What to know
- Usernames let you chat on WhatsApp without displaying your phone number.
- Reservations are open now. Secure your preferred name before the feature launches.
- You can use an existing Instagram or Facebook username, or try WhatsApp’s generator.
- The feature will roll out gradually, and you’ll be notified when it’s available in your country.
Ever hesitated to give your phone number to someone you just met, but still wanted to stay in touch? Now, WhatsApp is rolling out usernames, a feature designed to help you connect more privately.
In anticipation of the feature’s launch later this year, WhatsApp has begun allowing users to reserve usernames.
According to WhatsApp, the early reservation period is designed to help users secure unique usernames before they’re made available globally.
“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,” a news release explained.
How to pick a username?
For those who are indecisive about choosing a username, the app also has a username generator.
For small businesses, creators and organizations, they can claim their existing Instagram or Facebook username for WhatsApp, too.
Once the launch goes into effect and you enable your username, people will no longer see your phone number.
Why this feature?
The new feature is aimed at giving users more control over their privacy.
Instead of sharing a personal phone number, users will be able to connect using a username once the feature becomes available.
“A phone number is personal and it’s tied to so many parts of your life. Sometimes you just want to chat without handing over your digits,” the news release explained.
The company says businesses, creators and organizations will also be able to use their existing Instagram or Facebook usernames, where available, to make it easier for people to find them.
How to reserve your username
To reserve a username:
- Update WhatsApp to the latest version.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Account.
- Select Username.
- Choose your preferred username or use WhatsApp’s built-in username generator if your first choice isn’t available.
Once the feature officially launches in your region and you enable your username, other users will be able to connect with you without seeing your phone number.
When will the feature launch?
WhatsApp says usernames will roll out gradually over the coming months.
The company will notify users when the feature becomes available in their country.
The update brings WhatsApp closer to other messaging platforms, including Telegram, Signal and Discord, which already allow users to connect through usernames instead of phone numbers. The feature has long been one of WhatsApp’s most requested privacy additions.
For many users, the change could make it easier to connect with classmates, coworkers, marketplace buyers and sellers, or new acquaintances without having to disclose a personal phone number.
