WhatsApp launches usernames with early reservations

WhatsApp is introducing usernames, allowing people to start conversations without sharing their phone numbers. The feature will roll out later this year, but users can already reserve their preferred username.

Once usernames become available, new contacts will see your username instead of your phone number. According to WhatsApp, the feature is designed to let people connect without exchanging personal phone numbers.

The full rollout is scheduled for later this year. In the meantime, WhatsApp has opened early reservations. Users running the latest version of the app can reserve a username by going to Settings → Account → Username. You can either create your own username or generate one using the built-in suggestion tool.

The concept is similar to Telegram and Signal: phone numbers are often too personal to share with someone you've just met or with dozens of parents in a school group chat. Once usernames are enabled, your phone number will remain hidden when messaging a new contact or business for the first time, with only your username being visible.

WhatsApp opened reservations ahead of the full rollout because of its massive user base of more than 3 billion people. Popular usernames are expected to be claimed quickly, giving users an opportunity to secure the names they want before the feature becomes widely available. Creators, small businesses, and organizations will also be able to claim the same username they already use on Instagram or Facebook, provided they own the account. Some usernames have been reserved for government agencies, public figures, and businesses.

WhatsApp has also built in additional anti-spam protections. Users can optionally attach a key, a code containing at least four digits, to their username. Anyone starting a new conversation must enter both the username and the key before they can send a message. Existing contacts are unaffected. You can publish your username publicly and share the key only with people you want to hear from. WhatsApp says the feature also avoids public directories or username suggestions, meaning someone can only contact you if they know your exact username.