WhatsApp Rolls Out Username Field for New Contacts

As spotted by the folks over at WABetaInfo, WhatsApp has added a dedicated username field directly to the “New Contact” creation screen in the latest app updates for iOS and Android.

The subtle addition allows users to save a contact’s unique handle alongside their name and phone number, setting up the platform for a future where sharing your personal mobile number is no longer mandatory.

The new feature is currently rolling out to select beta testers as well as some users running the latest stable builds from the App Store and Google Play.

To check if the feature is live on your device, simply open WhatsApp, navigate to the Chats tab, tap the “+” button to start a new chat, and choose “New Contact.” Right next to the familiar name and phone number text boxes, you will find an extra field designed specifically for a username handle.

While WhatsApp opened the doors for early reservation of handles through Account Settings in previous test builds, this contact screen integration represents a major step forward toward a full public launch. Until now, starting a conversation on WhatsApp almost always required exchanging an actual telephone number. Once the username ecosystem is completely deployed, individuals and businesses will be able to connect seamlessly without revealing their primary phone details.

By saving a username in advance, WhatsApp links the handle to the contact’s name in your device’s address book. When the platform completes its broader handle launch over the coming months, these saved entries will automatically connect, allowing chats to start instantly without needing to go back and manually update contact info.

WhatsApp has confirmed that contacts added via usernames will follow standard privacy rules regarding status updates. Users will be able to view and share status posts with username contacts as long as both parties have saved each other and granted privacy permissions.