For years, your phone number has been your identity on WhatsApp. That is about to change.
WhatsApp has started rolling out username reservations, giving users the chance to secure a unique username before the feature launches worldwide. Once available, people will be able to connect with others without sharing their personal phone numbers.
The update marks one of WhatsApp’s biggest privacy improvements in years. Instead of handing out your phone number to every new contact, you will be able to share a username while keeping your number private.
Users can reserve a username through Settings > Account > Username as the feature becomes available in their region. WhatsApp says the rollout will happen in stages, and eligible users will receive an in-app notification when they can claim a username.
Each username must contain between 3 and 35 characters. It can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. If your preferred username is unavailable, WhatsApp will suggest similar alternatives.
Unlike many social media platforms, WhatsApp will not create a public directory of usernames. Someone will only be able to message you if they already know your username, helping reduce unwanted contact and improving privacy.
The company is also introducing an optional username key for added protection. Users can share this key with trusted contacts to verify they are connecting with the right person and reduce the risk of impersonation.
Creators, businesses, and organizations will also benefit from the new system. Eligible accounts will be able to reserve the same username they already use on Instagram or Facebook, making it easier for people to find official accounts across Meta’s platforms.
To prevent abuse, WhatsApp is reserving usernames for celebrities, public figures, and major organizations. The move aims to limit impersonation before usernames become widely available.
The update may appear small, but it changes how people connect on WhatsApp. Whether you are chatting with someone you met at an event, buying from an online seller, or speaking with a business, you will no longer need to reveal your personal phone number just to start a conversation.
With more than three billion users worldwide, WhatsApp is opening username reservations early to give people the best chance of claiming the name they want. It is a simple feature, but one that could reshape how billions of people use the world’s most popular messaging app.
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