WhatsApp has introduced a new feature allowing users to reserve a unique username, a significant step toward greater privacy. Usernames can be between 3 and 40 characters long and will enable communication without revealing your phone number. This long-awaited change marks a radical shift in how we interact on the popular messaging platform.
How to reserve your username on WhatsApp
To reserve a username, users need to go to the app settings and look for the new dedicated section. The system will check availability and, if the name is free, associate it with your account. It is advisable to act quickly, as the most desired usernames may be taken soon. WhatsApp has already started a gradual rollout, so not all users will see the option immediately. For now, the feature is only available on devices updated to the latest version of the app.
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Privacy benefits for users
The introduction of usernames aims to solve one of the most common issues: the forced sharing of phone numbers. Until now, to contact someone on WhatsApp, you needed their number, exposing users to potential spam or unwanted contacts. With a username, you can start a conversation simply by searching for the username, keeping your number private. This is especially useful for professionals, businesses, and anyone wanting to separate personal and work life. Moreover, the feature integrates with existing privacy settings, allowing you to decide who can see your username and who cannot.
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Timeline and availability of the feature
According to early reports, username reservation is already active in some countries and should expand globally in the coming weeks. WhatsApp has stated that the feature will be available to all users by the end of summer 2026. To reserve your username, simply open the app, go to Settings, and follow the instructions. It is recommended to choose a name that is easy to remember yet original, as duplicates are not allowed. The possibility to change your username later is not yet clear, but it is likely to be time-limited.
This development fits into a broader context of privacy awareness in messaging apps. Other platforms like Telegram have long had usernames, proving their effectiveness. WhatsApp, owned by Meta, seems to be catching up. For more on digital privacy, you can read the article about California's new streaming ad regulations, which cover similar user protection aspects. Additionally, it is interesting to see how artificial intelligence is influencing messaging, as demonstrated by Connor Christou using AI to interpret PET scans, an example of technology improving daily life. According to Wikipedia, WhatsApp is the most used messaging app worldwide, with over 2 billion active users, and this new feature could change many habits.
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Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/29/whatsapp-not-lets-you-reserve-usernames
