TL;DR
- Businesses that already have people’s phone number information from existing conversations will not lose it and will be able to continue using them to message their contacts.
- Businesses can continue to send messages to phone numbers they know, even if a user they try to reach set up a username.
- If a user did not adopt a username, there is no change to that user’s phone number visibility.
- Businesses can continue to send authentication messages to phone numbers only , as they do today.
Example of a WhatsApp user profile showing the new username feature, where the username is prominently displayed alongside the user's profile picture and name, enhancing identity visibility in chats.
What are WhatsApp usernames?
Launching in June 2026, WhatsApp usernames let users choose a unique name displayed instead of their personal phone number in chats, both 1:1 conversations and groups.
This feature enhances privacy by giving people control over how they share contact info on WhatsApp.
- For personal users: Usernames hide your phone number, displaying the username instead.
- For businesses: The business phone number still shows, but businesses get unique, searchable usernames to improve discoverability and branding.
Why WhatsApp is introducing usernames this 2026?
WhatsApp’s focus is on privacy and user control.
Many users expressed concerns about sharing their phone numbers, which are the default identifiers on WhatsApp, and this was other reason about people adopting other platforms as Telegram or Signal.
Usernames address these concerns by:
- Enabling phone number privacy in messaging
- Allowing users to connect and communicate without exposing sensitive contact info
- Offering a widely requested feature that balances privacy with communication ease
Key business impact and steps to take
BSUID WhatsApp integration
WhatsApp introduces a new identifier behind the scenes called the Business-Scoped User ID (BSUID), this uniquely links users with businesses while keeping phone numbers confidential when usernames are in use.
Businesses and partners must update their WhatsApp Business API integrations to support BSUID in webhooks and messaging fields.
Systems like CRM and campaign tools need to handle BSUID alongside phone numbers, mapping conversations correctly.
Messaging bots and workflows should adapt for cases where users don’t share phone numbers.
Key clarifications on messaging amid username adoption: Businesses retain the ability to message known phone numbers regardless of usernames, users without usernames experience no change in phone number visibility, and authentication messages continue to be sent only to phone numbers.
Enhanced discoverability and branding
- Businesses will have unique usernames separate from display names, making them searchable and easily reachable, as Telegram or Signal.
- Verified businesses keep their blue checkmarks, assuring users that the brand identity remains protected.
- Usernames can follow specific formatting rules to keep them clear, concise, and professional.
Privacy advantages for users and businesses
- Users keep their phone numbers private but remain fully connected and reachable.
- Businesses maintain their phone number visibility but gain a brand-centric username that clients can remember and search for conveniently.
- Control over contact sharing boosts trust and protects both sides from spam or unwanted exposure.
- Integrating WhatsApp usernames and BSUID allows secure, personalized customer journeys, where AI or human agents can recognize clients without needing sensitive phone numbers.
How WhatsApp usernames help create a better customer experience
- This would help cross-device experience smartly to map usernames with customer profiles for targeted messaging, better support history, and improved conversational context.
- Campaigns, workflows, and engagement strategies become more precise, using usernames as consistent, unique identifiers.
- Customers feel more comfortable and secure communicating when their phone number is hidden behind a username, encouraging more open and frequent engagement.
- Usernames enable omnichannel platforms as Invent, to AI and human agents to recognize customers uniquely and consistently, even without phone numbers, creating smoother, more relevant conversations.
- With business usernames being searchable and memorable, customers find the right business quickly, reducing friction in the support or purchase journey.
- Omnichannel platforms can route conversations intelligently based on usernames and BSUIDs, ensuring fast, contextual responses from the right team members or AI assistants.
- Usernames allow tracking customer interactions across different campaigns and touchpoints without exposing sensitive info, enhancing personalization and continuity.
FAQs
How can I find my username on WhatsApp?
There’s no exact date yet, but when this feature launches, you will be able to set and find your username in the Settings > Profile section of the app, similar to how you change your display name.
What are the best practices for choosing a WhatsApp username for business accounts?
- Keep it simple and easy to remember.
