Estimated read time: 8min
WhatsApp is introducing usernames for both businesses and customers, allowing conversations to start without sharing phone numbers.
For businesses, usernames make it easier for customers to find and remember your brand. For customers, usernames provide an additional layer of privacy by letting them choose whether to share their phone number.
This guide explains everything you need to know about WhatsApp usernames and how they impact your business.
What is a WhatsApp username?
What is a WhatsApp username?
A WhatsApp username is a unique identifier that allows people to connect on WhatsApp without exchanging phone numbers.
Instead of sharing a phone number like:
+91 9234 567 890
A business or customer can share a username like:
@bik
@divya
Every username is globally unique and belongs to only one WhatsApp account.
Unlike display names, usernames are used to identify an account and start conversations.
Why did WhatsApp introduce usernames?
Why did WhatsApp introduce usernames?
WhatsApp usernames are designed to make messaging:
More private
Easier to start
Easier to remember
More brand-friendly
Instead of asking customers to save a phone number before messaging your business, they can simply message your username.
Meta also introduced usernames alongside a new identity system called Business Scoped User IDs (BSUIDs), which allows businesses to continue identifying customers even when phone numbers are hidden.
Business Usernames
A business username is your brand's unique identity on WhatsApp.
Examples:
@bik
@nike
@starbucks
Customers can use this username to start conversations with your business without needing your phone number.
Business username rules:
Business username rules:
A username:
Must be unique
Must be between 3 and 30 characters
Can contain:
letters
numbers
periods (.)
underscores (_)
Cannot:
start with "www."
end with a domain such as ".com"
impersonate another business or person
violate Meta's naming policies
If your preferred username isn't available, you'll need to choose another one.
How to reserve your business username
How to reserve your business username
Open WhatsApp Manager
All Tools -> Whatsapp Manager
Navigate to Phone Numbers
Select your desired phone number -> Go to Profile -> Click on Create Username
Type your preferred username & reserve it
Once approved, your username becomes active when usernames are available
Business usernames vs Display names
Business usernames vs Display names
Display Name | Username |
Appears at the top of chats | Used to identify your business |
Can include spaces | No spaces allowed |
Visible in conversations | Used to start conversations |
Doesn't need to be globally unique | Must be globally unique |
Example: BIK Technologies | Example: @bik |
Think of it this way:
Display name = Your storefront sign.
Username = Your unique social media handle.
Customer usernames
Customers can also create WhatsApp usernames.
Instead of sharing their phone numbers, they may choose to share only their username when interacting with businesses.
For businesses, this means customer phone numbers may no longer always be available.
Instead, WhatsApp provides a Business Scoped User ID (BSUID), which uniquely identifies that customer for your business.
How customers can share their username
How customers can share their username
Customers may share their username in several ways, including:
Messaging your business directly using your username
Sharing their own username with your business
Starting conversations from links, QR codes, or other WhatsApp entry points that support usernames
Initiating chats through Click-to-WhatsApp Ads (CTWA), where conversations can begin without requiring a phone number
If a customer chooses not to share their phone number, your business will identify them using their BSUID instead.
How customer usernames impact your business
How customer usernames impact your business
Customer usernames give customers more control over their privacy while introducing a new way to identify them on WhatsApp. As a result, there are a few things businesses should consider.
Easier customer acquisition
Easier customer acquisition
Customers can start a conversation using your business username without needing your phone number, reducing friction and making it easier to connect with your business.
Customer identification
Customer identification
If a customer chooses not to share their phone number, your business will receive a Business Scoped User ID (BSUID) instead. Your CRM and integrations should be able to identify and manage customers using their BSUID.
Rethink your cross-channel engagement strategy
Rethink your cross-channel engagement strategy
Many businesses use a customer's phone number as the common identifier across channels like WhatsApp, SMS, Email, and RCS.
When customers interact using only their WhatsApp username and choose not to share their phone number, you may no longer be able to automatically associate them with profiles on other channels especially SMS & RCS. This can impact audience segmentation, cross-channel journeys, and customer recognition.
Review any workflows that depend on phone numbers as the primary customer identifier and consider how you'll collect or link additional customer identifiers where needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can customers still share their phone number?
Can customers still share their phone number?
Yes.
Usernames are optional. Customers can continue using phone numbers if they choose.
Is a username mandatory?
Is a username mandatory?
No.
Usernames are optional for both businesses and customers.
Can I change my business username later?
Can I change my business username later?
Yes, subject to Meta's policies and username availability.
Can two businesses have the same username?
Can two businesses have the same username?
No.
Every username must be globally unique
Will my display name change?
Will my display name change?
No.
Your display name and username are separate. Updating one does not automatically change the other.