WhatsApp on Monday announced the start of global username reservations, an optional feature designed to let its more than three billion users connect with others without sharing a phone number, according to a statement the Meta-owned app shared with The Hacker News. Reservations begin rolling out immediately, with the feature becoming generally available later this year.
Phone numbers are among the most sensitive identifiers people share on messaging platforms. By letting users reserve and use a unique handle, WhatsApp lets contacts reach each other without exposing numbers - a change that follows a similar privacy-focused move by Signal.
Key takeaways
- WhatsApp began global username reservations, with general availability planned later in the year.
- Usernames must be unique and 3 to 35 characters; a generator will help users pick one.
- Once enabled, other accounts can no longer view or access a user's phone number.
- An optional 'username key' requires new contacts to know a key before messaging you for the first time.
- Certain usernames are reserved for businesses, governments, and public figures.
Affected
What WhatsApp announced
WhatsApp said it has started global reservations of usernames, an optional feature that lets people connect on the service through a username rather than by directly sharing their phone number. The company described it as a privacy feature rather than a social handle.
According to the statement shared with The Hacker News, reservations start rolling out now so users can create and reserve a username before the feature becomes generally available later this year. WhatsApp said it will roll out usernames gradually over the coming months and will notify users in-app when they are available in their country.
Where to reserve
Users can reserve a username by navigating to Settings > Account > Username.
- WhatsApp reports more than three billion users.
- Usernames are optional and rolling out gradually by country.
How usernames and keys work
Usernames must be unique and can be between three and 35 characters. WhatsApp said it will provide a username generator to help users pick one, and a chosen username does not have to match a handle on any other app.
WhatsApp emphasized there is no directory to browse and no suggestions, so someone must know a user's exact username to contact them for the first time. Certain usernames are reserved for businesses, governments, and public figures and cannot be claimed by others.
Users can also set up an optional 'username key' for an added layer of protection. A Meta spokesperson told The Hacker News that others will need to know both the exact username and the key to message a user for the first time, and that users can reset the key at any time to cut off new inbound contact.
- Usernames are 3-35 characters and must be unique.
- No directory or suggestions - contacts must know the exact username.
- Optional username key adds a second factor for first contact.
- Resetting the key cuts off new inbound contact attempts.
Who this is for
The feature applies across WhatsApp's global user base. Content creators, small businesses, and organizations that want a consistent presence across platforms can choose to claim their existing Instagram or Facebook username on WhatsApp.
The core benefit for privacy-conscious users: once a username is enabled, other accounts can no longer view or access the user's phone number.
Following Signal's lead
The move comes more than two years after Signal introduced a username feature in its messaging app as a way to shield phone numbers from others. WhatsApp's rollout brings a comparable privacy option to a far larger user base.
Timeline
Impact & actions
WhatsApp users can reserve a username to be reachable without exposing their phone number, with an optional key to control who can initiate contact.
Security: Reduces exposure of phone numbers, a common target for spam, phishing, and account-takeover attempts.
Privacy: Lets users connect without sharing phone numbers, limiting a sensitive identifier's exposure.
Recommended actions · Low urgency
- 1Reserve a preferred username early via Settings > Account > Username once available.
- 2Consider enabling a username key to control first-contact requests.
Response
Vendor
Customer guidance
WhatsApp advises users to reserve a username via Settings > Account > Username and says it will notify users in-app when the feature is available in their country.
FAQ
How do I reserve a WhatsApp username?
Go to Settings > Account > Username in WhatsApp. The feature is rolling out gradually, and WhatsApp will notify you in-app when it's available in your country.
What are the rules for a WhatsApp username?
Usernames must be unique and between three and 35 characters. WhatsApp provides a generator to help pick one, and it doesn't have to match your handle on other apps. Some usernames are reserved for businesses, governments, and public figures.
What is a username key?
It's an optional extra layer of protection. When enabled, someone must know both your exact username and your key to message you for the first time. You can reset the key at any time to stop new inbound contact.
Will people still see my phone number?
Once a username is enabled, other accounts can no longer view or access your phone number.
The bottom line
WhatsApp has begun global username reservations, an optional privacy feature that lets its 3 billion-plus users connect without sharing phone numbers, backed by an optional username key.
What happens next
What to do
