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WhatsApp, the popular chat app, has finally announced the feature that will allow users to share their profiles without disclosing their phone number. This feature, known as usernames, has been in the works for a few years and is now ready for use. However, users will still have to create an account on WhatsApp using their phone number.

As reported in the announcement today at 17:00 UTC, WhatsApp has worked on adding usernames to their platform. This new feature aims to make the app more private and secure, while also allowing users to share their profiles with others without revealing their personal phone numbers.

The way usernames work on WhatsApp is simple. When users create a new account, they will be asked to provide a unique username that will be visible to others. This username can be any name or phrase that the user chooses, and it will replace their phone number in chats and messages. However, the phone number will still be required to create the account and log in.

According to WhatsApp, the introduction of usernames is a response to the growing need for privacy and security on social media platforms. With usernames, users can control who sees their information and can avoid sharing their phone number with strangers.

The company's head, who is not named in the sources, said that the new feature is a step towards making WhatsApp a more private and secure platform. The exact timing and scale of this move are not specified.

While the introduction of usernames is a long-awaited feature, its implications on user behavior and data sharing are not immediately clear. As with any new feature, users will have to adjust to the change and figure out how to use it effectively.

It's worth noting that the introduction of usernames on WhatsApp is part of a broader trend of social media platforms prioritizing user privacy and security. Other platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook, have also taken steps to make their platforms more private and secure.

The move is also a response to the growing concern over phone number-based harassment and bullying on social media. With usernames, users can control who sees their information and can avoid being targeted by harassers.

WhatsApp's New Username Feature: What You Need to Know

  • Users will be able to choose a unique username that will replace their phone number in chats and messages.
  • The phone number will still be required to create an account and log in.
  • The new feature is available on both iOS and Android devices.
  • Users can choose any name or phrase as their username.
  • The exact timing and scale of the move are not specified.

In the coming weeks and months, it will be interesting to see how users adapt to the new feature and how it affects their behavior on the platform. As with any new feature, there will be benefits and drawbacks, and it will be up to users to figure out how to use it effectively.

The introduction of usernames on WhatsApp is a significant step towards making the app more private and secure. It remains to be seen how users will respond to the change and how it will affect their experience on the platform.

Today's date is 2026-06-29.