WhatsApp Now Lets You Hide Your Phone Number with Usernames

WhatsApp has introduced a new privacy feature that allows users to create usernames.

This means you can now chat with people without them seeing your actual phone number. Instead of sharing your number, you can give people your WhatsApp username, just like you might on other social media platforms. This affects anyone who uses WhatsApp and wants more control over who sees their phone number.

If you have ever felt uncomfortable giving your phone number to someone you just met, or if you use WhatsApp for community groups, school activities, or local buy and sell groups, this feature can help protect your privacy.

Your phone number will only be visible to people already saved in your contacts.

Here is what you should do right now to use this new privacy feature:

1. Update your WhatsApp app to the latest version from your app store.
2. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings, then tap on your profile.
3. Look for the username option and create a unique username for yourself.
4. Share your username instead of your phone number when connecting with new people.
5. Check your privacy settings to make sure your phone number is hidden from people not in your contacts. To protect your privacy long term, review your privacy settings in all messaging apps regularly. Think carefully before sharing personal information like phone numbers, especially in group chats or with people you do not know well. Using features like usernames gives you more control over your personal information and helps keep your phone number out of the hands of strangers.