WhatsApp is rolling out a new username field for contacts, giving users another way to save people alongside their name and phone number as the company prepares for a wider username launch. The field appears directly inside the contact creation screen, making it easier to keep a person’s WhatsApp handle linked to their saved contact details.
The change follows WhatsApp’s recent username reservation rollout and the first activation of usernames for select users. Once the feature reaches more accounts, users will be able to identify and contact people through usernames while keeping their phone numbers private in supported situations.
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WhatsApp username field is rolling out now
WABetaInfo reports that the new username field appears between the name section and phone number field when users create a new contact. Users can find it by opening the Chats tab, tapping the “+” button, and selecting “New contact.”
Users who already have a WhatsApp username can share it with other people, who can then save the handle together with the contact’s name and phone number. When usernames become more widely available, WhatsApp also plans to fill this field automatically when users create a contact directly from a chat information screen.
The feature is currently appearing for some users on both beta and stable versions of WhatsApp for iPhone and Android. However, the rollout remains limited, so the username field will not appear for every account yet.
Saving a username also helps WhatsApp connect a person’s saved name with their handle, which should make username-based conversations easier to identify later. Username contacts can also work with status updates when both people have saved each other and their privacy settings allow sharing.
WhatsApp has not announced a date for the full username rollout, but the new contact field shows that the company is preparing the app for wider support. Users can check for the feature by installing the latest WhatsApp update and opening the new contact screen.
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