WhatsApp Introduces Usernames for Businesses: A New Way to Connect Without Sharing Phone Numbers
WhatsApp has announced Business Usernames, allowing companies to claim unique handles like @YourBusiness. The feature helps customers connect without seeing a business phone number and introduces Business-Scoped User IDs (BSUID) and Phone Number Request buttons for Cloud API integrations.
What happened?
WhatsApp has officially announced the rollout of Business Usernames, giving businesses the ability to reserve unique usernames (for example, @Pacewalk) that customers can use to start conversations without needing a phone number. Businesses can reserve their preferred usernames through WhatsApp Manager, Meta Business Suite, or the Username API. Approved usernames will automatically become active once the feature is available in each region.
Alongside usernames, WhatsApp is introducing Business-Scoped User IDs (BSUID), allowing businesses to communicate with customers even when their phone numbers are not shared. A new Phone Number Request CTA lets businesses request a customer's phone number directly within a chat — when a customer agrees, their number is securely shared and automatically saved in the business contact book.
Why it matters for businesses
This is one of the biggest changes to the WhatsApp Business Platform in recent years. Businesses using WhatsApp for customer support, lead generation, CRM, sales, marketing automation, appointment booking, and AI chatbots will need to prepare their systems for customers who communicate using usernames instead of phone numbers. Organizations relying on the WhatsApp Cloud API should update their CRM and automation workflows to support BSUIDs so that customer conversations continue without disruption.
How businesses can use this update
Reserve your preferred WhatsApp Business Username. Update CRM systems to support BSUID. Test Cloud API integrations with the new identity system. Update chatbot and automation workflows. Train customer support teams on the new conversation flow. Use the new Phone Number Request CTA when phone numbers are required. Early adoption helps businesses secure their brand identity and deliver a smoother customer experience.
Pacewalk expert note
WhatsApp is evolving from a phone number-based messaging platform into a modern business identity platform. Usernames will make it easier for customers to discover and contact businesses while improving privacy. Companies using CRM systems, AI chatbots, lead management software, and WhatsApp automation should review their integrations now to ensure compatibility with BSUID-based messaging.
Need help implementing this?
Pacewalk can apply this Meta Updates update to your business. Explore the right service:
- WhatsApp Automation Software
- Bulk WhatsApp Marketing
- AI Chatbot Development
- Lead Management Software
- CRM Development
Related reading
Original source: Meta WhatsApp Business Platform
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Talk to PacewalkFrequently asked questions
What is the latest Meta Updates update?+
WhatsApp has officially announced the rollout of Business Usernames, giving businesses the ability to reserve unique usernames (for example, @Pacewalk) that customers can use to start conversations without needing a phone number. Businesses can reserve their preferred usernames through WhatsApp Manager, Meta Business Suite, or the Username API. Approved usernames will automatically become active once the feature is available in each region. Alongside usernames, WhatsApp is introducing Business-Scoped User IDs (BSUID), allowing businesses to communicate with customers even when their phone numbers are not shared. A new Phone Number Request CTA lets businesses request a customer's phone number directly within a chat — when a customer agrees, their number is securely shared and automatically saved in the business contact book.
Why does this Meta Updates update matter for businesses?+
This is one of the biggest changes to the WhatsApp Business Platform in recent years. Businesses using WhatsApp for customer support, lead generation, CRM, sales, marketing automation, appointment booking, and AI chatbots will need to prepare their systems for customers who communicate using usernames instead of phone numbers. Organizations relying on the WhatsApp Cloud API should update their CRM and automation workflows to support BSUIDs so that customer conversations continue without disruption.
How can my business use this update?+
Reserve your preferred WhatsApp Business Username. Update CRM systems to support BSUID. Test Cloud API integrations with the new identity system. Update chatbot and automation workflows. Train customer support teams on the new conversation flow. Use the new Phone Number Request CTA when phone numbers are required. Early adoption helps businesses secure their brand identity and deliver a smoother customer experience.
How can Pacewalk help with Meta Updates?+
Pacewalk helps businesses act on meta updates trends — WhatsApp Automation Software, Bulk WhatsApp Marketing, AI Chatbot Development, Lead Management Software, CRM Development. Book a free consultation and our team will apply this update to your marketing.