WhatsApp is rolling out usernames, a long-awaited feature that will allow users to connect with others without having to disclose their phone numbers, marking one of the platform’s biggest privacy enhancements in recent years.
The feature enters an early reservation phase this week, giving users the opportunity to secure their preferred usernames before its full rollout later this year. WhatsApp said the early reservation window is necessary because its more than three billion users increase the likelihood of duplicate name requests.
The messaging platform said the update is aimed at making it easier for people to start conversations in situations where exchanging phone numbers may feel unnecessary, such as meeting someone at an event, joining a neighbourhood or school group, or participating in community discussions.
When the feature becomes available, users who activate a username will be identified by that username instead of their phone number when someone contacts them for the first time. This is expected to offer greater control over personal information while making it easier to communicate with new contacts.
Unlike many social media platforms, WhatsApp said usernames will not be publicly searchable. There will be no user directory or username suggestions, meaning people can only initiate contact if they already know the exact username.
To provide an additional layer of protection against unwanted messages, the company is also introducing an optional username key, which users can enable to further control who can reach them.
Recognising that many creators, businesses and organisations already have established online identities, WhatsApp will also allow eligible users to reserve the same usernames they use on Instagram or Facebook, enabling greater consistency across Meta’s platforms.
To help users who are unable to secure their preferred names, WhatsApp has built a username generator that can recommend available alternatives.
Users running the latest version of WhatsApp can reserve a username by navigating to Settings, Account, and then Username. The company said the feature will be introduced gradually over the coming months, with users receiving in-app notifications once it becomes available in their country.
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