WhatsApp username reservations, introducing a major privacy feature that allows users to connect without sharing their phone numbers. The new feature is aimed at enhancing user privacy and giving people greater control over how they are contacted.
Users can now create and reserve a username before the feature becomes available in the app later this year. Once reservations are available for an account, users will receive an in-app notification.
WhatsApp username reservations improve privacy
According to WhatsApp, choosing a username should be something unique that only trusted contacts know.
“A username is a way for you to connect with someone on WhatsApp without giving away your phone number. You choose your own, and it doesn’t have to match your handle on any other app,” the company said.
The feature is designed to reduce the need to share personal phone numbers while making it easier to communicate securely on WhatsApp.
How WhatsApp usernames work
At its core, the feature is focused on privacy rather than social networking. There is no public username directory or search suggestions, meaning people must know your exact username to contact you for the first time.
“Your phone number is protected. You can now share your unique username instead of your digits. There’s no public directory and no suggestions – people need to know your exact username to find you. You can update your username right in the app,” WhatsApp said.
New username key adds extra account protection
To give users greater control, WhatsApp is introducing a “username key”, requiring first-time contacts using a username to enter the key before sending a message.
Users can change their username key at any time, adding another layer of security against unwanted messages and spam.
Last week, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that CRED founder Kunal Shah will join Meta as WhatsApp’s next global CEO. Meta is also investing around $900 million (nearly ₹8,550 crore) in fintech company CRED.
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