WhatsApp has announced the launch of its new “Usernames” feature, allowing users to communicate without sharing their phone numbers in a move aimed at enhancing privacy and giving them greater control over their personal information.
The company said users will be able to reserve their usernames starting this week, ahead of the feature’s gradual rollout over the coming months. Users will receive an in-app notification once the feature becomes available in their country.
WhatsApp explained that opening reservations early follows the platform surpassing three billion users, helping reduce conflicts over usernames and giving everyone the opportunity to secure their preferred name before the official launch.
Users are advised to update the WhatsApp app to the latest version so they can reserve a suitable username as soon as the feature becomes available. If a username is reserved before the feature reaches a user's region, it will remain secured and will be activated automatically once the rollout begins, with a notification sent through the app.
The feature will enable users to start conversations with new contacts—such as classmates, colleagues, neighbors, and businesses—without revealing their phone numbers. However, phone numbers will remain visible to existing contacts and groups where they have already been shared, meaning the added privacy protection applies only to future conversations.
WhatsApp said the new system has been designed with privacy in mind. There will be no public directory or searchable database of usernames, and no one will be able to start a conversation unless they know the user's exact username.
To further strengthen security, the platform will offer an optional Username Key, requiring a unique code that the other person must know before they can send a message if the user chooses to enable the feature.
The company added that all usernames will be unique and that an integrated tool will help users generate available username suggestions when needed. Content creators, small businesses, and organizations will also be able to use the same usernames they have on Instagram or Facebook, if available, to maintain a consistent identity across Meta's platforms.
Alice Newton-Rex, Vice President of Product at WhatsApp, revealed that the company has already reserved usernames for public figures, including celebrities and politicians, to help prevent impersonation. As a result, users with identical names may need to choose alternative usernames.
Users can create a username by updating to the latest version of WhatsApp. On Android, they can go to Settings > Account > Username, while iPhone users can access Profile > Create Username. The feature will continue rolling out gradually over the coming months, so availability may vary by region.
Source: National Media Authority online portal
