WhatsApp has begun rolling out its much-awaited username feature, allowing users to connect without sharing their mobile numbers. To introduce the privacy-focused update, the Meta-owned messaging platform has launched a new campaign featuring actor Aamir Khan.
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The feature enables users to create a unique handle starting with the ‘@’ symbol, which can be shared instead of a phone number while receiving messages and calls. Similar to platforms such as Instagram, Telegram and Signal, usernames are designed to offer greater privacy, particularly when interacting with new contacts.
The rollout is being introduced gradually, with many users already spotting a “Coming Soon” notification within the app along with an option to reserve their preferred username ahead of the wider launch.
The campaign starring Aamir Khan highlights everyday situations where people may be reluctant to share their personal phone numbers, positioning usernames as a safer and more convenient alternative. The film aims to showcase how the feature simplifies new connections while keeping personal contact details private.
The campaign follows another recently released promotional film featuring British heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua, who also spotlights WhatsApp’s new username functionality.
The update marks one of WhatsApp’s biggest identity-related changes since its launch. Until now, phone numbers have served as the platform’s primary identifier. With usernames, users will gain an additional layer of privacy and flexibility, enabling them to communicate through a shareable handle without revealing their mobile number.
By introducing usernames, WhatsApp continues to strengthen its privacy-first approach while bringing its messaging experience closer to other leading social and communication platforms that already offer handle-based identities.
