Brief Overview
- WhatsApp has opened username reservations for its 3 billion users.
- The feature lets people message each other using a chosen username instead of sharing their phone number.
- Usernames can be 3 to 35 characters, have no public directory or search, and businesses can match them to existing Instagram or Facebook handles.
Update: The Indian government has asked Meta to hold off on rolling out the username reservation feature in India.
WhatsApp has announced that users can now reserve a unique username. This feature, introduced on June 29, 2026, will allow people to message each other without sharing phone numbers. WhatsApp added that users can start reserving usernames this week, and the feature is set to launch later this year.
With more than three billion people worldwide, it is highly expected that many people might want the same usernames. Therefore, opening reservations early gives everyone an equal opportunity to secure their preferred username before the feature officially launches.
Why WhatsApp Is Making This Change
The main reason behind this change is privacy. There are plenty of situations where you may want to chat with someone without sharing your personal phone number. Since a phone number is linked to many parts of your life, handing it out to new contacts isn’t always ideal.
The same problem arises when joining a group chat with strangers. Not everyone is comfortable sharing their contact information.
Username Rules and Who Gets Priority
According to reports, usernames can be between 3 and 35 characters long, with no major restrictions beyond the company’s standard policies.
Moreover, the company is also reserving certain usernames for celebrities, VIPs, and organisations.
Businesses and creators who already have a presence on Instagram or Facebook will have the option to claim the same username on WhatsApp. This can help them to keep a consistent identity across platforms.
How Privacy Will Work
Privacy remains the central focus of the rollout. There is no directory to browse and no suggestion system, meaning people will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time.
WhatsApp is also building an optional username key, an extra layer of protection before someone can message you for the first time.
Once the feature is fully rolled out, people messaging you for the first time will see your username instead of your phone number, provided you’ve enabled the feature.
Please note that a phone number will still be required to create a WhatsApp account, but it will no longer need to be shared with every new contact.
How to Reserve Your Username
To reserve a username, users simply need to update to the latest version of the app and go to Settings, search for Account, and then Username.
The option is rolling out gradually on both Android and iOS, so not everyone might see it immediately.
WhatsApp says it will send an in-app notification once the feature becomes available in a user’s country.
Ready With Your Username?
Apps like Signal and Wire have supported usernames for years, and WhatsApp is finally bringing the same option to its users.
With reservations now open and full rollout expected later in 2026, anyone who wants a specific username is advised not to wait too long before reserving it.
Popular names are likely to be claimed quickly, so waiting could mean missing out.
FAQs
What are WhatsApp usernames and how do they work?
WhatsApp usernames let people connect with you using a unique handle instead of your phone number, which helps protect your privacy.
Can I use WhatsApp without sharing my phone number?
Not fully for account setup because WhatsApp still requires a phone number to register, but usernames can help you keep that number private from other people.
How do I create a username on WhatsApp?
Go to WhatsApp Settings, tap your profile, choose Create username, enter your preferred name, and tap Save or Done.
