WhatsApp introduces usernames: How to activate and use the new feature

WhatsApp has started rolling out a long-awaited username feature that allows eligible users to connect with new contacts without revealing their phone numbers, marking a significant step toward improving privacy on the messaging platform.

The Meta-owned app also announced that its multi-account functionality is now being extended to WhatsApp Business, enabling users to operate two separate business accounts from a single smartphone.

The company clarified that both features are being released gradually, meaning only a limited number of users currently have access.

Usernames offer greater privacy

Under the new system, users who receive access can create a unique username that others can use to start a conversation without needing their phone number.

When a reserved username becomes active, WhatsApp displays a notification banner at the top of the user's chat list.

The feature, however, does not eliminate the need for phone numbers entirely. A valid phone number is still required to register a WhatsApp account, while existing contacts can continue communicating through saved phone numbers.

According to reports, users can start a conversation by opening the Chats tab, tapping the "+" icon and entering the recipient's username exactly as it was shared. WhatsApp does not currently offer a public username directory, meaning usernames cannot be searched using partial matches.

Extra security with Username Key

To strengthen privacy, WhatsApp has also introduced a Username Key, an additional verification layer designed to prevent unwanted contact.

With the feature enabled, anyone attempting to message a user for the first time through their username must first enter the correct Username Key before the chat can begin.

The Username Key can only be created or modified from the account owner's primary mobile device by navigating to Settings > Account > Username > Username Key.

WhatsApp Business gets multi-account feature

The update also brings multi-account support to WhatsApp Business, allowing entrepreneurs and business owners to manage two independent business profiles on the same device without logging in and out.

Users can check for availability by opening the app's Settings menu and looking for a "+" icon beside their account name.

Once enabled, switching between accounts is done from the Chats tab through the "Switch accounts" option in the overflow menu. While users can receive notifications and activity indicators from their secondary account, they must switch to that account to read or reply to messages, as both profiles remain completely separate.

What the update means

With WhatsApp serving more than three billion users worldwide, the introduction of usernames represents one of the platform's most significant privacy upgrades in recent years.

For users in Nigeria and other markets where phone numbers are widely shared for business and personal communication, the feature offers a safer way to connect with new people while reducing unnecessary exposure of personal contact information.

As the rollout continues, early access users are expected to reserve their preferred usernames before the feature becomes available to a broader audience.