WhatsApp on Monday began rolling out one of its biggest privacy updates yet, allowing users to reserve unique usernames that can be used instead of phone numbers when connecting with new people. The feature will be introduced gradually over the coming months, with a wider global launch expected later this year.
The Meta-owned messaging platform said the new system is designed to let people start conversations without revealing their phone numbers. Once the feature is enabled, new contacts will only see a user's chosen username, while the phone number remains hidden. Existing chats and contacts will continue to function as before, and a phone number will still be required to create and use a WhatsApp account.
Scroll down for a step-by-step guide to setting up your WhatsApp username.
WhatsApp, which has more than three billion users worldwide, said the feature is aimed at giving users greater control over their privacy, particularly when interacting with people they do not know well. The company has opened username reservations ahead of the full rollout to give users a chance to secure their preferred handle before demand increases.
Unlike most social media platforms, WhatsApp usernames will not be publicly searchable. There will be no directory or username suggestions, meaning users will need to know a person's exact username before starting a conversation. This design is intended to reduce spam and protect user privacy.
The company is also introducing an optional username key, an additional security feature that can require new contacts to enter a separate key before they can send the first message.
To create a username, users must choose a handle between three and 35 characters long that includes at least one letter. Only lowercase letters, numbers, periods and underscores are permitted. Usernames cannot begin with "www." or end with domain suffixes such as ".com" or ".net", measures intended to reduce phishing and impersonation attempts. High-profile usernames will also be reserved or verified to prevent misuse.
Users will receive an in-app notification when the feature becomes available in their country. WhatsApp had previously begun limited testing of usernames with a small number of Android and iOS users earlier this year before expanding the rollout globally.
How to add a WhatsApp username
Once the feature becomes available on your account, follow these steps:
If you do not see the Username option under Settings > Account, the feature has not yet been rolled out to your account. WhatsApp is introducing the feature in phases, so keep your app updated and check back later.