- WhatsApp implements the option to reserve unique usernames
- Username reservations will reach users around the world starting this week.
- They are designed to make communication through WhatsApp “even more private”
WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, but not everyone feels comfortable giving their phone number to a stranger to start a chat. Fortunately, Meta is rolling out a new feature to help change that.
Today (June 29), Meta announced the arrival of WhatsApp usernames, which the company says will roll out to more than three billion users. Starting this week, you’ll be able to reserve a username that you can use when the tool fully launches in the coming months.
Since there are a lot of users on WhatsApp, Meta is opening reservations in advance so you can claim one that’s exclusive to you before someone else takes it. Meta also makes it easy for organizations and small businesses to claim theirs, and owners will have the option to claim their existing Facebook and Instagram username for their WhatsApp account.
Adding new contacts to WhatsApp is already quite simple: all you have to do is simply enter their number and a pop-up will appear saying “this person is using WhatsApp.” But the addition of usernames paves the way for an even more convenient and private way to add new contacts, in line with how other social media platforms work.
Meta added that “the usernames are [our] “last step to make WhatsApp even more private” in its announcement. For one thing, Meta says there’s no search feature that lets you find someone via username like you can on Instagram: there’s no directory to navigate, no suggestions or results.
If someone wants to add you as a contact, they’ll need to know your exact username if they want to add you. Additionally, Meta has also integrated an optional four-digit password that you can enable and that others will need to enter if they want to add you.
How to reserve your username
The first step is to make sure your WhatsApp app is updated. Then, once username reservations have been implemented in your region, head to Settings > Account > Username.
Meta says it will notify you in the WhatsApp app when usernames are available in your country. He added that “we will be rolling out usernames gradually over the next few months,” so you may have to be patient to see the option.
Usernames have been working on WhatsApp for a while. Username reservations were first detected in October 2025, and in April, users spotted a tool in the beta version of the service that allowed them to create their own username, but it was only available to a very limited number of users.
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