WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users. When you first sign up for WhatsApp, your account is set up using your phone number as your ID. So unlike other social media platforms, WhatsApp does not allow you to create a separate username or handle. Your phone number is your identity on WhatsApp.
Why doesn’t WhatsApp have usernames?
WhatsApp was designed to be a simple, private messaging app to connect with your phone contacts. So using your phone number as your ID makes sense for this purpose. Here are some key reasons why WhatsApp does not allow separate usernames or handles:
- Privacy – Using your phone number avoids exposing your name or other personal info as would be needed for a username.
- Simplicity – Your contacts already have your number saved, so no need to create new usernames to remember.
- Authenticity – Phone numbers provide a verified identity and avoid issues with duplicate or fake accounts.
- Ease of use – No need to create, memorize and manage a separate username and password.
Can you change your WhatsApp number?
If you want to change the phone number associated with your WhatsApp account, it is possible to do so. However there are some limitations:
- You can’t port your chat history to a new number. Your message history is tied to your old number.
- You have to uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp, and sign up fresh with your new number.
- You can’t transfer your WhatsApp account to a new number which already has an account.
- It takes about 24 hours for your contacts to verify your new number and reconnect with you.
So while cumbersome, it is possible to change your WhatsApp number if you need to. But this works more like migrating to a new account rather than changing your username.
Can you use a nickname on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp does give you the ability to set a nickname or display name that will be visible to your contacts. This doesn’t act as a username, but allows you to customize how your name appears to others in their contacts and chat screens. Here’s how it works:
- Go to WhatsApp Settings > Profile > Edit Name
- Enter the name you want displayed – this can be your actual name, nickname or anything else.
- This customized name will now be visible to all your contacts instead of just your phone number.
Some tips for setting your display name:
- You can use emojis and special characters.
- There is a limit of 256 characters.
- This doesn’t change your identity which remains your phone number.
- You can change your display name again at any time.
- Your phone contacts also have the option to save you under a different name locally on their device.
Can you make your WhatsApp number invisible?
Currently there is no way to make your WhatsApp number invisible or private when messaging with your contacts. Some workarounds include:
- Using a nickname – As mentioned above, you can set a display name to avoid showing your actual number.
- Using WhatsApp Business – This allows you to message contacts without revealing your personal number.
- Disable read receipts – Turn off read receipts and typing indicators so contacts don’t see when you’ve read their messages.
- Change privacy settings – Adjust your last seen, profile photo and about privacy settings to be more private.
But there is no way to fully hide your number from contacts you are messaging on WhatsApp. Your phone number will be visible in their chats and contacts for any accounts you message.
Can you use WhatsApp without a phone number?
Currently it is not possible to use WhatsApp without a phone number, as it is required both for creating an account and verifying your identity. Some options like using WhatsApp via a landline number or via VoIP services don’t work reliably. Some potential options in the future for non-phone users include:
- Linking your WhatsApp account to an email address or username in addition to a phone number.
- Using multi-device support to link your account across phone, tablet and desktop.
- Verifying your identity via alternate channels like email or social media.
- Creating guest accounts, business accounts or companion accounts without a phone number.
However, WhatsApp has not indicated any plans to remove the requirement of a phone number to sign up. The phone number remains central to their product design philosophy.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp does not allow separate usernames, there are some workarounds like using nicknames, WhatsApp Business accounts and adjusting privacy settings. But fundamentally, your phone number is your identity on WhatsApp and this cannot be hidden or changed easily. Given the privacy benefits and ease of use of tying accounts to phone numbers, WhatsApp is unlikely to add more complex username options any time soon. For users who want to create alternative online identities, other social platforms may be better suited for this purpose.