WhatsApp usernames are coming soon, and users can already reserve their preferred handle before the feature officially launches. The Meta-owned messaging app has started rolling out username reservations, giving its massive user base a chance to secure a unique name in advance.
The feature is not fully active yet, meaning you cannot use a WhatsApp username to chat with people right away. However, you can claim your username now and begin using it once WhatsApp enables the feature later this year.
The biggest benefit of WhatsApp usernames is privacy. Instead of sharing your phone number with someone, you will be able to share your username. This could be especially useful for people who want to stay reachable on WhatsApp without exposing their personal number.
For example, freelancers, creators, sellers, community managers, and business owners may find usernames more convenient than phone numbers. A simple username is easier to remember, easier to share, and safer for people who want better control over their personal contact details.
Businesses may also benefit from the update. Instead of asking customers to save or type a phone number, a brand could simply share a recognizable WhatsApp username. This could make customer communication faster and more professional.
How to reserve your WhatsApp username
To claim your WhatsApp username, open the app and go to Settings.
From there, tap Account.
Under the “Your Account” section, select the Username option.
If you are setting up a username for the first time, you should see a “Create username” option.
Type the username you want and check if it is available.
If your chosen username is already taken, WhatsApp may suggest alternative options. You can tap the “suggest a username” option to see available variations.
WhatsApp is also reserving certain usernames linked to public figures, brands, and organizations. This means some names may not be available for regular users, even if they appear unused.
If you already use a username on Facebook or Instagram, WhatsApp may allow you to log in through one of those services and reserve the same handle. This could help users keep a consistent identity across Meta’s apps.
After creating a username, you can return to the same menu later if you want to make changes. WhatsApp allows you to edit your username by tapping the “Edit” button in the upper-right corner. You can also delete your username if you no longer want to use it.
WhatsApp is also adding a username key for extra privacy. This feature gives users more control over who can contact them for the first time.
Inside the username menu, you can choose whether “Everyone” can contact you or limit access to “People who know my key.” If you choose the second option, anyone who wants to message you using your username will also need to enter a four-digit key before contacting you for the first time.
Users can save their current key or generate a new one whenever they want. This adds another layer of protection against unwanted messages and makes WhatsApp usernames more secure than simply making a username searchable by everyone.
The username feature is expected to become available in the coming weeks. For now, WhatsApp is letting users reserve names early to prevent duplication and make sure people can secure their preferred handles before the full rollout begins.
Once active, WhatsApp usernames could become one of the app’s most important privacy-focused updates. By reducing the need to share phone numbers, the feature may change how people connect on WhatsApp, especially for business communication, online communities, and casual conversations with new contacts.
