WhatsApp announced a new username feature that lets users share their profile without giving out their phone number. Starting Monday, people can reserve usernames that will officially roll out later this year. Usernames can be 3 to 35 characters long. WhatsApp is reserving special names for celebrities and big organizations first.
Users will get a notification when the option is available in their country. They can then go to Settings, Account, and Username to pick their name. WhatsApp also offers a username key that others must know to message you. This adds an extra layer of privacy.
Usernames will not be searchable on the app. Only people who know your exact username can contact you. You can also turn off the feature or change your username at any time. Meta said businesses and creators can claim usernames that match their Facebook or Instagram accounts.
π The Backstory
WhatsApp has over 3 billion users worldwide. It is one of the most popular messaging apps on the planet. But it has always required sharing your phone number to connect with someone. This has been a privacy concern for many users who do not want strangers to have their number.
The company has been working on adding usernames for several years. The feature was spotted in beta versions of the app back in 2023. But WhatsApp took its time to make sure the system worked properly. The reservation process helps prevent name squatting by giving first dibs to verified accounts.
This change brings WhatsApp in line with other messaging apps. Telegram, Signal, and Discord all let users pick usernames. The feature is especially useful for businesses that want a public presence without exposing staff phone numbers. It also helps people who meet online connect without sharing personal contact info.
π― Why It Matters
You probably do not want random people or businesses to have your phone number. WhatsApp usernames let you control who can reach you. This is a simple change that gives over 3 billion people more privacy and safety when messaging.
WhatsApp announced a new username feature that lets users share their profile without giving out their phone number. Starting Monday, people can reserve usernames that will officially roll out later this year. Usernames can be 3 to 35 characters long. WhatsApp is reserving special names for celebrities and big organizations first.
Users will get a notification when the option is available in their country. They can then go to Settings, Account, and Username to pick their name. WhatsApp also offers a username key that others must know to message you. This adds an extra layer of privacy.
Usernames will not be searchable on the app. Only people who know your exact username can contact you. You can also turn off the feature or change your username at any time. Meta said businesses and creators can claim usernames that match their Facebook or Instagram accounts.
WhatsApp has over 3 billion users worldwide. It is one of the most popular messaging apps on the planet. But it has always required sharing your phone number to connect with someone. This has been a privacy concern for many users who do not want strangers to have their number.
The company has been working on adding usernames for several years. The feature was spotted in beta versions of the app back in 2023. But WhatsApp took its time to make sure the system worked properly. The reservation process helps prevent name squatting by giving first dibs to verified accounts.
This change brings WhatsApp in line with other messaging apps. Telegram, Signal, and Discord all let users pick usernames. The feature is especially useful for businesses that want a public presence without exposing staff phone numbers. It also helps people who meet online connect without sharing personal contact info.
You probably do not want random people or businesses to have your phone number. WhatsApp usernames let you control who can reach you. This is a simple change that gives over 3 billion people more privacy and safety when messaging.