A Look at WhatsApp’s Upcoming Identity Features

Today, phone numbers serve as a primary digital identifier and are central to how businesses connect with customers on platforms like WhatsApp.

As the platform evolves, WhatsApp is expected to roll out new identity features, including usernames and business-scoped user IDs (BSUID), offering alternative ways for customers and businesses to interact without solely relying on phone numbers.

Username: A New Identity Layer on WhatsApp

From June 2026, WhatsApp is expected to roll out usernames and unique IDs, reducing the need to share phone numbers for conversations. Similar to platforms like Instagram and Telegram, both users and businesses will be able to create usernames, supported by new identity mechanisms that enable interaction without exposing phone numbers.

Businesses verified with a blue checkmark can remain assured that their brand identity continues to be recognised and protected as these changes are introduced.
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Since this is an optional feature, users who still want to remain reachable via their phone number can continue to do so. However, many users may choose to adopt usernames, as this has been one of the most requested features globally.

From June onwards, instead of sharing a +91 phone number, a customer can simply share a username like @divya.verma. Usernames could make it easier for users to search, identify and connect with businesses on WhatsApp, similar to how handles function on other platforms.

WhatsApp is not only introducing usernames but also a business-scoped user ID, or BSUID, specifically for businesses on the WhatsApp Business Platform.

What is ‘Business-Scoped User ID’ (BSUID)?

‘Business-scoped user ID’ (BSUID) is a unique identifier assigned to each WhatsApp user, enabling businesses to message customers without relying on phone numbers. It acts as a secure bridge between businesses and users with usernames.

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Key things to understand:

· The BSUID is unique per business, so a customer receives a different ID when interacting with different businesses. Their identity stays siloed.

· Businesses will be able to initiate conversations and send templates to users using BSUIDs instead of  phone numbers.

· Businesses will need to update their CRM systems, analytics tools and messaging bots to recognise and store BSUIDs alongside (or instead of) phone numbers.

· If a business or its partners do not adopt BSUID, some messaging flows may not function as expected when interacting with users who have opted  for usernames. These include receiving messages initiated via Click-to-WhatsApp ads or inbound user conversations.

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Preparing for the Next Phase of WhatsApp Interactions

These upcoming changes reflect Meta’s investments into identity management, pricing, security, privacy on WhatsApp. As usernames and BSUID are rolled out, Karix is already gearing up to help businesses adapt their systems and processes to support these new identity mechanisms.

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