WhatsApp Username Feature Now Available in India; Know How To Create

Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has officially commenced the phased rollout of its highly anticipated username feature in India. Announced on Monday, the new capability allows users to claim a unique handle, eliminating the longstanding requirement to share mobile numbers to initiate chats. To prevent overlapping choices among its massive global user base of over three billion, the platform has opened early reservations, enabling users to secure their preferred handles before the public launch later this year.

Why WhatsApp Is Transitioning to a Username System

The introduction of usernames marks one of the most significant privacy updates in WhatsApp’s history. Under the current model, connecting with a new contact, a local business, or joining a large group chat automatically exposes a user's phone number. WhatsApp Username Feature: What It Is and How Users Can Chat Without Sharing Phone Numbers.

According to Meta, the upcoming shift ensures phone numbers remain private. Once the feature is fully deployed, individuals messaging someone for the first time will only see their username. However, existing contacts who already have a user's phone number saved will continue to see it as before.

How to Reserve and Create a WhatsApp Username

The username feature is rolling out gradually via an in-app notification system. Users on Android and iOS can check availability and reserve their unique identifier by following these steps:

1: Update WhatsApp to the latest version via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

2: Open the app and navigate to Settings.

3: Tap on the Account section (or tap the profile picture area on some versions).

4: Select the Username option.

5: Enter the preferred handle. If available, tap Save or Done to secure it.

For users who also use Facebook or Instagram, WhatsApp offers an option to sync with Meta's Accounts Center, allowing them to claim the exact same username they use on those platforms for consistent branding. Are WhatsApp Users at Risk? Here's What CERT-In Advised to Keep Your Account Safe.

Formatting Rules and the New Pin Security Feature

WhatsApp has established specific structural rules for creating a username. Handles must be between 3 and 35 characters long and can include lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), periods (.), and underscores (_). Space bars and symbols are prohibited, and usernames cannot consist entirely of numbers or include domain extensions like ".com" or ".net".

To prevent spam, WhatsApp clarified that it will not host a public, searchable directory of usernames. To start a chat, a person must know the exact handle.

Additionally, the platform is introducing an optional security layer called a "Username Key." This four-digit PIN acts as a verification code; when enabled, an outside party must enter the PIN correctly before they are permitted to send an initial message to the username.

The feature remains entirely optional. Users who prefer the traditional method can continue to share their phone numbers to connect with others.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 30, 2026 10:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).