WhatsApp is launching chat by name

• The feature has begun rolling out gradually to three billion accounts.
• Users will be able to reserve a name in the app, change it, and hide their number from interlocutors.
• For certain accounts, protection against abuse has been provided, along with the ability to link a name to other Meta services.

WhatsApp has begun gradually introducing the ability to communicate without revealing a phone number. Users will be able to exchange unique names rather than contacts by number, the platform said.

This week, it is already possible to reserve a name in the app, but this is not mandatory. The feature will become available to all users over the coming months, and after the full rollout, the phone number will not be visible to others on WhatsApp.

The company notes that names can be changed or deleted at any time. The name length is limited to 35 characters, and separate restrictions will apply to public officials and celebrities so that other users cannot take their names.

WhatsApp says the new feature is intended to improve privacy. According to product lead Alice Newton-Rex, users do not always want to share their number, especially in group chats.

Name reservation is available only in the mobile app, not in WhatsApp Web or Desktop. This requires the latest version of the app, and the option itself will appear gradually. For creators, small businesses, and organizations, there is the option to obtain the name they already use on Instagram or Facebook.

The company also announced protection against abuse. In addition, name keys can be used — short codes that others will need in order to message a user. WhatsApp also reminds users that a phone number is still required to create an account.

A similar feature was launched by Signal in 2024. At the same time, experts point out that WhatsApp belongs to Meta and collects some data for advertising, although the content of private chats is protected by end-to-end encryption.

Tags: Technology