BSUID (Business-Scoped User ID)

The BSUID (Business-Scoped User ID) is a Meta-internal identifier that marks a WhatsApp user in the context of a specific business — without exposing their phone number. It was introduced alongside WhatsApp usernames in 2026.

What is the BSUID?

The BSUID (Business-Scoped User ID) is a Meta-internal identifier that marks a WhatsApp user in the context of a specific business, without exposing their phone number. It was introduced together with WhatsApp usernames in 2026.

Why the BSUID exists

Until now the phone number was the single key to every chat. Once users hide their number behind a personal username, a different way is needed to identify them reliably. That is exactly what the BSUID provides: a business can still message a user even when the number is hidden or unknown. The "business-scoped" part means a user can have different BSUIDs across different businesses.

What it means in practice

The BSUID is a Meta concept close to the WhatsApp Business API. Meta stores it in each business's contact book, and providers and platforms adapt their systems to it. For the business username itself, the company number stays visible. The guide Set up a WhatsApp Business username shows how to create it.