Meta's WhatsApp has rolled out username reservations worldwide, ahead of a full launch planned for later this year. The move lets users chat without revealing their phone numbers, giving them more control over their personal data.
The messaging app started the global rollout on Monday. Users who turn on the feature can message new contacts using unique usernames rather than phone numbers.
This makes conversations with classmates, neighbours, event attendees and community group members more private. WhatsApp said it's pushing the change as part of its push to strengthen privacy for its three billion-plus users worldwide.
Sharing a phone number "can feel like a big step" because it's tied to so many parts of a person's life, WhatsApp noted. "Sometimes you just want to chat without handing over your digits," the platform said.
Users can now reserve unique usernames ahead of the full launch, letting them lock in their preferred identity early. WhatsApp stressed that usernames are meant to boost privacy, not work as social media handles.
"There is no directory to browse and no suggestions," WhatsApp explained. "People will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time."
To boost security further, WhatsApp is adding an optional username key. This requires anyone messaging a user for the first time to enter a unique code before their message goes through.
The platform urged users to pick usernames that stand out and share them only with people they want to talk to. WhatsApp also built in a username generator to help users find available names.
For creators, small businesses and organisations, WhatsApp will let users claim the same usernames they already use on Instagram or Facebook. This helps them keep the same identity across Meta's different platforms.
Once the feature launches fully, people chatting via usernames won't see each other's phone numbers when messaging for the first time, as long as both have the feature turned on. Users can set up a username by going to Settings, then Account, then Username on the latest app version.
The rollout will happen gradually over the next several months. WhatsApp will send in-app alerts to eligible users when the feature becomes available in their countries.
