WhatsApp Launches New Username Feature for Privacy

Last Updated: June 30, 2026By Julio Caesar

WhatsApp has officially announced the rollout of its highly anticipated username feature, marking a significant shift in how users connect on the platform. The company has opened a reservation phase, giving its global user base a chance to claim their preferred handles before the feature becomes fully operational later this year.

Key Takeaways

WhatsApp is launching custom usernames starting with the @ symbol, allowing you to message and call people without sharing your mobile number.
To protect against unsolicited messages, there will be no searchable public directory, meaning others must know your exact username to initiate contact.
Users can enable an optional Username Key PIN, requiring new contacts to input both your username and a unique code to message you for the first time.
Existing Facebook and Instagram business and creator accounts can reserve their matching usernames on WhatsApp to maintain consistent branding.
Username reservation is rolling out gradually on mobile platforms, and users must update to the latest mobile app to access the Settings menu and claim theirs.

For over a decade, starting a conversation on WhatsApp required sharing a personal phone number. While this kept the setup process simple, it often created privacy concerns when users needed to message casual acquaintances, community groups, or local businesses.

The new username system addresses this issue directly, allowing people to create an optional, unique handle starting with the “@” symbol. Once enabled, users can text and call each other without ever revealing their digits to new contacts.

To maintain security and prevent spam, WhatsApp is taking a different approach than traditional social media platforms. There will be no public, searchable directory of usernames, meaning you must already know someone’s exact handle to initiate a chat.

The platform is also introducing an optional security layer known as a username key. When this setting is turned on, anyone trying to message you for the first time will need both your exact username and a unique code.

This prevents random accounts from guessing handles and sending unsolicited messages, though it will not affect your existing contacts or people who already have your phone number saved.

For creators and businesses, WhatsApp is offering a streamlined process to claim existing Facebook or Instagram usernames, helping them maintain consistent branding across Meta’s platforms.

How to Reserve Yours

The rollout is occurring gradually across different regions. If it is already available in your app, you can claim yours by following these steps:

Update WhatsApp to the latest version on your mobile device, as reservation is not yet supported on Web or Desktop.
Go to Settings, select Account, and then tap Username (or tap your profile picture to find the option).
Enter your desired username.

By shifting away from phone numbers as the sole identifier, WhatsApp is moving closer to the privacy expectations of modern internet users, offering a safer and more flexible environment for everyday communication.

About the Author: Julio Caesar

As the founder of Tech Review Advisor, Julio combines his extensive IT knowledge with a passion for teaching, creating how-to guides and comparisons that are both insightful and easy to follow. He believes that understanding technology should be empowering, not stressful. Living in Bali, he is constantly inspired by the island's rich artistic heritage and mindful way of life. When he's not writing, he explores the island's winding roads on his bike, discovering hidden beaches and waterfalls. This passion for exploration is something he brings to every tech guide he creates.