In one of its biggest privacy-focused updates in recent years, WhatsApp has started rolling out username reservations globally. The feature allows users to reserve a unique username before usernames become available for everyone later this year. This comes a few weeks after a report in April claimed WhatsApp had started rolling out usernames in order to let users chat without sharing phone numbers.
Once the feature rolls out to your account, you’ll receive an in-app notification and can reserve a username by heading to Settings. WhatsApp says reservations are opening early because, with more than three billion users worldwide, many people are expected to compete for the same usernames.
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How to reserve your WhatsApp username
To reserve a username, update WhatsApp to the latest version and navigate to Settings > Account > Username on Android. On iPhone, the option appears under your profile settings once it becomes available. Users will receive an in-app notification as the rollout reaches their account.
WhatsApp is also allowing creators, businesses and organisations to claim usernames that match their existing Instagram or Facebook handles, provided they are available. High-profile usernames belonging to celebrities, public figures and government entities have already been reserved by WhatsApp to reduce the risk of impersonation.
Feature rules and restrictions
Unlike traditional WhatsApp accounts, usernames will let users chat with new people, businesses, and groups without revealing their phone numbers. The company says the feature is optional and is designed to give users greater control over who can see their phone number.
WhatsApp has made it clear that usernames are not intended to function like social media handles. There will be no public directory or recommendation system for discovering users. Instead, someone will need to know your exact username before they can contact you for the first time.
The company is also introducing an optional username key, which acts as an additional layer of protection. Even if someone knows your username, they will need this key before starting a conversation if you choose to enable the feature. Usernames can also differ from your Instagram, Facebook or other social media handles, although matching names can be claimed where eligible.
Impact on privacy
Usernames address one of WhatsApp’s biggest privacy limitations by allowing users to connect without sharing their phone numbers with strangers. The feature brings WhatsApp closer to messaging platforms such as Telegram and Signal, both of which already support username-based communication. However, unlike Telegram, WhatsApp is prioritising privacy by avoiding searchable username directories.
For most users, reserving a preferred username early is a sensible move, especially if they want a handle that matches their identity across other platforms. That said, the feature itself will roll out gradually over the coming months, so even after reserving a username, you’ll need to wait until WhatsApp enables username-based messaging in your region.
