WhatsApp is reportedly testing its username feature in India once more, according to a tipster. This comes as the Indian government previously raised concerns about the feature's potential for misuse and online fraud.
WhatsApp is reportedly testing its username feature in India again, even as concerns over user privacy and online safety persist. This news comes via tipster Abhishek Yadav, who shared screenshots on X, as reported by Bhaskar English.
The feature would allow WhatsApp users to find and message others using a unique username instead of their phone number. This could make it simpler to connect with new contacts without directly sharing personal numbers, a common practice on other platforms.
The screenshots shared by Yadav suggest that users would be able to search for someone by entering their username directly into the app’s search bar. If a match is found, WhatsApp can display the account even if the person is not saved in the user's contacts. A chat button would also appear next to the search result, allowing conversations to begin immediately.
However, users would need to know the specific username of the person they want to find and contact. This offers a clear alternative to sharing phone numbers when initiating contact on the platform.
Indian Government's Past Concerns and Regulatory Scrutiny
The re-emergence of this testing brings the feature back under regulatory scrutiny in India. The Indian government had previously voiced significant concerns about WhatsApp's planned username rollout.
In July 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology reportedly asked Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, to explain how the feature would operate within three days. It also requested that WhatsApp pause the rollout in India until further discussions with the government were concluded.
The government's primary worries revolved around the potential for increased online fraud, phishing attacks, digital arrest scams, and impersonation. Officials specifically warned that scammers could exploit the username feature by creating names that resemble government departments, banks, financial institutions, or other individuals, thereby misleading users.
Availability for Indian Users Remains Unclear
WhatsApp has not yet provided an official launch date for its username feature in India. The company has previously indicated that it plans to introduce the feature gradually around the world. When it becomes available to individual users, they would receive a notification within the app.
For now, it remains uncertain when Indian users will be able to start using usernames to find and contact people on the platform. The broader rollout of this feature may hinge on further updates from WhatsApp and ongoing dialogue with regulatory bodies in the country.
