The messaging platform announced that users can begin reserving their preferred usernames this week ahead of the feature’s official rollout later this year.
The update is designed to give users greater control over their privacy, especially when chatting with people they have just met.
“Your phone number is personal, and sometimes you want to connect without handing it over,” WhatsApp said.
WhatsApp introduces usernames, enabling users to chat securely without disclosing personal phone numbers. Photo/X/ whatsapp
The company believes the feature will make conversations safer while allowing users to communicate more comfortably.
WhatsApp Usernames reservation begins
WhatsApp said users can reserve a unique username by updating to the latest version of the app and navigating to Settings > Account > Username.
Because more than three billion people use the platform, the company has opened reservations early to give everyone a fair opportunity to secure their preferred name.
If a chosen username is unavailable, users can also use WhatsApp’s built-in username generator to create a suitable alternative.
“We’re opening reservations early so everyone has the opportunity to select the username that matters to them,” the company explained.
Businesses, creators and organisations will also be able to claim the same usernames they already use on Instagram or Facebook to maintain a consistent online identity.
More privacy and better control
The new feature has been designed with privacy at its core.
Unlike other social platforms, WhatsApp will not create a public username directory or recommend usernames to other users.
Instead, someone will need to know your exact username before contacting you for the first time.
To provide an additional layer of protection, WhatsApp is introducing an optional username key that users can enable to control who is able to send them messages.
“People will need to know your exact username to contact you,” WhatsApp stated.
your phone number is personal and sometimes you want to connect without handing it over. that’s why we’re introducing usernames for WhatsApp.
starting this week, you can reserve a username to use later this year when we launch the feature. It takes just a few seconds, make sure…
Once the feature becomes available, users who enable usernames will no longer need to reveal their phone numbers when starting conversations with new people or businesses.
The company said this will make joining community groups, neighbourhood chats and other online discussions much safer and more convenient.
WhatsApp plans to roll out usernames gradually over the coming months and will notify users within the app when the feature becomes available in their country.
The latest update marks another step in WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to improve user privacy while making communication simpler, safer and more secure for billions of people worldwide.
