After years of rumors and beta testing, WhatsApp is introducing one of its biggest privacy updates ever — the Username feature. Instead of sharing their mobile number with everyone, users will soon be able to connect using a unique WhatsApp username, much like on Telegram and Signal.

For years, WhatsApp users have requested a way to communicate without exposing their personal phone numbers. Whether you're buying and selling online, running a business, freelancing, or simply meeting new people, sharing your personal number isn't always ideal. The new WhatsApp Username feature aims to solve that problem by giving users an alternative way to connect.

However, while this update is expected to significantly improve privacy, cybersecurity experts believe it could also introduce Telegram-like scam risks, including fake usernames, impersonation, and phishing attempts. That doesn't mean WhatsApp is becoming unsafe—it simply means users will need to be more aware of how scammers may try to exploit the new system.

What Is a WhatsApp Username?

A WhatsApp Username is a unique identifier that allows other people to contact you without knowing your phone number.

Today, if someone wants to message you on WhatsApp, they usually need your mobile number.

For example:

Current system

+977 98XXXXXXXX

New system

@bigsansar

Instead of sharing your phone number, you'll simply be able to share your username.

It is important to understand that your phone number is not being replaced. A phone number will still be required to create and maintain a WhatsApp account. The username simply adds an extra layer of privacy by reducing the need to reveal your personal number.

Why Is WhatsApp Introducing Usernames?

Digital privacy has become one of the biggest concerns for internet users. Millions of people hesitate to share their personal phone numbers with strangers, clients, or people they meet online.

This feature is designed to make WhatsApp more privacy-friendly for:

• Business owners
• Freelancers
• Content creators
• Students
• Online buyers and sellers
• Community members

Imagine you're selling a used smartphone through Facebook Marketplace. Under the current system, every interested buyer needs your phone number to contact you. Even if they never purchase the device, they still keep your personal number.

With WhatsApp usernames, you can simply share @bigsansar instead. Buyers can message you without seeing your mobile number, giving you greater control over your privacy.

This simple change is one of the biggest reasons many users have been waiting for this feature.

How Will WhatsApp Usernames Work?

According to the latest information available, every WhatsApp username will be unique, meaning no two users can have the same username.

WhatsApp is also expected to enforce formatting rules to prevent usernames from looking like website addresses or misleading domain names.

One important fact that many people misunderstand is that WhatsApp is not creating a public username directory. In other words, people won't be able to browse or randomly search for every username as they can on some social media platforms. In most cases, someone will need to know your exact username to contact you.

This design helps maintain user privacy while still making it easier to connect with others.

Why Is Everyone Comparing It to Telegram?

Telegram has supported usernames for many years, allowing users to communicate without publicly sharing their phone numbers. Many people know others only by their Telegram usernames.

WhatsApp is now moving in a similar direction by offering users another way to connect without revealing their personal numbers.

However, WhatsApp is also introducing additional safeguards. Reports suggest that the company plans to reserve usernames for well-known public figures, businesses, and brands to reduce impersonation and prevent scammers from claiming recognizable names.

Why Are Experts Warning About Scam Risks?

The phrase "Telegram-like risks" doesn't mean WhatsApp is becoming dangerous. Instead, it reflects the reality that any platform using usernames can become a target for scammers.

The biggest concern is impersonation.

Imagine your official username is:

@bigsansar

A scammer could register:

@bigsansarr

At first glance, the difference is almost impossible to notice.

Similarly, scammers may create usernames such as:

• @esewa_support
• @bank_help_np
• @deliveryservice_nepal

These accounts may appear trustworthy even though they are completely fake.

Once a victim believes the account is genuine, the scammer may send messages such as:

"Your WhatsApp account is about to be suspended."

"Verify your account by entering your OTP."

"Click this link to avoid account suspension."

These are classic phishing tactics designed to steal personal information or gain access to your account.

Remember: WhatsApp will never ask you to share your OTP or verification code through chat messages.

A Real-Life Example

Imagine you're a freelance graphic designer.

Today, every new client needs your personal phone number before they can contact you. Even if they decide not to work with you, they still have your number.

After WhatsApp usernames become available, you can simply share:

@bigsansardesign

Potential clients can contact you without ever seeing your personal number.

However, imagine a scammer creates:

@bigsansardesignn

A customer who doesn't notice the extra letter could accidentally contact the fake account instead.

This example shows both the privacy benefits and the potential scam risks that come with username-based messaging.

Benefits of WhatsApp Usernames

The new username feature offers several important advantages.

Improved Privacy

Users no longer need to share their phone numbers with everyone they meet online.

Better Professional Communication

Businesses, freelancers, and content creators can share a professional username instead of a personal number.

Safer Online Transactions

People buying or selling products online can communicate without exposing their private contact information.

Reduced Spam

Because your phone number is shared less often, unwanted calls and spam messages may decrease over time.

How to Stay Safe

Although WhatsApp is adding new privacy protections, users should continue following basic cybersecurity practices.

Always verify usernames carefully before trusting someone.

Never share your OTP, verification code, or PIN with anyone.

Avoid clicking links sent by unknown users.

Review profile details before sending money or sensitive information.

Enable Two-Step Verification to add an extra layer of account security.

The introduction of WhatsApp Usernames represents one of the most significant privacy improvements in the app's history. By allowing users to connect without publicly sharing their phone numbers, WhatsApp is giving people greater control over their personal information.

At the same time, the feature also introduces challenges that have existed for years on platforms like Telegram. Fake usernames, impersonation, and phishing attempts are all possible whenever usernames become part of a messaging platform.

The good news is that WhatsApp is building safeguards into the system, including unique usernames, reserved names for public figures and businesses, and the absence of a public username directory. Even so, the strongest protection will always be user awareness.

If you verify usernames carefully, avoid suspicious links, never share your OTP, and enable Two-Step Verification, you can enjoy the privacy benefits of WhatsApp usernames while significantly reducing the risk of scams.

As the feature rolls out globally, it has the potential to change the way millions of people communicate on WhatsApp—making conversations more private, more professional, and more secure than ever before.