How To Reserve Your WhatsApp Username Before Feature Rolls Out
WhatsApp has begun rolling out username reservations, allowing users to secure a unique username before the feature launches later this year. Users can reserve a username by updating WhatsApp and going to Settings > Account > Username. The privacy-focused feature will let people connect without sharing their phone numbers once it becomes widely available.
WhatsApp is rolling out username reservations, allowing users to secure a unique username ahead of the feature's wider launch later this year. The update is designed to let people connect on the messaging platform without sharing their phone numbers, giving users greater control over their privacy.
Announcing the feature, WhatsApp said, "your phone number is personal and sometimes you want to connect without handing it over. that's why we're introducing usernames for WhatsApp." The company added that reservations begin this week and users can claim a username before the feature becomes available globally later this year. WhatsApp Trust Warning Feature Rolls Out on iOS and Android to Flag Unknown, High-Risk Numbers.
Reserve Your WhatsApp Username
How to Reserve Your WhatsApp Username
WhatsApp said reserving a username takes only a few seconds if the feature has been enabled for your account.
Follow these steps:
- Update WhatsApp to the latest version.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Account.
- Select Username.
- Choose an available username and confirm your selection.
According to WhatsApp, "starting this week, you can reserve a username to use later this year when we launch the feature. It takes just a few seconds, make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp and then go to Settings > Account > Username." Are WhatsApp Users at Risk? Here's What CERT-In Advised to Keep Your Account Safe.
Why WhatsApp Is Introducing Usernames
The new feature aims to improve privacy by allowing users to connect without revealing their phone numbers to new contacts.
Once usernames are fully launched, users who enable the feature will be able to start conversations using their username instead of sharing their mobile number. WhatsApp said there will be no public directory or username suggestions, meaning someone will need to know a user's exact username to contact them for the first time. An optional username key will also be available to give users additional control over who can message them.
Rollout Will Be Gradual
WhatsApp said username reservations are beginning this week, but the feature will be rolled out gradually over the coming months.
Users whose accounts have not yet received the update may not see the Username option immediately. WhatsApp said it will notify users within the app once username reservations become available in their country.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 29, 2026 11:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).