Keeping your mobile phone number private on WhatsApp is now a reality thanks to a new update released by Meta. Here’s how it works.
Sometimes you may want to exchange text or voice messages without revealing your mobile phone number—which acts as a “master key” to your digital identity, given its links to official procedures, bank accounts, and social media profiles.
However, you will now be able to be contacted via WhatsApp using a username, just as you do on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X.
“Usernames are our latest step toward making WhatsApp even more private. There is no searchable directory or suggestion list; people will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time,” Meta stated in a release.
Meta noted that the new update will roll out gradually over the remainder of the year, though it has invited its community to reserve their usernames now.
“Starting this week, you can reserve a username to use later this year when we launch this feature,” Meta announced.
Throughout the rest of 2026, users will be notified as soon as the update is ready in their country, allowing them to connect with others without sharing their phone numbers.
Mark Zuckerberg’s company encouraged its more than 3 billion users to reserve their usernames early, as the desired name might be taken by the time the feature officially launches.
“We are opening reservations early so everyone has the chance to choose the username that matters to them,” Meta said.
How can you hide your mobile phone number on WhatsApp?
Meta explained that hiding your mobile phone number is very simple; just follow these four steps:
- Open the WhatsApp app.
- Tap on Settings.
- Select ‘Account’.
- Enter your ‘Username’.
The company clarified that hiding your mobile phone number is optional. For businesses, organizations, and famous content creators with an active online presence, Meta has reserved the option to use their existing Instagram or Facebook usernames on WhatsApp. With this update, users will gain greater privacy and security, as exposing one’s mobile phone number facilitates identity theft, extortion, and unauthorized access to social media and bank accounts.
Given this, experts advise the public to take extra security precautions, making the WhatsApp update an excellent option.
Source: radioformula
