WhatsApp is adding usernames that let people start conversations without sharing their phone numbers, expanding its privacy tools ahead of a wider rollout later in 2026.
Users will be able to share a WhatsApp username instead of their phone number. A username could make it easier to connect with a new classmate, neighbor, or someone they meet at an event.
Usernames also let people join community or parent group chats without sharing a phone number with everyone in the conversation. They don't have to match a person's identity on other platforms.
WhatsApp opened username reservations on June 29. The company said it won't create a public username directory or suggest accounts to other users.
People will need to know a user's exact username before contacting them for the first time. Requiring an exact username keeps conversations focused on private connections instead of public discovery.
Opening reservations before the feature launches later in 2026 gives users a chance to claim a in advance. Reservations started early because more than three billion people use WhatsApp, making competition for usernames more likely.
Requiring an exact username keeps conversations focused on private connections instead of public discoveryWhatsApp is rolling out reservations gradually over the coming months. The company said users will receive an in-app notification when they're eligible to reserve a username.
WhatsApp is also adding an optional username key. People who enable the feature will require new contacts to know both the username and the key before a conversation can begin.
Once usernames are available, first-time conversations started through a username won't reveal the recipient's phone number. The rollout also includes a built-in username generator for people who need help finding an available name.
Businesses, creators, and organizations can also reserve the same username they already use on Instagram or Facebook. Using the same username across Meta's apps helps organizations maintain a consistent identity.
To reserve a username, open the latest version of WhatsApp and go to Settings, Account, Username. The process takes just a few seconds.
A privacy feature, not another social network
WhatsApp isn't treating usernames like social media profiles. The company won't offer a public username directory or recommend accounts for people to follow.
People will need to know an exact username before making contact for the first time. Requiring an exact username extends WhatsApp's privacy controls without turning the service into another social network.
Users can chat with businesses, community groups, or people they've just met without immediately sharing their phone number. Keeping a phone number private matters because it's often connected to other parts of a person's digital life.
