Meta’s popular instant messaging and voice chatting platform WhatsApp has started rolling out username reservations before the official launch of its new usernames feature later this year, according to a post on Monday.
According to the new social media post on X, formerly Twitter, the new feature will allow users to connect with new contacts, businesses and groups without sharing their phone numbers.
“Your phone number is personal, and sometimes you want to connect without handing it over. that’s why we’re introducing usernames for WhatsApp,” the tweet 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…— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) June 29, 2026
How to activate username on WhatsApp
According to WhatsApp, users can reserve a username by going to Settings > Account > Username on the latest version of the app.
If a preferred username is already taken, the app will suggest other available options through a built-in username generator.
“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 you have the latest version of WhatsApp and then go to Settings > Account > Username,” the post further added.
The company also said that creators, organisations and small businesses will be able to reserve the same username they already use on Instagram or Facebook to keep a consistent identity across Meta’s platforms.
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WhatsApp further said the new feature is designed to improve user privacy. There will be no public directory of usernames.
Additionally, people will need to know a user’s exact username to contact them for the first time. Users can also choose to set an optional username key for extra security.
Once the feature is fully launched in the coming months, users who choose a username will be able to chat with new people without revealing their phone number.
During the reservation period, users will receive a four-digit username key. WhatsApp said this will later be replaced with an alphanumeric code when the feature officially launches.
The company added that username reservations will be rolled out gradually around the world. Users will receive an in-app notification when the feature becomes available in their country.
Netizens react
Social media users are describing it as the biggest privacy update, with many praising the initiative.
