WhatsApp launches a username field for new contacts

WhatsApp has introduced a new field in its contact creation screen on Android and iOS that allows users to save a contact's username alongside their name and phone number. According to WABetaInfo's report, the feature is gradually rolling out across the latest WhatsApp beta updates on both platforms, while select users on the stable App Store and Google Play versions may also notice it. The updated interface appears directly within the standard contact creation screen, preparing the platform for a broader launch of full username functionality over the coming months.

This article details WhatsApp's new username contact creation field, how it connects saved handles to existing chat interfaces, and its impact on status privacy. It also covers step-by-step instructions for adding username contacts on iOS and Android, along with details on status update compatibility and current regional availability.

WhatsApp a username field for new contacts: the announcement

WhatsApp opened username reservations on Android and iOS, allowing users to select a preferred handle under Settings > Account > Username ahead of the full feature launch. In addition to handle reservations, WhatsApp introduced an optional username key to provide added control over who can send messages using a handle. The gradual rollout of the full username feature aims to let users message new contacts and businesses without sharing their phone numbers.

To support this transition, WhatsApp updated the contact creation workflow to include a dedicated username entry space. The contact creation screen retains its traditional design while incorporating the new input slot alongside existing name and phone number fields. Once usernames become universally available, WhatsApp plans to automatically populate this field whenever a user creates a new contact directly from a chat info screen.

What actually changed with WhatsApp a username field for new contacts

Saving a handle gives WhatsApp a direct mechanism to map a contact's display name to their specific username. When a user saves a handle, the saved contact name displays within ongoing conversations just as traditional contacts do, preserving the existing user interface. This mapping prevents users from having to identify unknown accounts behind saved handles during messaging.

When a contact is saved by username, WhatsApp processes the entry using its standard contact upload feature to sync data with the address book. This system ensures that privacy protocols remain intact while allowing handle-based entries to integrate seamlessly into existing contact lists.

Who should care about WhatsApp a username field for new contacts

Users who obtain someone's username without having their phone number can utilize this field to store contact details in advance. Saving a handle early ensures that as soon as an account gains official username support and the ability to mask phone numbers, all necessary contact information is already saved without requiring follow-up phone number requests.

The feature also extends compatibility to status updates for username contacts, provided both parties have saved each other's details in their respective address books and adjusted privacy settings accordingly. Furthermore, username contacts interact with WhatsApp's recent feature allowing status updates from recent interactions, while keeping phone numbers protected. Users retain the option to hide status updates from specific username contacts at any time.

How to try WhatsApp a username field for new contacts

To access the new field, users navigate to the Chats tab and tap the "+" button located in the navigation bar. From there, selecting "New contact" at the top of the menu opens the updated contact creation menu.

The interface displays the standard contact entry form, augmented by the new handle field positioned next to the name and phone number inputs. Users who have already secured a username can share it with others to be saved alongside their standard contact information.

What to watch after WhatsApp a username field for new contacts

The username entry field is presently available to select users running the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS and Android, alongside a subset of users on stable Google Play and App Store releases. Testers including Sc, shw_9876, kingcyrious, flakoflow, lostliano, Youssef Salem, and Muhammad Hammad contributed to reporting and testing the feature across platforms.

WhatsApp has not yet announced a definitive date for wide availability across all global regions, as testing and rollout phases continue. Meanwhile, WhatsApp is also developing additional navigational tools, including a chat search shortcut for iOS devices.