WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion active users worldwide. When you sign up for WhatsApp, your profile shows your name and phone number to your contacts by default. You may want to hide your WhatsApp name for privacy or personal reasons at some point. So can you actually hide or change your displayed WhatsApp name that others see?
The short answer is yes, it is possible to hide, change or remove your WhatsApp name so it shows up differently or not at all to your contacts. However, the process is a bit hidden and not straightforward. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover multiple methods to hide, remove or change your WhatsApp name from being visible to your contacts.
Why Would You Want to Hide Your WhatsApp Name?
Here are some common reasons you may want to hide or change your WhatsApp name:
– Privacy – To prevent random or unwanted contacts from seeing your real name. This gives you more anonymity.
– Avoid unwanted contact – For example, if you give out your WhatsApp for business purposes but don’t want clients contacting you after hours.
– Separate personal and professional life – You can display one name to personal contacts and a different one to work contacts.
– Nicknames – You may prefer to use a nickname or alias instead of your real name.
– Stage names – For performers or artists who don’t want to use their legal name.
– Avoid misidentification – If you have a common name that is confused with others.
– Security concerns – To protect against harassment or stalking by hiding personal info.
– Relationship issues – Hiding your name from a specific contact after a breakup.
Whatever your reason, having the ability to modify how your name appears in WhatsApp can be useful. But how exactly do you do it?
Method 1: Temporarily Hiding Your Last Seen, Profile Photo and About
The easiest way to quickly hide your WhatsApp name is to use the “Last seen, profile photo and about” privacy setting. Here are the steps:
1. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
2. Tap Account > Privacy.
3. Tap on “Last seen, profile photo and about.”
4. Select “Nobody.”
This will immediately remove your profile photo, last seen status and any name or info you have in the About section from being visible to all your contacts. It will show nothing instead.
The disadvantage is that it also hides your last seen and profile photo, so you may lose some functionality. It also only hides the name temporarily. As soon as you revert the privacy setting back to “Everyone” your name will show again.
Method 2: Using a Different Phone Number
Since your WhatsApp profile is tied to your phone number, one way to change your displayed name is to simply use a different phone number. Here is how:
1. Get a new phone number – Either a second SIM card or use a VoIP number.
2. Install WhatsApp and register your new number to a new account.
3. Set your profile name in this new account to whatever you want hidden or displayed.
4. Give this new number instead of your main number to specific contacts.
The advantage of this method is you can completely customize and control the name displayed in your second WhatsApp account. The disadvantage is the hassle of managing two accounts on the same device.
An easier option is using a dual SIM phone with your main number and alternate number to switch between seamlessly. You can also use WhatsApp Business which allows you to use a business name as your profile.
Method 3: Use a Different Name Just for Specific Contacts
WhatsApp has a little known feature that allows you to set a custom name that appears only to certain contacts. Here’s how to use it:
1. Open the chat for the contact you want to show a different name for.
2. Tap on the contact’s name at the top.
3. Tap “Edit” at the top right.
4. Enter the custom name you want displayed for this contact only.
5. Tap “OK” to save the changes.
This will now display the customized name only when that contact views your profile or messages you. For all other contacts, your regular name set in your profile will be displayed.
This is useful if you want anonymity with random contacts but want to show your real name to close friends and family. The disadvantage is it must be done for each contact individually.
Method 4: Use Unicode Characters or Emojis
You can use special Unicode characters or emojis in your WhatsApp profile name to hide your actual name. Here are some examples:
– ☎️🏠 – Can hide a real name and only show relevant emojis instead.
– @_@ – Special characters can obscure a name.
– ️🌈 – Emojis can also be used creatively in a name.
The downside is that this may also affect your visibility if people don’t recognize you from just symbols. It can also show up oddly on some devices.
Method 5: Change Your Name Legally
The most permanent solution if you really want to hide your identity is to legally change your name and then update it on WhatsApp. This will completely dissociate you from your old name.
However, this is obviously an extreme step just to change your WhatsApp name, and comes with major hassles like updating your name on all legal documents, accounts and records. But it is an option if you want to separate yourself fully from your old name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting my WhatsApp account remove my name?
Yes, deleting your WhatsApp account will remove your profile and name completely. However, this means you lose your chat history and have to sign up again using the same number. Your name will reappear when you reactivate the same account.
Can I hide my name from specific contacts only?
Yes, as mentioned in Method 3, you can set a custom name to show for specific contacts only. Your default name will still show to other contacts.
Is hiding my WhatsApp name legal?
In most cases, yes it is legal to modify or hide your name as you choose. However, in some instances like fraud, impersonation or deception it could be illegal. Ensure you are hiding your name just for personal reasons, not anything unlawful.
Will my contacts see if I change my WhatsApp name?
No, WhatsApp does not notify your contacts if you change your display name in your profile settings. The change will just reflect next time they view your contact details.
Can someone else see my name if I hide it?
If you completely hide your name using Method 1, even your contacts won’t see it. However, your mobile carrier can still identify you by your number. Your name may also appear if you are in any common WhatsApp groups.
Conclusion
Hiding your WhatsApp name is possible for privacy or personal reasons using these methods. The easiest options are:
– Temporarily hiding all profile details using privacy settings.
– Creating a new account with an alternate number and custom name.
– Setting a distinct name to show only for certain contacts.
– Using symbols, emojis or Unicode characters in your name.
Permanently changing your legal name is the most drastic approach. Consider both the advantages and disadvantages of hiding your WhatsApp name before doing so. With over 2 billion users, being able to control your privacy on WhatsApp is important.