WhatsApp has begun allowing users to reserve usernames ahead of the global rollout of its long-awaited username feature, giving people a new way to connect without sharing their phone numbers.
The messaging platform said the new feature is designed to offer greater privacy by allowing users to communicate using a unique username instead of revealing their personal mobile number.
According to WhatsApp, reserving a username starts this week, while the feature itself will be introduced gradually later this year.
Explaining the move, the company said sharing a phone number can often feel too personal, particularly when connecting with new acquaintances or joining community groups.
"When someone new walks into your life – a classmate, a neighbour, someone you meet at an event – sharing a phone number can feel like a big step. That's because a phone number is personal and it's tied to so many parts of your life. Sometimes you just want to chat without handing over your digits."
WhatsApp said the same challenge applies to group conversations, where users may want to participate without exposing their phone numbers to people they do not know.
"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 this feature. With over three billion people on WhatsApp a lot of names overlap, which is why we're opening reservations early so everyone has the opportunity to select the username that matters to them."
The company noted that usernames are intended to be unique and private, enabling users to share only what they are comfortable revealing. To simplify the process, WhatsApp has also introduced a username generator to help users create an available username.
The feature is also expected to benefit creators, small businesses and organisations seeking consistency across their online presence. These users will be able to claim the same username they already use on Instagram or Facebook, where available.
WhatsApp said the introduction of usernames represents another step in strengthening user privacy. There will be no searchable username directory or suggestions, meaning people must know a user's exact username before making first contact.
To provide an additional layer of protection, the platform has also introduced an optional username key, which users can require others to know before they can send an initial message.
Once the feature becomes available, users who enable usernames will no longer have their phone numbers displayed when messaging a person or business for the first time.
Users can reserve a username by updating to the latest version of WhatsApp and navigating to Settings, then Account, followed by Username.
WhatsApp said usernames will be rolled out in phases over the coming months, with users receiving an in-app notification when the feature becomes available in their country.
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