WhatsApp Username Feature: WhatsApp's biggest feature to date will arrive next year. Starting in 2026, WhatsApp users worldwide will be able to hide their phone numbers. Chatting with new people without a phone number will be possible. A username will be sufficient to introduce yourself to the other person. Simply put, until now, if you chat with someone, they can know your mobile number. However, starting next year, you'll be able to chat using only your username instead of your mobile number. This will be most beneficial for those who don't want to share their mobile number.

Rollout by June
A report by WABetaInfo states that a new feature is being rolled out by Meta for WhatsApp. This feature will give users the option to choose a username. This feature is expected to begin next year and be fully rolled out by June. After this, WhatsApp will become like Telegram, where people can search for and communicate with someone without sharing their number.

Not just chatting, but also calling
The WhatsApp username feature will also be useful during calling. People will be able to use it for video and audio calls. This means that WhatsApp calls can be made without revealing their number. According to reports, a new 'Business-Scoped User ID' (BSUID) feature is also being introduced. This will allow companies to connect with customers while concealing their business number.

Steps taken for the public
According to reports, rolling out the username feature has not been easy for WhatsApp. It has required significant technology and engineers to ensure end-to-end encryption is not compromised. The purpose of introducing the username feature is to improve public safety. It's claimed that WhatsApp users will enjoy greater privacy when chatting with strangers in the future. The feature, expected to arrive next year, will be rolled out gradually. It's said that a large-scale rollout could begin by June next year. We'll also show you how to use this feature when it arrives.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Navbharat Times. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.