If you use WhatsApp, Meta has introduced a new way to manage how people find and contact you: personalized usernames. The company is now allowing users to reserve a unique username ahead of the feature’s wider release later this year. Reserving a username gives you control over a publicly visible identifier that others can use to message you without seeing your phone number, once the feature is fully implemented.
When usernames are active across WhatsApp, initiating a first-time conversation using someone’s username will keep that person’s phone number hidden from the sender. WhatsApp has designed the system with privacy in mind: there will be no public directory or discovery tool listing usernames, and the app will not provide suggestions to find people. Instead, someone must know an exact username to begin a conversation. For users who want extra protection, WhatsApp will offer an optional “username key” — a secondary PIN that must be provided before others can send messages to that username. This approach aims to reduce unsolicited contact and provide a safer way to communicate without sharing phone numbers.
For everyday users, WhatsApp recommends selecting a username that is unique and shared only with trusted contacts to limit exposure. To help users who struggle with choosing a name, the app will include a built-in username generator that suggests available options. This tool can speed up the process while helping people pick secure and non-identifying handles if they prefer to maintain anonymity.
Creators, small businesses, and organizations that already maintain consistent handles on other Meta platforms will see additional options. Verified creators and brands may be able to claim their existing Instagram or Facebook handles for use on WhatsApp, helping maintain a unified presence across Meta’s services. That capability should simplify brand management by ensuring the same username appears across platforms, though access to these options may be limited to accounts that meet specific criteria.
The rollout is gradual: WhatsApp has begun the first phase this week and will expand availability over the coming months. To see whether you can reserve a username now, update to the latest version of WhatsApp and check the Settings menu. The path to reserve a username is Settings > Account > Username. If your region is included in the initial release, you will be able to claim an optional username immediately through that screen. If not, WhatsApp will notify users directly in the app once the feature becomes available in their area.
This username system is designed to balance ease of contact with privacy protections. By allowing people to message with usernames instead of phone numbers, WhatsApp reduces the need to share sensitive contact information. The optional username key adds a second layer of security for users who want stricter controls over who can reach them. At the same time, the lack of a searchable directory limits unwanted discovery but requires that users share their exact handle with anyone they want to hear from.
As the feature rolls out, expect WhatsApp to refine the user experience and provide guidance on best practices for selecting and managing usernames. Keep your app updated and check the Account settings page if you want to reserve a username early. Reserving a name now can ensure you secure a desired handle before wider availability, especially if you plan to use the username for personal privacy, professional branding, or to maintain continuity across Meta platforms.