WhatsApp has officially confirmed that the username system will be introduced in 2026. This is one of the platform’s most significant updates in recent years. It aims to improve user privacy and will have a significant impact on how businesses, partners, and platforms interact with customers on WhatsApp.
This article explains the update in a clear and business-friendly way, helping you understand what’s changing and how to prepare for it.
What Are WhatsApp Usernames?
WhatsApp usernames are unique names that let people use WhatsApp without sharing their phone numbers. Instead of showing a number, WhatsApp will display a username, giving users more privacy and control when chatting.
This means:
- Phone numbers can stay private
- Users gain more control over how they’re identified
- Connecting on WhatsApp becomes more similar to other social and messaging platforms
Usernames have been one of the most requested WhatsApp features, and this update directly addresses privacy concerns that users and businesses have raised for years.
Why Is WhatsApp Introducing Usernames?
- Reduced exposure of personal phone numbers
- Safer communication in groups and first-time interactions
- A more flexible identity system for the future
What Changes for Businesses and Partners?
The username system introduces a new identifier called the Business-Scoped User ID (BSUID). This will become essential for businesses that use the WhatsApp Business Platform or APIs.
What Is BSUID?
- BSUID is a new user identifier sent to businesses when a user has adopted a username
- It replaces the phone number in many messaging scenarios
- It allows businesses to continue conversations even when phone numbers are hidden
When a user has a username:
- The phone number may not be shared
- The BSUID will be sent instead in a new user_id field
- The traditional wa_id (phone number) may appear as empty in some cases
What Do Businesses Need to Do to Prepare?
To fully adapt to the WhatsApp username system, businesses and partners should start preparing their systems now. Key preparation steps include:
- Update webhook integrations to support BSUIDs sent via messaging events
- Build logic to handle multiple identifiers, including phone numbers and BSUIDs
- Map BSUIDs to existing CRM records to maintain conversation history
- Update CRM (Customer Relationship Management system), analytics, billing, and campaign tools that rely on phone numbers
- Adjust bots and automated journeys to request phone numbers only when absolutely necessary
Early adoption is strongly recommended to avoid losing conversation context once usernames roll out at scale.
When Will Businesses Receive a BSUID Instead of a Phone Number?
A business will receive a BSUID instead of a phone number when:
- A user has adopted a WhatsApp username
- The user has enabled phone number privacy
- The interaction is a new or user-initiated conversation
Phone numbers may still be shared in limited cases, such as existing customer relationships, but businesses should not rely on this long-term.
The key takeaway: BSUIDs should be treated as the primary identifier moving forward.
Business Usernames vs Display Names: What’s the Difference?
This update also introduces a clear distinction between business usernames and display names.
Business Usernames
- Unique and searchable
- Users can find businesses by typing the exact username
- Must follow strict formatting rules (length and allowed characters)
- Act as a reliable, permanent identifier
Display Names
- Not searchable
- Used mainly for branding and recognition in chats
- More flexible in formatting
Business usernames give companies a major discovery advantage, especially as search and AI-driven experiences become more common.
Why This Update Matters Long-Term
The WhatsApp username system signals a broader shift in how communication platforms work:
- Identity is becoming platform-based, not phone-based
- Privacy-first communication is becoming the standard
- Businesses must adapt to answer-first, identifier-flexible systems
For brands, this is an opportunity to:
- Secure consistent usernames early
- Improve customer trust through better privacy practices
- Modernize CRM and messaging workflows
WhatsApp Usernames for Personal Accounts
For personal WhatsApp users, the new username feature makes chatting more comfortable and private. Instead of sharing your phone number, you’ll be able to connect using a unique username—making it safer to join group chats or message new people. Your phone number will still be needed to create your account, but your username will be what others see and recognize you by.
Difference Between WhatsApp Usernames for Personal and Business Accounts
Personal Accounts
- Usernames help hide phone numbers and improve privacy
- Mainly used for chatting and connecting with others
- No system or technical changes required
Business Accounts
- Usernames are linked with Business-Scoped User IDs (BSUIDs)
- Phone numbers may not be shared with businesses
- Requires updates to CRM systems, APIs, and messaging workflows
- Used for customer communication, discovery, and support
Final Thoughts: Act Early, Stay Ahead
WhatsApp usernames are more than a feature update—they represent a fundamental change in how identity, privacy, and business communication work on the platform.
Preparing systems now for BSUID adoption will help businesses transition smoothly when WhatsApp usernames launch in 2026.
Early preparation today means fewer risks, better continuity, and stronger customer relationships tomorrow.
