WhatsApp has been gradually transforming how users connect and communicate, and recent beta updates clearly show a strong focus on privacy and flexibility. As someone who closely follows WhatsApp beta developments and tests upcoming features, it’s clear that the platform is preparing one of its biggest structural changes yet: username-based communication.
In an earlier report on WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.33.2, it was revealed that WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to search for others and make voice or video calls using usernames instead of phone numbers. Now, with the release of WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.1.32 on the Google Play Store, development has progressed further. WhatsApp is officially working on bringing username functionality directly into chats, marking a major shift in how conversations are identified and started.
Chatting on WhatsApp Without Sharing Your Phone Number
The upcoming username-based chat system is designed to address one of WhatsApp’s long-standing privacy concerns: mandatory phone number exposure. Currently, starting a WhatsApp conversation almost always means sharing your phone number, even with people you don’t know personally. This can lead to unwanted contact outside the app and raise privacy risks, especially in group conversations or first-time interactions.
With the new system, users will be able to search for an account using a username directly from the Chats tab and start a conversation without revealing their phone number. Unless both users have saved each other’s numbers in their address books, the phone number will remain completely hidden from both sides.
From a real-world usage perspective, this change is extremely valuable. It allows safer communication in scenarios such as:
- Group discussions with strangers
- Temporary or one-time conversations
- Interactions with businesses or service providers
- Online communities and interest-based groups
By keeping phone numbers private, WhatsApp gives users more confidence and control over who can access their personal information.
How Username Chats Will Appear in the Interface
WhatsApp is also carefully refining how username-based conversations are presented to avoid confusion. When chatting with an account that is not saved in the internal WhatsApp address book, the username will appear as the main title of the chat. This makes it immediately clear that the conversation is identified by a username rather than a phone number.
In the chat info screen, the username will be displayed directly below the profile photo, reinforcing it as the primary identifier. This consistent visibility helps users always know who they are talking to, especially when phone numbers are not available.
If the phone number is saved in the address book, it will still appear in the chat info screen, but only below the main action buttons along with other contact details. This balanced design ensures clarity while preserving privacy.
Security and Encryption Remain Unchanged
From a security standpoint, WhatsApp has confirmed that username-based chats will behave exactly like regular conversations. Messages, calls, voice notes, and shared media will continue to be protected by end-to-end encryption.
This means:
- Only chat participants can read or listen to messages
- WhatsApp servers cannot access message content
- No compromise to existing security standards
The key change happens at the identification layer, not the messaging infrastructure. Instead of relying on phone numbers, WhatsApp will associate conversations with random internal identifiers linked to usernames. Phone numbers stay hidden, while technical identifiers operate silently in the background.
This approach significantly reduces the exposure of sensitive personal data during chat creation and storage.
Availability Timeline and What to Expect
Username-based communication has taken longer to develop due to deep changes required in WhatsApp’s core systems. However, recent information shared with business partners confirms that usernames are planned as an optional feature for both individuals and businesses later this year.
Businesses are required to update their systems by June 2026, strongly suggesting that username reservation and usage may begin rolling out to users in the first half of the year. This indicates that the feature is approaching maturity, even though testing and refinements are still ongoing.
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Final Thoughts: A Major Step Toward Privacy-First Messaging
Based on current beta progress and real-world messaging needs, username-based chats represent one of WhatsApp’s most important upgrades in years. It brings WhatsApp closer to modern messaging platforms while preserving its core strengths: simplicity, security, and reliability.
By allowing users to communicate without exposing phone numbers, WhatsApp empowers safer interactions, clearer identities, and greater freedom, especially when chatting with people outside one’s personal contact list.
The feature is still under development and will roll out in a future update, but all signs suggest that WhatsApp is building a more privacy-focused and flexible communication system for the long term.
We’ll continue to track this feature closely and share updates as soon as WhatsApp reveals more details or begins wider testing.
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