You can reserve your WhatsApp username starting now—even before the feature officially launches. WhatsApp is rolling out reservations worldwide this week on a phased basis; the feature itself won’t go live until later this year. If you want to secure your preferred username, go to the app settings under Account > Username —it only takes a few seconds.
TL;DR
- WhatsApp is introducing usernames so you can connect with others without sharing your phone number.
- Reservations are available starting this week, and the rollout will take place in phases over the coming weeks.
- The feature itself won’t launch until later this year.
- Reserve your username via Settings > Account > Username, optionally with an additional “username key” for protection.
- Creators, businesses, and organizations can use their existing Instagram or Facebook names.
Why WhatsApp Is Introducing Usernames Now
Your cell phone number is tied to so many aspects of your life—at the bank, at the doctor’s office, within your family. Sharing it with someone you’ve just met often feels like too big a step. This is exactly where the new feature comes in: In the future, you’ll share a username instead of your number.
WhatsApp had already announced the feature back in April—at that time, it was about the general rollout. If you want to read more about the background, we’ve described it in detail here: WhatsApp Begins Rolling Out Usernames. What’s new now is the official start of the reservation phase.
The reasoning is simple: With over three billion users, many names overlap. WhatsApp is therefore opening reservations early so that everyone has a fair chance to get their preferred username before the obvious handles are already taken on launch day.
Reserving a WhatsApp Username – Step by Step
You’ll need the latest version of the app. If you don’t see the option yet, it simply hasn’t been rolled out to you yet—the rollout is happening region by region, and WhatsApp will notify you in the app as soon as it’s available.
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
- Tap Account, then tap Username.
- Enter your desired name (3 to 35 characters). If it’s still available, you can reserve it.
- Stuck for ideas? Use the built-in generator, which will give you suggestions.
- Optional: Set a username key —a kind of password that someone must also know in order to message you again.
During the reservation phase, the username key consists of four digits. When the feature officially launches, it will be upgraded to an alphanumeric code.
How this affects your privacy
Once the feature goes live and you’ve activated it, people and companies messaging you for the first time will no longer see your phone number. Important: There is no public directory and no search suggestions. Anyone who wants to reach you must know your exact username. This helps prevent the spam and search issues that plague other platforms.
There’s one thing you should keep in mind: Your phone number is still required for registration. The username is an additional contact option, not a complete replacement.
Usernames for Creators and Businesses
If you’re a creator, small business, or organization looking to maintain a consistent brand presence across Meta platforms, you can also claim your existing Instagram or Facebook name on WhatsApp. This ensures your identity remains consistent across Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp.
| Details | Reservation Status |
|---|---|
| Reservation available | Starting this week, rolling out globally in phases |
| Feature launch | later this year |
| Name length | 3 to 35 characters |
| Directory / Search | No – exact name required |
| Username Key | 4 digits (reservation), later alphanumeric |
| Platform | Currently only the mobile apps |
FAQs about WhatsApp Usernames
Can I change my username later?
Yes. You can change your reserved username at a later time.
Do I still need a phone number?
Yes, it’s still required to register your account. The username only replaces it when you’re connecting with new people.
Why don’t I see the option yet?
The rollout is phased. WhatsApp will send you a notification as soon as the reservation feature is available in your country. Keep the app up to date.
Is this feature free?
Yes, the feature is provided at no additional cost.
Conclusion
With the WhatsApp username, the messaging app is finally catching up with a long-overdue privacy feature—Telegram, Discord, and Signal have offered this for quite some time. The practical advice is clear: If you want a specific name, reserve it now. Otherwise, by the time the feature goes live later this year, the obvious usernames will be long gone. And if you don’t see it yet—just keep the app up to date and wait for the notification.
Sources: Meta Newsroom, WhatsApp Help
