Meta announces WhatsApp usernames: This is the plan

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Starting next year, WhatsApp will finally support usernames. This marks a step away from the app's exclusive use of phone numbers, which were previously required to chat with others. Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, has now released initial official information regarding the timeline and technical implementation. The details reveal that the rollout will be gradual and that businesses, in particular, will initially require some adjustments.

For months, there have been recurring hints that WhatsApp plans to introduce usernames. Now, for the first time, there are concrete details about how Meta intends to technically implement and roll out the new feature. The goal is to improve data privacy and make communication more flexible. This should make WhatsApp somewhat less dependent on phone numbers. The change will be particularly noticeable in the business sector, as Meta is simultaneously introducing a new identification structure called the Business-Scoped User ID (BSUID).

User IDs for companies

According to a report by WABetaInfo, Meta has been laying the groundwork for username support for the past few months. This includes a system for reserving usernames before the feature is fully rolled out. A document distributed by Meta to business partners now provides the first official details, including the rollout timeline and technical requirements for businesses.

The introduction of the username feature is closely linked to the new Business-Scoped User ID (BSUID). This is a unique identifier assigned to each WhatsApp user. It allows businesses to send messages even if a user's phone number is unknown. The BSUID is included in all message webhooks via the `user_id` parameter – regardless of whether the user has enabled the username feature or not.

This has the advantage that companies can continue to communicate securely with their customers while simultaneously protecting data privacy. The BSUID is intended to create a stable yet privacy-friendly way to recognize and support users who will be using usernames instead of phone numbers in the future. This new identifier will appear in WhatsApp's webhook notifications and is supported in both current and future API versions.

For developers, this means that existing systems need to be adapted. This includes processes for message forwarding, customer data storage, and automated responses. Only in this way can it be ensured that everything runs smoothly when the username feature officially launches.

Meta is structuring the transition in such a way that, in the long term, companies could even interact with customers entirely via usernames instead of personal contact details. This would represent a significant shift in how WhatsApp functions, particularly with regard to data protection and data management.

Timeline for the introduction

Meta has also released initial information regarding the timeline. Companies have until June 2026 to implement the necessary technical adjustments for BSUID. This suggests that username support will officially launch shortly after that date.

According to a report by WABetaInfo, the username reservation system is expected to be introduced in the first half of the year. This will give users enough time to secure their desired name before the feature is fully available.

This phased rollout – first the technical foundation for businesses, then activation for all users – demonstrates Meta's strong commitment to a stable and secure implementation. The new structure aims to ensure the continued reliability of both private and business communication, while simultaneously aligning the platform more closely with data privacy and modern user needs.

WhatsApp is undergoing fundamental changes

With the introduction of usernames, WhatsApp becomes significantly more flexible and privacy-friendly. The app thus moves away from its previous reliance on phone numbers. Businesses particularly benefit from the new Business-Scoped User ID, which allows them to communicate with customers even without phone numbers.

There is enough time until mid-2026 to implement the necessary technical changes. For users, this means that they will soon be able to secure a personal WhatsApp username – a step that will fundamentally change how the app is used. Meta is thus paving the way for a more modern and private form of communication, where users have greater control over their personal data. (Image: Shutterstock / Primakov)