- WhatsApp is working on a long-awaited new username feature
- The latest beta version allows you to reserve a username for yourself
- This feature is expected to be rolled out more widely soon.
WhatsApp is frequently touted as a private messenger (although that reputation is often questioned), but there’s one glaring weakness in its security: you have to give out your phone number when adding people to your contacts book. This presents opportunities for less scrupulous people to use your number for spam and other unwanted behavior.
WhatsApp has spent years working on a solution in the form of usernames, which would allow you to choose a carefully selected name instead of your number. And according to WABetaInfo sleuths, WhatsApp will let you reserve a username before the system goes live, ensuring you can use whatever name you want. The latest development suggests that this new feature could be just around the corner.
Interestingly, WABetaInfo first mentioned the ability to reserve a WhatsApp username in connection with a previous Android update in early October 2025. However, the latest beta adds to that work, and WABetaInfo maintains that the developer’s continued efforts on this feature suggest that it “may be rolling out soon.”
With the latest beta version, WhatsApp has apparently refined the username reservation process, aiming to “provide users with a smoother and more optimized experience from the start.” The update is available as part of the WhatsApp trial program on the Google Play Store, so you can try it out for yourself.
How can I reserve a username?
It doesn’t look like the ability to reserve a username is widely available yet, although WABetaInfo screenshots suggest it will be available soon.
While the website does not explain how you will be able to reserve a username, screenshots provided by WABetaInfo suggest that it could be located on your WhatsApp profile page under the Username heading.
When choosing a username, you must comply with WhatsApp rules, which specify that a name cannot contain elements of a website (such as “www.” or “.com”), must contain at least one letter, and cannot duplicate a name in your contact list. Each username must also be unique and must not conflict with that of any other user.
Additionally, you’ll have the option to add a username key, which is a code that new contacts must enter in order to send you messages using your username. That should prevent unknown people from sending you unwanted text messages and message requests.
Stay tuned for updates from WhatsApp as the username reservation feature is expected to roll out more widely soon. When that happens, you could get a better way to contact other people while better preserving your privacy.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to receive news, reviews and opinions from our experts in your feeds. Be sure to click the Follow button!
And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form and receive regular updates from us on WhatsApp also.
