WhatsApps most requested feature is coming in 2026: WhatsApp Usernames.
Similar to your social media handles like “Follow us on Instagram @YourInstahandle”, you’ll soon be able to easily share your WhatsApp chat link using a unique WhatsApp username with your audience.
Right now, you probable share your businesses WhatsApp number on your website, and in marketing, which is not an easy way for your audience to connect with you on WhatsApp. But going forward, they’ll be able to easily remember your WhatsApp Username (or handle) and simple search it by name in WhatsApp.
For example, here’s how you promote your WhatsApp number:
Chat with us on WhatsApp: +27721523958
Soon, here’s what it will look like:
Chat with us on WhatsApp: @WeaverbirdWeb
People don’t remember numbers, we remember names!
What the new WhatsApp Username feature means for your business:
Easier Discovery:
Customers can search for your business by name rather than needing to know a specific phone number.
Brand Protection:
Verified businesses with a blue checkmark will have their brands protected during this transition.
Improved Privacy:
With usernames, customers can initiate a conversation with your brand while keeping their phone number private. If they choose, they can still share their number with you later through a new, simple sharing flow.
When will the new WhatsApp Username feature be available?
Starting as early as June 2026, API businesses will have first access to claim usernames reserved for their existing brand names. For other WhatsApp business users, the feature will be available between June and the end of the year.
How can your business get ready for the new WhatsApp Username feature?
- Start thinking about the WhatsApp username you want for your brand, so that as soon as the feature is launched, you can claim it (before anyone else does).
- If you feature your WhatsApp number in any branding design or marketing, get ready to replace it with the @Username
- If you have any WhatsApp API integration, make sure you make the necessary techincal changes. Read more here.
Want help promoting your new WhatsApp Username?
While your existing customer contacts won’t change, now is the time to start planning your transition and updating your systems to support these new identifiers.
Stay ahead of the curve and get ready for a more private, brand-friendly WhatsApp! 🚀
Why is WhatsApp finally introducing usernames?
It really comes down to privacy.
Meta’s research shows that the number one thing people worry about on WhatsApp is who has access to their personal info. Since accounts have always been tied to phone numbers, users often feel like they’re giving away too much just to ask a business a quick question. No one wants to worry about unwanted calls or their private number floating around.
Usernames will give customers a way to reach out to your brand without oversharing. Plus, it makes your business much easier to find—instead of hunting for a specific phone number, customers can just search for your name and start chatting. It’s safer for them and better for your brand.
Currently, every WhatsApp user is identified by their mobile number. As usernames are introduced, users will have two paths:
- Those who stick with the status quo will still be reachable via their phone number.
- Those who adopt usernames will transition to a new, secure ‘backend ID’ to protect their privacy.
By default, a username-user’s phone number will be hidden from your business. This gives the customer the power to proactively share their contact details only when they feel it’s necessary. Just keep in mind that this only applies to new connections — if you already have a customer’s phone number from an existing conversation, you’ll retain access to that information.
