WhatsApp users can now reserve usernames ahead of a new feature that will let people connect without sharing their phone numbers.
The messaging app announced that username reservations are rolling out starting this week, giving users the chance to secure a unique name before the feature launches more broadly later in 2026.
The update is designed to give users another layer of privacy by allowing them to chat with new contacts using a username instead of revealing their phone number.
WhatsApp usernames let users hide their phone numbers
According to WhatsApp, the feature is aimed at situations where users may not want to share personal contact information immediately, such as meeting classmates, neighbors, or joining community group chats.
“When someone new walks into your life, whether it be a classmate, a neighbor, or someone you meet at an event, sharing a phone number can feel like a big step,” the company said.
“That’s because a phone number is personal and it’s tied to so many parts of your life. Sometimes you just want to chat without handing over your digits.”
WhatsApp said usernames will also work in group conversations, allowing people to participate in chats without exposing their phone numbers to everyone in the group.
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With more than three billion users on the platform, WhatsApp is opening username reservations before the full rollout so people have a better chance of claiming the name they want.
For users who need help choosing a name, WhatsApp is introducing a username generator. Meanwhile, creators, small businesses, and organizations will be able to claim the same username they already use on Instagram or Facebook.
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The company said the feature has been built with privacy in mind. There will be no public username directory or search suggestions, meaning people will need to know someone’s exact username before contacting them for the first time.
WhatsApp is also introducing an optional username key, which users can require before someone is able to message them using their username.
Once the feature launches, users who enable usernames will no longer automatically reveal their phone number when messaging a person or business for the first time.
Users can reserve a username by updating to the latest version of WhatsApp and navigating to Settings > Account > Username. The company said usernames will roll out gradually over the coming months and users will receive an in-app notification when the feature becomes available in their country.
