Meta has announced the opening of username reservations for WhatsApp, a long-awaited feature that will impact over three billion users worldwide. Starting today, users can reserve a unique handle, allowing them to communicate without sharing their phone number. This move follows months of development and beta testing, continuing Meta's push for enhanced privacy across its platforms.
Early reservation lets users secure a unique handle before full rollout
The reservation system is being offered ahead of the complete launch, which is expected in the coming months. Meta explained that given the billions of active users, it was necessary to allow everyone to choose their handle before someone else takes it. Organizations and small businesses will have priority in the reservation process, and owners of Facebook or Instagram accounts can transfer their existing username to WhatsApp. To reserve, simply update the app and navigate to Settings > Account > Username. An in-app notification will alert users when the feature becomes available in their region.
Sponsored Protocol
No search directory and optional four-digit PIN for secure contact addition
Unlike Instagram or Telegram, WhatsApp does not have a search engine that lets users find people by username. To add someone, you need to know their exact handle; there are no suggestions or browsing results. Additionally, Meta has integrated an optional four-digit PIN that the other person must enter to complete the contact addition. These measures are designed to make communication even more private, as the company emphasized in its announcement. The feature has been in development for a while: traces of reserved usernames first appeared in October 2025, and a beta preview was spotted in April 2026 for a limited number of users.
Sponsored Protocol
The introduction of usernames also simplifies contact management in professional or personal contexts, reducing the need to share phone numbers. For business owners, it can be a way to separate work and private communications. To learn more about how this new feature integrates with other recent WhatsApp updates, check out our dedicated article on username reservations. Additionally, stay informed about child safety measures by reading the study on failing safety features. Finally, a comparison with smart bulbs shows how small changes can improve daily experience. For further details, visit the official WhatsApp page or refer to the original article on TechRadar.
