WhatsApp to Introduce Username Feature on Android

By Mehtab Ansari • Updated On Oct 7, 2025

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TL; DR

WhatsApp is working on a username system to let users connect without sharing phone numbers.
The latest Android beta includes an option to reserve usernames in advance.
The feature aims to improve privacy and prevent rushes on popular handles.

WhatsApp is preparing to roll out a username-based connection system for Android users, marking a major shift from its phone number–only model. The feature has been spotted in the latest Android beta, where users can reserve their preferred usernames ahead of the public release.

This early reservation system ensures fair access and prevents desirable usernames from being claimed too quickly once the feature officially launches. According to the beta, usernames must include at least one letter and can contain lowercase letters, digits, dots, or underscores—but cannot start with “www.” to avoid confusion with web links.

ALSO READ: Apple Seeds iOS 26.1 Beta 2 to Developers: Here’s Everything New

The move reflects WhatsApp’s growing focus on privacy, giving users the option to connect without revealing personal numbers. It’s especially useful in group settings or professional interactions where anonymity is preferred.

While the company hasn’t confirmed a release timeline, the feature is expected to roll out in the coming months as testing continues. It may also expand to iOS and web versions later, similar to Telegram and Signal.

ALSO READ: OpenAI Introduces Direct App Interactions in ChatGPT: Talk to Spotify, Canva, and More

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Mehtab Ansari

Mehtab Ansari is the Assistant Editor – Features & Reviews at Smartprix, where he writes about smartphones, laptops, audio gear, and everything in between. A computer science student by degree but a tech nerd by heart, he’s been into consumer tech for years and started reviewing products professionally in February 2024. He’s especially into photography and audio, often spending more time testing a smartphone’s camera than he probably should. For him, tech isn’t just work, it’s what he’s always thinking about.

Expertise

Smartphones, laptops, tablets, monitors, smartwatches, photography, and audio gear. I’ve reviewed over 60 products across these categories on Smartprix in the past year and a half.

Education - Bachelor of Computer Applications – Nizam College, Hyderabad (2022–2025) | Joined Smartprix -February 2024 | Published Reviews & Stories - 723

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