WhatsApp has officially launched username reservations, a long-anticipated feature that will change how people communicate on the platform. Every user can now choose a unique handle to hide their phone number, boosting privacy and security in conversations. The rollout comes after months of speculation and beta testing, and fits into a broader strategy to reduce reliance on phone numbers as primary identifiers.
WhatsApp username reservations roll out gradually this week
The feature is not available to everyone at once. WhatsApp will send a notification when a username can be reserved. The company says the gradual rollout ensures stability and gives over three billion users the opportunity to select the name that matters to them. Once enabled, go to Settings > Account > Username to choose a handle between 3 and 35 characters. Usernames are optional: those who prefer to keep using their phone number can do so without any change.
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How to reserve your WhatsApp username in a few steps
The process is simple and intuitive. After receiving the notification, open WhatsApp, tap the settings icon, then Account, and finally Username. Here you can type the desired name. WhatsApp recommends picking a unique name that only your contacts would recognize, to avoid confusion. If the username is available, it will be reserved immediately. Otherwise, you will be prompted to try another option. Importantly, there is no public directory of usernames: to start a conversation with someone, you need to know their exact username. As we detailed in a dedicated article, early reservations are designed to let everyone secure their preferred name.
Existing social media usernames can be claimed on WhatsApp
Content creators, small businesses, and organizations have an edge: they can claim the same username they already use on Instagram or Facebook. If you have an account on those platforms, you can select the "Use Instagram username" or "Use Facebook username" option during setup, as long as the name is not taken. This simplifies cross-platform consistency. For celebrities, WhatsApp has activated an anti-spoofing block, as covered in this analysis.
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No public directory and antispam protection with username key
Unlike other platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp does not offer a browsable list of usernames or discovery suggestions. To contact someone via username, you must know the exact handle. Additionally, an optional username key adds an extra layer of antispam protection: only those who possess the key can message you. This feature is designed for users who want full control over who can reach them, minimizing unwanted contacts.
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What changes for WhatsApp user privacy
With the introduction of usernames, privacy takes a leap forward. When you start a conversation with someone for the first time, if you have a username set, your phone number will no longer be displayed. This is a radical change from the traditional model where the number was the sole identifier. WhatsApp aims to create a safer environment, especially for users who do not want to share personal data with strangers. Username reservations will continue over the next few months, and once fully live, messaging on WhatsApp will become much more flexible and privacy-respecting.
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/06/29/whatsapp-username-reservations
