Overview
- Meta confirmed optional usernames will arrive in 2026 and said the feature is in advanced testing.
- Users and businesses will be able to search, chat, and place voice or video calls using a unique username instead of a phone number.
- WhatsApp will include a Business-Scoped User ID in all message webhooks linked to the user_id field, and developer documentation has been updated for the transition.
- Companies using the WhatsApp Business API must update systems to support BSUIDs and username workflows by June 2026.
- WABetaInfo reports a phased rollout with a username reservation step likely before full availability, and WhatsApp is preparing “username keys” to curb spam while preserving end-to-end encryption.