Messaging platform introduces usernames to improve privacy and reduce the need to share phone numbers.
WhatsApp has begun rolling out username reservations, marking a major step toward reducing reliance on phone numbers for connecting with users on the messaging platform.
The Meta-owned service said users will be able to reserve usernames starting this week, although the feature itself will be introduced gradually later this year. WhatsApp plans to notify users when usernames become available in their respective countries.
The long-awaited feature has been under development for several years and is designed to give users more privacy when communicating, particularly in large groups and communities.
WhatsApp said phone numbers are often linked to many aspects of a person’s life, making them highly personal. Usernames will allow people to connect and chat without necessarily sharing their mobile numbers.
The feature is expected to be especially useful in group conversations, where participants may not know each other personally but still need to communicate. By using usernames, users can maintain a greater degree of privacy while interacting with others.
To help users secure a unique identity on the platform, WhatsApp will offer a built-in username generator. Given the platform’s more than three billion users worldwide, competition for popular usernames is expected to be intense.
Once the reservation feature becomes available, users will be able to claim a username through the Settings menu by tapping their profile picture. WhatsApp will also allow users to adopt the same username they use on Facebook or Instagram, creating greater consistency across Meta’s family of apps.
Unlike some social media platforms, WhatsApp said it will not introduce a public username directory or browsing system. Users will need to know another person’s exact username before initiating contact.
The company is also introducing an optional security feature known as a username key. When enabled, other users will need to enter the key before they can send a message, providing an additional layer of protection against unwanted contact and spam.
The rollout represents one of WhatsApp’s most significant privacy-focused updates in recent years as the platform continues expanding its communication tools beyond traditional phone number-based messaging.
