WhatsApp introduces usernames to improve privacy for new chats

WhatsApp is preparing to launch usernames later this year, allowing users to connect with people and businesses without sharing their phone numbers. Before the feature becomes widely available, the messaging platform has started rolling out username reservations, allowing users to secure their preferred names in advance.

The early reservation process reflects the scale of WhatsApp’s global community. With around 3 billion users, the platform aims to reduce the likelihood that popular usernames are claimed before existing users have a chance to reserve them. The feature is expected to become available gradually over the coming months, after the reservation period begins.

Username reservations begin ahead of full launch

Users who want to reserve a username can do so through the application’s settings by opening the Account section and selecting the Username option. They can either create a unique username themselves or use WhatsApp’s built-in generator to receive suggestions. A username can only be claimed if another user has not already reserved it.

WhatsApp is also providing additional support for organisations, small businesses and content creators. Those users will be able to reserve the same name they already use on Instagram or Facebook, helping them maintain a consistent identity across Meta’s services. Username reservations are being introduced in stages around the world, and users will receive a notification once the feature becomes available in their country.

The reservation process is intended to give people time to secure their preferred identity before usernames are activated for everyday messaging. By introducing reservations first, WhatsApp hopes to make the transition smoother for its large global user base while reducing conflicts over popular names.

New privacy features aim to protect personal information

Once usernames are fully launched, users will no longer need to reveal their phone numbers when starting conversations with people or businesses for the first time. Instead, they can communicate using their chosen username, offering an additional layer of privacy for those who prefer not to share personal contact details.

To begin a conversation, another person will need to know the exact username of the account they wish to contact. This approach is designed to make it more difficult for unwanted contacts to reach users while giving people greater control over who can message them.

WhatsApp is also introducing an optional security feature known as a username key. During the reservation phase, users can choose a four-digit code that must be provided alongside the username before someone can send them a message. The company has confirmed that this temporary numeric key will later be replaced with an alphanumeric code when the username system officially launches.

The additional key is intended to strengthen privacy further by adding another requirement before first-time contact can be made. Users who choose not to enable the feature will still be able to start new conversations using their username alone.

WhatsApp follows a growing trend among messaging platforms

The introduction of usernames brings WhatsApp into line with other messaging services that have prioritised user privacy in recent years. Rather than relying solely on phone numbers as account identifiers, platforms are increasingly giving users alternative ways to communicate while limiting the amount of personal information they share.

One of the most notable examples is Signal, which introduced usernames in 2024. The feature allows users to communicate without exposing their phone numbers, particularly when interacting with people they do not already know. WhatsApp’s latest announcement follows a similar approach, reflecting growing demand for stronger privacy controls in digital messaging.

The move also expands WhatsApp’s existing privacy features, which already include options such as disappearing messages, chat locks and enhanced account security. By separating a user’s messaging identity from their phone number, the company aims to offer greater flexibility while helping users decide how much personal information they share during new conversations.

Although the username feature for messaging has not yet been activated, the reservation process marks the first step towards its wider rollout. As availability expands globally over the coming months, users will gradually gain access to a new way of connecting that places greater emphasis on privacy while maintaining the familiar WhatsApp experience.