WhatsApp has started rolling out username reservations ahead of the official launch of its long-awaited usernames feature later this year, giving users a new way to connect without sharing their phone numbers with new contacts, businesses, or groups.
Since more than three billion people use the app, WhatsApp wants everyone to get a fair chance to reserve the username they want before the feature becomes widely available.
According to the WhatsApp blog, users can reserve a username by opening Settings > Account > Username on the latest version of the app. If the name you want is already taken, WhatsApp also offers a built in username generator. Creators, organizations, and small businesses can also claim their existing Instagram or Facebook username to keep the same identity across Meta’s platforms.
WhatsApp usernames add another privacy layer
In its announcement, WhatsApp explained why the company decided to introduce usernames.
“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.”
WhatsApp also confirmed that once usernames become available in the coming months, people and businesses you contact for the first time will no longer see your phone number if you choose to use your username.
During the reservation period, users can set a four digit username key, which WhatsApp will later upgrade to an alphanumeric code when the feature officially launches.
The company said it will roll out username reservations gradually across the world and notify users inside the app when the feature becomes available in their country.
