WhatsApp Begins Testing Username-Based Contact Without Phone Numbers

WhatsApp has started rolling out a new feature that allows users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers by creating a username. The update is currently available only to a limited number of beta users on Android and iOS, with wider access expected in the coming months. Users will be able to choose a unique username inside the app and start chats through that name instead of a phone number. The system is designed to work in a similar way to username-based platforms such as Telegram and Instagram. WhatsApp has introduced naming rules to prevent username conflicts and reduce the risk of fraud attempts. The move marks a significant change in how users may connect on the platform while keeping their personal numbers private.