WhatsApp users can now reserve a unique username ahead of a major privacy update that will allow them to join groups and chat with new contacts without sharing their phone numbers. The feature, expected to launch later this year, lets users connect using a chosen username while keeping their phone number private.
Early Reservation Now Open
Early reservation is live, enabling users to secure their preferred username before the feature rolls out. WhatsApp stated: "You can reserve a username to use later this year when we launch this feature. With over three billion people on WhatsApp a lot of names overlap, which is why we're opening reservations early so everyone has the opportunity to select the username that matters to them."
WhatsApp added: "For most people, choosing a WhatsApp username should be something unique that only people you want to contact you will know. If you need help picking one, we have a username generator to make one work just for you. We also know that some people like creators, small businesses, and organisations may want to maintain a consistent presence online. For them, we reserved an option to claim their existing Instagram or Facebook username on WhatsApp."
Privacy and Security Enhancements
Usernames are part of WhatsApp's ongoing effort to enhance privacy. The company explained: "Usernames are our latest step to make WhatsApp even more private. There's no directory to browse and no suggestions – people will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time. To help control who can reach you on WhatsApp with your username, we've built an optional username key that others will need to know to message you."
Once the feature launches, when a user messages a person or business for the first time, their phone number will no longer be visible if they have enabled their username.
How to Reserve Your WhatsApp Username
To reserve a username, open WhatsApp, go to Settings > Account, then select Username. WhatsApp noted: "We'll be rolling out usernames gradually over the coming months and will notify you in WhatsApp when they're available in your country."
