Big WhatsApp change: You may never have to share your phone number again

Millions of WhatsApp users will soon be able to connect with others without revealing their phone numbers, after Meta announced the rollout of a long-awaited username feature for the messaging platform.

In a statement on Monday, the company said the update is designed to give users greater privacy by allowing them to share a unique username instead of their mobile number.

"Your phone number is personal and sometimes you want to connect without handing it over, that's why we're introducing usernames for WhatsApp," the company said.

Meta said users can begin reserving a unique username this week ahead of the feature's wider launch later this year.

"Starting this week, you can reserve a username to use later this year when we launch the feature. It takes just a few seconds. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp and then go to Settings > Account > Username," the company said.

The new system is expected to enhance privacy in situations where users are added to large group chats or message a person or business for the first time, as phone numbers will no longer be shared automatically in such interactions.

Meta also stressed that usernames would not be searchable through a public directory.

"There's no directory to browse and no suggestions, so people need to know your exact username to contact you," the company said.

The feature will be rolled out gradually to users around the world over the coming months, with WhatsApp notifying users when it becomes available in their country.

The announcement comes days after Meta appointed Kunal Shah, founder of Indian fintech firm CRED, as the new global head of WhatsApp. Meta Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg announced the appointment on Facebook, describing Shah as a leader with a strong entrepreneurial track record and saying he looked forward to working with him to continue building the messaging platform for billions of users and millions of businesses worldwide.