Does a WhatsApp Username Hide Your Phone Number? (2025 Real Test)

The most asked question since WhatsApp introduced usernames:

“If I only share my username, will people see my phone number?”

The answer is both yes and no — depending on how the conversation starts.

1. If someone contacts you via your username, your number stays hidden

When a user finds you using your @username:

• Your phone number is not visible,

• Your profile details remain hidden,

• Messages do not automatically reveal your number.

This is the core purpose of usernames: privacy.

2. But once the conversation starts, your number becomes visible

Real-world test:

After a chat is opened, the other person can view your profile, which includes your phone number.

WhatsApp does not fully hide it.

3. Can you hide your number completely?

Partially yes, fully no.

You can increase privacy:

✔ Hide “About”

Settings → Privacy → About → Nobody

✔ Hide profile photo

Same menu → Profile Photo → Nobody

✔ Hide last seen / online

Helps with privacy, not number visibility.

Still, your number can be seen after the chat begins.

4. Business accounts

For WhatsApp Business:

• The phone number is always visible,

• Username only improves accessibility.

No full hiding.

5. Final Verdict (Realistic Summary)

Usernames hide your number until the first message.
After the chat starts, your number becomes visible.

If you want permanent anonymity, WhatsApp is not the right platform — Telegram is better for that.