WhatsApp is preparing to roll out one of its most anticipated features: usernames. If you’re wondering how to reserve a WhatsApp username, the platform has already begun allowing eligible users to reserve their preferred handles before the global launch.
Similar to Telegram, WhatsApp usernames will let people connect and save contacts without sharing their phone numbers, offering an extra layer of privacy for the platform’s more than 3 billion monthly active users.
Keep in mind that enabling a username only protects your phone number in new conversations. Anyone who already has your phone number through existing chats or shared groups will still be able to see it.
WhatsApp has opened WhatsApp username reservations starting this week, giving users the opportunity to claim the same handle they use on Instagram, X, Telegram, or other platforms before usernames officially roll out worldwide. The feature will be released gradually over the coming months, and users will receive a notification once it becomes available in their country.
“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 said.
The rollout will happen in phases across different regions, and WhatsApp says it will notify users when the feature becomes available in their country. Users running the latest version of WhatsApp can already check whether they are eligible to reserve a username.
How to Reserve a WhatsApp Username
If you’re looking for how to reserve a WhatsApp username, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Go to Settings > Account > Username.
- If the feature is available in your region, create your preferred username. If it hasn’t launched yet, you’ll have the option to reserve one ahead of the public rollout.
- Enter your desired username. WhatsApp will instantly check whether it’s available.
- If your preferred username has already been taken, WhatsApp will suggest similar alternatives.
- Once you’ve selected an available username, tap Save, then Done to complete the reservation.
You can also change your WhatsApp username later, as long as the new username is still available.
Extra Protections Against Impersonation and Spam
WhatsApp will allow individuals and businesses to reserve the same usernames they already use on Instagram or Facebook, helping reduce impersonation and making it easier for people to find authentic accounts.
The company has also reserved usernames for celebrities, politicians, public figures, and other notable accounts. Those protected usernames cannot be claimed by anyone else, meaning users with the same name will need to choose a different handle.
To reduce spam and unwanted messages, WhatsApp will not include a searchable public username directory. Instead, anyone who wants to contact you will need to know your exact username.
The platform is also introducing an optional username key, a PIN-like security feature that adds another layer of protection. Even if your username becomes public, strangers won’t be able to message you unless they also know your username key.
“There’s no directory to browse and no suggestions—people will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time,” WhatsApp said. “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.”
The username feature will be available on both WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business.
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