApp will use this phase to gauge demand and ensure fair access. No official global release date has been announced.
AI and call scheduling updates
Apart from usernames, WhatsApp has recently introduced AI features and enhanced call scheduling to facilitate professional meetings.
Spam-limiting policy
WhatsApp is also preparing a major policy shift to curb spam. Meta plans to limit messages sent to contacts who do not reply, counting each message toward a monthly quota. This measure, which will roll out in several countries in the coming weeks, primarily targets unsolicited messages from marketers, political campaigns, and scam operations. Regular personal conversations will remain unaffected.
The move reflects Meta’s efforts to draw a clear boundary between genuine interaction and spam-like activity. By combining username support with stricter messaging limits, WhatsApp aims to enhance privacy while reducing abuse on the platform.
