WhatsApp has begun rolling out username reservations, a new privacy feature that will allow users to connect with others without sharing their phone numbers.
The messaging platform announced this in a statement on Monday.
WhatsApp said username reservations started on Monday, June 29, ahead of the full launch of the feature later this year. Users will be notified in the app once the option becomes available to them.
According to the company, the feature is designed to give users greater control over their privacy by enabling them to communicate with new contacts using a unique username instead of their personal phone number.
There will be no public directory or username suggestions. Anyone wishing to contact a user for the first time must know the person’s exact username.
WhatsApp also introduced an optional “username key” — an additional security feature that requires first-time contacts to enter a unique key before they can send a message. This provides extra protection against unwanted messages.
“Starting this week, you can reserve a username to use later this year when we launch this feature.
“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.
“For most people, choosing a WhatsApp username should be something unique that only people you want to contact you will know,” the company said.
WhatsApp explained that the feature addresses situations where users want to communicate with new acquaintances or participate in group conversations without revealing their phone numbers.
Creators, small businesses, and organisations will also have the option of claiming the same usernames they already use on Instagram or Facebook to maintain a consistent online identity across Meta’s platforms.
Users who prefer not to create a username can use a built-in generator to suggest available options.
Once usernames are fully launched and enabled, people or businesses contacting users for the first time will no longer see their phone numbers.
Reserving a username takes only a few seconds via Settings > Account > Username on the latest version of WhatsApp.
The company said the feature would be rolled out gradually over the coming months, with users receiving in-app notifications when it becomes available in their countries.
