WhatsApp Opens Username Reservations for 3 Billion Users as Privacy Feature Rolls Out Later in 2026
Updated
Updated · The Verge · Jun 29
WhatsApp Opens Username Reservations for 3 Billion Users as Privacy Feature Rolls Out Later in 2026
3 articles · Updated · The Verge · Jun 29
Summary
WhatsApp began opening username reservations this week, letting users claim handles before the phone-number-free contact feature launches gradually later this year.
The change lets people start new chats without revealing their phone number, while an optional username key adds another gate if a public handle is shared without consent.
Settings > Account > Username in the latest app version is where reservations are made; users will be notified when the feature becomes available in their country.
Exact-match usernames will be required because WhatsApp will not allow browsing, and numbers already shared in existing chats or groups will remain visible.
Meta said early reservations are needed because more than 3 billion users create heavy name overlap; existing Instagram or Facebook handles and public-figure names are being protected to curb impersonation.