The race to grab the best WhatsApp usernames has officially started. This week, Meta's messaging platform launched global username reservations, allowing users to chat without sharing their phone number. However, not everyone can claim a desired name: profiles of celebrities, public figures, and government entities are protected by an anti-spoofing system that prevents fake identities from being registered.
How to reserve a WhatsApp username
To reserve a username, users need to go to Settings, then Account, where a new Username tab appears. Here, they can create a new name or import one from Instagram or Facebook. WhatsApp also offers an automatic username generator, but users can choose their own handle, as long as it is not already reserved by a verified profile or a protected similar name. Alice Newton-Rex, Vice President of Product at WhatsApp, explained that usernames are optional and designed to give users control over who sees their phone number. Users can change or remove their username at any time, and it does not have to match account names on other apps.
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A notable feature is the ability to add an extra layer of security: users can set a unique four-digit PIN that, together with the username, must be known for someone to contact them. This means even if someone knows your username, they cannot message you without the PIN unless authorized. This functionality mirrors what Signal introduced in 2024. Newton-Rex confirmed that the operation will be very similar.
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Protection of high-profile names and blocked look-alikes
WhatsApp stated that the most sought-after names, such as those of celebrities or government entities, are held back and can only be claimed by their legitimate owners. Additionally, look-alike derivatives, such as combinations of letters and numbers mimicking a famous name, are automatically blocked. Attempting to register '@k1mkarda$hian' will not be possible. During the global reservation period, users have priority for names already associated with their Facebook or Instagram accounts, but the hold does not last forever. It is advisable to take advantage of the launch window to secure the desired handle.
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This move by WhatsApp fits into a broader context of digital privacy awareness. Recently, the US Supreme Court limited geofence warrants, a major win for data protection. Meanwhile, WhatsApp has opened username reservations worldwide to offer greater privacy. For those wanting more details, a previous article explains how to claim your handle. According to analysts, adoption could be very high, as Newton-Rex suggested, but the rollout will determine the real impact.
For further information on the functioning of usernames in messaging apps, you can consult the Wikipedia page on WhatsApp.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-reserve-your-whatsapp-username-before-it-goes-live
