"WhatsApp" has announced that over 3 billion of its users will be able to start reserving their unique usernames – a long-awaited feature that will, for the first time, allow communication within the app without the need to share a phone number. The Meta Platforms-owned service is expanding its focus on privacy and control, giving people a new way to be discovered and exchange messages.
When and how usernames will work
According to the company, usernames will officially appear later this year, and the reservation period begins this week so that users can claim their desired names before the full launch. The feature will be rolled out in stages across different countries, and users will receive notifications when reservation becomes available in their region.
Users who have access to the new option can reserve a name by going to "Settings → Account → Username" in the latest version of the app. The name must contain between 3 and 35 characters and not violate company policies. "WhatsApp" specifies that there will not be a public directory of names and it will not automatically suggest variations – a person who wants to message you for the first time must know your username "exactly".
Phone number remains, but can now be hidden from new contacts
A phone number will still be required to create a "WhatsApp" account. The new change is that once a username is set up, new contacts do not need to see your number to start a chat. Thus, the app introduces a layer of anonymity and data protection, which is especially important for people who do not wish to share their phone numbers in groups or public profiles.
In addition, "WhatsApp" is adding an optional "username key" – an additional identifier that a person must know along with the name in order to send a message. This provides another level of control over incoming contacts: even if the username is known, without the key, the first contact will not be possible.
Brands, organizations, and creators: protection against impersonators
Companies, organizations, and creators who already have accounts on "Instagram" or "Facebook" will have the opportunity to reserve the same usernames on "WhatsApp". To prevent impersonation, the app will reserve names for well-known individuals and organizations – including celebrities, public figures, and government institutions.
"Meta" emphasizes that the reservation procedure is designed to avoid duplicates in the huge base of over 3 billion users. Each username must be unique. Users can change their name or disable the feature at any time if they prefer to continue using the traditional phone number identification model.
Limitations and future development
At this stage, "WhatsApp" does not offer the ability to scan a QR code that connects people solely by username – sharing the "nick" must be done verbally or via text. The feature is aimed at increasing security and control over contacts, rather than creating a public system for user discovery.
The introduction of usernames is an important step in the evolution of "WhatsApp" from a purely phone-based messenger to a platform where identity can be managed more flexibly. For over 3 billion users worldwide, this means more freedom to choose how they are discovered and who they open a communication channel to – without sacrificing the privacy of their phone numbers.