Can customers hide their number from my business on WhatsApp?
Updated 30 September 2026
Yes, once they adopt a WhatsApp username. If a customer has one when they first chat with you, you won't see their phone number unless they choose to share it.
- Usernames are optional for customers and are rolling out gradually, so many chats will still show a number.
- If you already have a customer's number from an earlier chat, you keep seeing it.
- You can ask for it. A quick reply can prompt the customer to send their number, their username or both.
- On the API, your provider must support business-scoped user IDs (BSUID), or you can lose the ability to process messages from customers with usernames.
- A business username doesn't hide your own number. Your business phone number stays visible on your profile.
Keep a customer list of your own
Orders placed on your Menuthere ordering page go into your dashboard, which keeps your order history and customer list, so your record of regulars doesn't depend on what WhatsApp shows you.
Next questions
Sources (3)
- About sharing your phone number with businesses, WhatsApp Help Center, read 30 September 2026
- About usernames on WhatsApp Business, WhatsApp Help Center, read 30 September 2026
- Business-scoped user IDs, Meta for Developers, updated 15 September 2026
