In a major privacy-focused update, WhatsApp has started allowing users to reserve unique usernames, marking one of the platform’s biggest changes since its inception. The feature, which is being rolled out gradually, will eventually let people connect with others on WhatsApp without having to share their phone numbers.
To reserve a username, users need to update to the latest version of the app and head to Settings > Account > Username. However, the feature is not yet available to everyone and will be enabled in phases across different regions. Users will receive an in-app notification once they gain access.
Unlike other social platforms, WhatsApp said it will not have a public username directory or search system. Users will need to know a person’s exact username to initiate contact. The company is also introducing an optional “username key”, which adds another layer of privacy by requiring a code alongside the username before someone can reach out.
The update is also aimed at creators, businesses and organisations, which will be able to claim usernames that match their existing identities on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. To curb impersonation, WhatsApp has already reserved handles for celebrities, public figures and government entities.
The move addresses one of the biggest privacy concerns associated with WhatsApp, where users often have to share their phone numbers to start conversations. By introducing usernames, WhatsApp is moving closer to rivals such as Telegram and Signal, which have long offered phone number-free interactions while keeping personal contact information private.
