WhatsApp Usernames Are Coming — Here's What You Need to Know 🚀

Starting June 2026, WhatsApp is rolling out usernames. This changes how your customers find you, how they message you, and how you identify them inside Chatarmin. The good news: it's a net positive for your business, and there's almost nothing you need to do.

📣 What's Actually Changing?

WhatsApp is introducing optional usernames for all accounts. Think of it like an @handle — a unique, searchable identity for every user on the platform.

• Customers can set a username on their WhatsApp profile. It's optional.

• Users can find and message each other using usernames, without sharing phone numbers.

• Your business gets a username too. Customers can reach you by typing @your_username directly.

• You set your business username inside your Chatarmin account once the feature goes live. We'll notify you in-app when it's ready.

💡 Why This Is Good News for Your Brand

More privacy for customers means more conversations for you.

• Higher engagement — Customers are more willing to reach out when they don't have to share their personal phone number to do it.

• Easy discovery — Your brand becomes searchable on WhatsApp. Customers find you by typing @your_username. A direct path to your inbox.

• New identifier: BSUID — WhatsApp is replacing phone numbers with a Business-Specific User ID (BSUID) to identify new customers. Chatarmin handles this automatically in the background.

• Zero work for you — All technical changes are already live in our system. Nothing to configure on your end.

✅ What You Need to Do

• Nothing technical — Chatarmin has already implemented BSUID support. You're fully covered.

• Set your username — Watch for the in-app notification in Chatarmin and set your brand handle when it goes live in June 2026.

• Webhook users — Your customer data now includes the BSUID field. If you consume Chatarmin webhooks, make sure your system handles the new field.

• Try REQUEST_CONTACT_INFO — Starting May 2026, you can add this new button to your Utility or Marketing templates. When a customer taps it, their phone number is shared with you automatically.

🙋 Your Questions, Answered

What if a customer doesn't set a username? You keep communicating with them using their phone number. Nothing changes for those customers.

Will I still see phone numbers in Chatarmin? For existing customers, yes. For new customers who connect via username, their phone number won't be visible — you'll see their username instead. They can still share their number with you through the REQUEST_CONTACT_INFO button.

Can I ask new customers for their phone number? Yes. Add the REQUEST_CONTACT_INFO button to your Chatarmin flows. Once a customer taps it, their number is shared with you instantly. Available from May 2026.

Will I be able to see the BSUID? BSUID is used internally to route messages. It's not visible in Chatarmin. You'll see customer usernames in your inbox instead.

Can I search customer chats by username? Yes. For new customers who connect via username, you can search your Chatarmin inbox using their username — just like you search by phone number today.

📅 Key Dates

• May 2026 — New REQUEST_CONTACT_INFO button available in Chatarmin flows

• June 2026 — WhatsApp Usernames roll out globally

• Right now — Chatarmin has already implemented all required technical changes. You're covered.