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WhatsApp usernames: New Business Scoped User ID (BSUID) field required starting June 2026
Twilio
February 18, 2026
medium impact
Twilio Announces WhatsApp Username Changes Requiring New Business Scoped User ID Field Twilio is preparing for a significant update to WhatsApp messaging, set to roll out in June 2026. The platform will introduce usernames as an optional feature that allows users to hide their phone numbers when communicating with businesses. This change means that webhook payloads will no longer automatically display phone numbers. Instead, businesses will need to use a new Business Scoped User ID (BSUID) to identify users in the to, from, and new ExternalUserId fields. This update represents a privacy-enhancing measure for WhatsApp users, requiring businesses to adapt their integration and tracking methods to accommodate the new identification system.
Key Takeaways
- arrow_right_alt Usernames will allow WhatsApp users to hide their phone numbers when messaging businesses
- arrow_right_alt Webhook payloads will replace phone numbers with a new Business Scoped User ID (BSUID)
- arrow_right_alt Businesses must update their integrations to use the new ExternalUserId field
- arrow_right_alt The change is optional but will impact user identification methods
- arrow_right_alt Implementation is scheduled to begin in June 2026