30/06/2026 10:01 - Tecnologia
WhatsApp, the messaging app owned by Meta with over 3 billion monthly users worldwide, announced on June 29, 2026 one of the most anticipated updates by its community: the introduction of usernames that will allow users to contact others without sharing their phone number.
For context: WhatsApp is extremely popular in Latin America, particularly in countries like Argentina, where it's practically the default communication method for personal and business interactions. This update represents a significant cultural shift in how people connect.
The feature will be available in:
Username reservations have already begun, and the rollout will be gradual.
This new privacy feature represents a significant change in how users interact on the platform:
Phone numbers will no longer be automatically shared when adding someone to group conversations or sending a first message.
Creators, small businesses, and organizations will be able to request the same username they have on other Meta platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Each person decides whether to share their number or use only their username to be contacted.
Since WhatsApp has over 3 billion users, many may not get their first choice of username. We recommend:
Alfredo S. Quiroga
