WhatsApp launches username chat feature, no phone number needed
WhatsApp has started allowing users to reserve a username that will let them chat with new contacts without sharing their phone numbers, the company announced on Monday. The reservation process began this week, and WhatsApp will notify users inside the app when the feature becomes available in their country or region. Once launched, people can give out their chosen username instead of their digits, and anyone wishing to message them for the first time must know that exact username - there will be no public directory or suggested names. To add extra security, WhatsApp is also rolling out an optional "username key": a unique code that a first-time contact must enter before they can send a message. Creators, small businesses and organisations can claim the same username they already use on Instagram or Facebook, keeping their identity consistent across Meta's apps. For those who prefer not to create a name themselves, a built-in username generator will suggest available options. Reservations are made through Settings -> Account -> Username on the latest version of the WhatsApp app. The rollout will be gradual over the coming months, with availability varying by country. This update gives Nigerians greater control over their privacy, reduces the need to expose personal phone numbers, and offers businesses a way to keep a uniform brand presence across platforms.