Popular social media platform WhatsApp announced the introduction of usernames, allowing users to keep their personal phone number private while connecting with others.
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WhatsApp announced the update on Monday, 29 June 2026, noting that, starting this week, users can reserve a username to use later this year when the feature launches.
“With over three billion people on WhatsApp, a lot of names overlap, which is why we’re opening reservations early so everyone has the opportunity to select the username that matters to them.”
They noted, “Usernames are our latest step to make WhatsApp even more private. There’s no directory to browse and no suggestions – people will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time.
“To help control who can reach you on WhatsApp with your username, we’ve built an optional username key that others will need to know to message you.”
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The app, owned by billionaire businessman Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, also shared that while usernames remain unique, people can opt to use its username generator if they need help choosing one. WhatsApp also relayed a plan for businesses, creators, and organisations that want to maintain a consistent presence online, adding:
“For them, we reserved an option to claim their existing Instagram or Facebook username on WhatsApp.”
How to reserve WhatsApp usernames
WhatsApp states that users need to have the latest version of the app before reserving their usernames. Once updated, go to Settings> Account> Username.
Usernames will gradually roll out over the coming months, with WhatsApp promising to notify individuals when they are available in their country.
your phone number is personal and sometimes you want to connect without handing it over. that’s why we’re introducing usernames for 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…
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) June 29, 2026
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