# WhatsApp is Finally Getting Usernames to Help Keep Phone Numbers Private

> **Newsylist Open Intelligence Dossier** · First detected: 2026-06-29 17:36 UTC · Category: Technology · Sources: 4 · Current Velocity: 10

## Executive Summary
WhatsApp introduces usernames to protect user phone numbers

## Intelligence Brief
WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that allows users to create usernames, enabling them to chat with others without sharing their phone numbers. Coverage from The Times of Israel, Meta Store, BBC, and The Hacker News emphasizes that this feature aims to enhance user privacy.


The feature is expected to be available for users to reserve their desired usernames.

## Verified Facts & Key Claims
### What is WhatsApp's new feature?
Usernames to help keep phone numbers private

### Why is WhatsApp introducing usernames?
To let people chat without swapping phone numbers

### Where can users reserve their WhatsApp username?
Meta Store

## Key People, Organizations & Locations
WhatsApp, Finally Getting Usernames, Help Keep Phone Numbers Private, Reserve Your WhatsApp Username

## Multi-Source Evidence Table
| Source Outlet | Headline | Published (UTC) | Verification URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Times of Israel | WhatsApp messenger to begin offering usernames | 2026-06-29 16:09 | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMilwFBVV95cUxOdEVjVG1JNlRoN1JCUUVxRkZ2UVp3VEJRYmtWcTJ3eThDcDl6YUh6M1dReTFMRkpjRVJkVTVodXkyRWJMY05wN3R4dk9Eb3h3emlxckt2aTBNX1FfZ1BFRVRCVGhCX0RpamRSQUl0TnRXX1h0Q05ZU2ROSk5MUG4wclNURjJ1QlRjdkpoQ3hMdTRQMFIxdGw0?oc=5) |
| Meta Store | It’s Time to Reserve Your WhatsApp Username | 2026-06-29 16:09 | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMigwFBVV95cUxNS0xLaHhRSUd3TjRaUFRiNFFTc2dUbnBzcFM1dFFXRk9fVk4tNE94eXZTVGpka2w3djBtR2Zma2JqUWNDX0NUcXFSYUlGVENGVERPYmpDNXYzc3dFcUk3WDFTclc5X0tDX2hzRmU4SC1YT3pURy1HVGJlMVlmNnd5WXQ3UdIBiAFBVV95cUxOaXJ4cEZnQk1kLXZxbGZ1VEZFRXpKaTFmbzFlYTBkaFV4ajJtQ2JKTmF2UjdvNzBxdjgwa1VlMVZIM3dCVTVwUWRQbTNYNGZFTnB5cFVWZENySW5aYXI4YTVpaWZpZE82TGdOS0ZxQ1pfeUVVLVdYT2FxV3dSRVJZVE9HT0JRQkZ5?oc=5) |
| BBC | WhatsApp to let people chat without swapping phone numbers | 2026-06-29 16:09 | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiWkFVX3lxTE4ycW9mQmxDTXFXZWNIZW02MTZuRXhUM3piYVo2LWpMZGU3RmFHNTFyN25MTUJYNE10d0FEREhsT05nc3VTZXNPME9taE9sMmhzbzhHaWtEV3IyQQ?oc=5) |
| The Hacker News | WhatsApp is Finally Getting Usernames to Help Keep Phone Numbers Private | 2026-06-29 16:09 | [Source Link](https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiggFBVV95cUxORHE0dk90OFgwLTY2MmJtQ3E1RFVxV1hvMUVmUGdrN3c5cUFUbmhWMGpsZlJUYjFIQXpTYmZ6alJDU014Rk5xS05UUVlvLXh2bnRDTmJXVGRMWGpFcVAyc0lVM1FhWmZQcFoyaXdWbE1wdDY3MmFpVWszWmtqYjVQTWRR?oc=5) |

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*Canonical Source: https://www.newsylist.com/trend/2026-06-29/whatsapp-is-finally-getting-usernames-to-help-keep-phone-numbers-private*
*Synthesized by Newsylist Open Intelligence Engine under E-E-A-T journalistic standards.*