WhatsApp Manager now alerting businesses to get ready for username feature

WhatsApp seems to be warning businesses inside its Manager tool to start preparing for the username feature. June 2026 is shaping up as the key deadline for making the necessary backend changes.

The alert first came to wider attention after @jonah_manzano shared a screenshot of the warning. This shift is connected to Meta’s new business-scoped user ID system called BSUID. The system is meant to support chats where a user’s phone number is no longer the main identifier.

For the average user, this looks like a meaningful privacy improvement. WhatsApp is building usernames as an optional layer so people can connect with others or businesses without automatically showing their phone number. This has long been one of the clearest gaps between WhatsApp and other popular messaging apps.

Meta’s developer documentation explains that BSUID will be used to identify users for businesses, specifically to support usernames. A separate report from UseInvent says businesses on the WhatsApp Business API could begin creating and claiming usernames as early as June 2026. Some brands may even get early access based on their existing display names, official accounts, Meta Verified status, or linked Facebook and Instagram handles.

WABetaInfo reported late last year that WhatsApp had already told business partners the usernames were coming in 2026 and that they would need to make changes by June.

Beyond the technical side, usernames could also bring a practical benefit for everyday users. They might make it much simpler to discover and message businesses on WhatsApp without needing to know or save a phone number first. This could make the platform feel more open and user-friendly, much like Telegram.

The main takeaway right now seems straightforward. Businesses using WhatsApp seriously should pay attention to these alerts. At the same time, regular users stand to gain better privacy and easier connections once the feature rolls out.

With this alert showing up in the Manager tool, it’s clear that usernames are coming very soon. So be ready to grab your preferred username ASAP.

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