WhatsApp, the messaging platform owned by Meta, began rolling out username reservations for its more than 3 billion users earlier in June. Although the full username feature has not yet been activated, users can already reserve their preferred Username so it will be ready when the functionality launches more broadly later this year.
The addition of usernames will allow people to connect on WhatsApp without sharing their personal phone numbers. This feature is expected to be especially useful for users who want others to contact them while keeping their mobile number private. Businesses may also benefit by sharing a memorable username with customers instead of providing a phone number.
Steps to reserve your WhatsApp username
To claim a username, follow these steps:
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Open Settings, then select Account.
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Under the Your Account section, tap Username.
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If this is your first time creating a username, choose Create Username and enter your preferred name.
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If your chosen Username is already taken, WhatsApp can suggest alternatives when you tap Suggest a username.
WhatsApp has also reserved certain usernames associated with well-known public figures and organisations, meaning other users cannot claim those names. In addition, if you already use the same Username on Facebook or Instagram, you can sign in through either platform and reserve that handle for your WhatsApp account.
How to change or remove your Username.
Once your Username has been created, you can return to the same Username section at any time to update it.
Simply tap the Edit button located in the upper-right corner of the screen to change your existing Username. If you no longer wish to use one, WhatsApp also provides the option to delete your Username.
Extra privacy with a username key
WhatsApp is also introducing an additional security feature called a username key. From the username settings, users can choose whether new conversations can be started by Everyone or only by People who know their key.
With this extra layer of protection enabled, anyone who knows your usernUsername also enter a unique four-digit key before contacting you for the first time. Users can keep their existing key or generate a new one whenever they choose.
Although the full username feature is expected to become available in the coming weeks, WhatsApp is currently allowing users to reserve their preferred usernames in advance to prevent duplicate registrations once the feature is fully launched.
