WhatsApp has begun rolling out username reservations, introducing a new privacy feature that will allow users to communicate with new contacts without sharing their phone numbers.
The company said username reservations began this week ahead of the feature’s full launch later this year. Users will receive in-app notifications when the option becomes available in their respective countries.
According to WhatsApp, the feature is designed to give users greater control over their privacy by allowing conversations to begin using unique usernames instead of personal phone numbers.
The company said usernames are intended to make connecting with new people more private.
“Sharing a phone number can feel like a big step. That’s because a phone number is personal and it’s tied to so many parts of your life. Sometimes you just want to chat without handing over your digits,” WhatsApp said.
“That’s why we’re introducing usernames for WhatsApp.”
WhatsApp said it opened reservations ahead of the official launch because of its more than three billion users, noting that many people are likely to want similar usernames.
“Starting this week, you can reserve a username to use later this year when we launch this feature. With over three billion people on WhatsApp, a lot of names overlap, which is why we’re opening reservations early so everyone has the opportunity to select the username that matters to them,” the company said.
The platform added that usernames are intended to remain private, with no public directory or search feature. Anyone wishing to contact a user for the first time must already know the person’s exact username.
Once the feature becomes fully available, users and businesses initiating conversations will no longer see recipients’ phone numbers.
WhatsApp is also introducing an optional security feature known as a “username key,” which requires first-time contacts to enter a unique verification key before sending messages.
The company said creators, businesses and organisations will be able to claim usernames that match their existing Instagram or Facebook identities, allowing them to maintain a consistent presence across Meta’s platforms.
For users who do not wish to create their own usernames, WhatsApp will provide an automatic username generator that suggests available options.
Username reservations can be completed through Settings > Account > Username on the latest version of the app.
WhatsApp said the feature will be rolled out gradually over the coming months.
