Meta announced that WhatsApp is introducing usernames as a new privacy-focused feature that lets people connect without sharing their phone numbers.
Starting this week, WhatsApp users can reserve a username before the feature launches more broadly later this year. Meta said the early reservation period is intended to give users a better chance of securing the username that matters to them, especially since WhatsApp has more than 3 billion users globally.
The feature is aimed at situations where users may want to communicate with someone new without revealing their phone number. This could include meeting a classmate, neighbor, event contact, or joining a group chat where people do not yet know one another.
Meta said WhatsApp usernames will not function like a public directory. There will be no searchable directory or suggested usernames. Instead, someone will need to know the exact username in order to contact another person for the first time.
WhatsApp is also adding an optional username key, which gives users another layer of control over who can reach them. If enabled, someone would need to know both the username and the key to send a first message.
For creators, small businesses, and organizations that want a consistent online identity, Meta said it has reserved an option to claim an existing Instagram or Facebook username on WhatsApp.
Once usernames launch, users who enable the feature will be able to message a person or business for the first time without that recipient seeing their phone number.
Users can reserve a username through the latest version of WhatsApp by going to Settings > Account > Username. Meta said usernames will roll out gradually over the coming months, with users receiving a notification in WhatsApp when the feature becomes available in their country.
