WhatsApp introduces usernames so you can chat without phone numbers

Even if you only use WhatsApp sometimes, you might want to snag your username now to stop giving out your phone number.

You can reserve the username you want to use before the feature starts rolling out later this year. | Image: Meta / WhatsApp WhatsApp is introducing a new way to add and chat with contacts, without having to share your phone number. Usernames will be launching "later this year," in a move to make the communications platform "even more private," allowing you to keep your phone number concealed from people who aren't already in your contacts.