A major update is coming to WhatsApp. Following the rollout of the update, users will be able to enjoy messaging, as well as voice and video calling, without sharing their phone numbers. WhatsApp will offer this as an ‘optional privacy feature.
A major update is coming to WhatsApp. With the arrival of this update, a phone number will no longer be required for chatting. According to a report by ET, usernames and unique IDs will soon be used for chatting instead of phone numbers. This means that once the update rolls out, users will be able to enjoy messaging as well as voice and video calling without sharing their phone numbers. According to the report, this update could roll out globally in June 2026. Once the feature is rolled out, individual users—as well as businesses—will be able to reserve their own unique handles, such as “HDFC Bank,” “Ben Clark,” or any other name (subject to availability).
Reduction in WhatsApp Scams Expected
In addition to enhancing user privacy, this feature will also serve to curb scams occurring on WhatsApp. A company spokesperson stated, “We are very excited about the WhatsApp username feature. It will allow users to connect with new friends, groups, and businesses without sharing their phone numbers. This feature will further boost user privacy and make it easier to contact businesses on WhatsApp. We will share more details about this feature once it is ready.”
An ‘Optional Privacy Feature’
WhatsApp will offer this as an “optional privacy feature.” This means users will still have the option to share their phone numbers if they choose to do so. According to the report, the beta version of this feature is expected to arrive in June, and the company plans to release the stable version for all users in the second half of 2027.
Plans to Introduce ‘Guest Chats’ Feature
A “Guest Chats” feature is also set to arrive on WhatsApp soon. This feature has already been rolled out to select beta users on both Android and iOS platforms. With the help of this feature, users will be able to invite individuals who do not have a WhatsApp account to participate in conversations. An invite link is required to chat without a WhatsApp account. Conversations can be joined simply by clicking on the link.
Users can generate this invite link by visiting the ‘Invite a friend’ section. This link can be shared via SMS. Additionally, if you wish, you can copy the link and share it through other messaging apps or email. Guest chats are secured with end-to-end encryption. It is worth noting that guest chats automatically expire after 10 days of inactivity.
