By Emmanuel Kwada
WhatsApp is rolling out a transformative feature that could soon replace traditional phone numbers with customizable usernames. The beta version of the popular messaging app, currently available to select users, is allowing individuals to add or search for contacts using unique usernames, marking a significant shift toward enhanced privacy and convenience.
The latest update, spotted in WhatsApp beta version 2.25.18.18 for Android, introduces an optional username system—think @wabetainfo or @yournamehere—allowing users to connect without sharing personal phone numbers.
WhatsApp’s decision to pivot toward usernames aligns with growing demands for digital privacy. By decoupling contact addition from phone numbers, users can shield their personal information from strangers or unwanted contacts.
The app’s development team is reportedly refining this feature to ensure a seamless transition, with plans to allow username reservations ahead of a full rollout, as noted by WABetaInfo on October 2, 2025. This phased approach aims to manage demand and prevent popular usernames from being snatched up by early adopters.
While the feature remains in beta, WhatsApp is actively gathering user feedback to fine-tune the experience. The company has not yet announced a official release date, but the rapid development suggests a wider rollout could be imminent—potentially within weeks. For now, beta testers can experiment with usernames, with options to revert to phone numbers if needed, ensuring flexibility during the transition.
As WhatsApp continues to evolve, this update could set a new standard for messaging apps worldwide. Whether it will be embraced as a privacy boon or met with resistance remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the era of phone-number-only communication on WhatsApp may soon be a thing of the past.