- Avoid special characters or complex symbols that make it hard for users to find you.
- Make it straightforward and similar to your brand name, like Instagram handles "@useinvent" "@whatsapp"
This helps customers search for and identify your business quickly.
Can I use a username instead of a phone number to log into WhatsApp?
Yes, once the feature rolls out in your country, WhatsApp usernames can be used instead of phone numbers for messaging.
How should businesses adapt to WhatsApp usernames?
Businesses must adopt the new Business-Scoped User IDs (BSUIDs) to ensure messaging flows continue working smoothly with users who have usernames.
This involves updating your WhatsApp Business API integrations, CRM systems, and any connected automations or campaigns to handle BSUIDs alongside phone numbers.
You should also update messaging bots and customer journeys to account for users who may not share their phone number.
You can notify your Meta partner or provider to help with implementation tailored to your setup.
Even though usernames hide phone numbers, do businesses still need customer phone numbers?
In many cases, yes. Businesses might still want to ask users for their phone number for verification or follow-ups.
WhatsApp will help by providing a native sharing flow to minimize errors and typos when customers choose to share their number. The user will see a request and a CTA button on the chat "Send contact info", and the user will be able to select or unselect if want to share the phone number and/or the username with the Business. On the other side, the Business, by typing "/" and choosing "Request contact info", once received the contact info the Business can choose "Add new contact" or "Add to existing contact" and then "Save".
Businesses should update their messaging bots to handle this updated flow smoothly.
As a business, where can I choose my username?
Starting as early as June 2026, businesses using the WhatsApp Business API will be able to create and claim usernames.
Businesses can reserve usernames based on existing WhatsApp Display Names, Official Business Accounts, Meta Verified Names, or Facebook/Instagram Business handles, giving them early access to their brand username.
What is the roadmap for usernames rollout?
- Early 2026: Implement BSUID and update systems.
- May 2026: BSUID testing phase begins.
- June 2026: Country-level testing and username adoption start in select countries.
- Rest of 2026: Global rollout and adoption for businesses and users.
See the roadmap image below for details. This timeline was shared with WhatsApp Business Partners on January 7th 2025.
This timeline outlines critical milestones and preparation steps for businesses directly or partner integrated with WhatsApp CTWA to adopt new identifiers like BSUID and business usernames, starting with notifications in late 2025, progressing through testing in mid-2026, and achieving global rollout later in the year. Key preparations include planning for privacy strategy and workflows, implementation, testing, and readiness to ensure smooth adoption.
Why is WhatsApp launching usernames?
WhatsApp usernames enhance privacy and user control. Usernames allow people to hide their phone numbers during chats while staying connected. This feature was highly requested and helps balance privacy with ease of communication.
Will phone numbers disappear from WhatsApp?
No, phone numbers will still be used, especially for existing conversations and prior interactions. Usernames are optional and will appear alongside or instead of phone numbers for those who adopt them.
How does WhatsApp handle impersonation risks with usernames?
WhatsApp has strict policies preventing impersonation or scams.
Usernames for notable people, businesses, and brands require verification and legitimacy checks. If impersonation is suspected, businesses or users can report it for quick resolution.
What are username keys?
Users who adopt a username can set an optional key for an extra layer of protection against unwanted messages. New contacts will need this key to message the user unless the user or business already saved each other’s contact. Businesses using the WhatsApp Business Platform API do not need to handle username keys because the BSUID or phone number confirms the connection.
For more information please visit WhatsApp Business Platform
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s introduction of usernames marks a major shift toward privacy-first communication, putting users in control of how they connect while opening new opportunities for businesses. By adopting Business-Scoped User IDs (BSUIDs), updating API integrations, and preparing internal systems, companies can stay ahead of the transition and maintain seamless, trusted communication with their customers.
The businesses that prepare now will be best positioned to thrive in the next generation of messaging experiences.
The good news? If your chatbots and workflows are already powered by Invent, you don’t need to lift a finger, our platform will handle all the necessary updates and BSUID integration for you. Everything will work seamlessly when usernames go live.
