Sharing your phone number with someone new can often feel like a big step. This is because a phone number is something quite personal. But that’s how WhatsApp allows communication between two parties. Well, that’s changing soon. After much anticipation and months of testing, WhatsApp’s username reservations feature is now open worldwide. This lets you claim a unique name before it debuts later this year.
WhatsApp’s username reservations are now open worldwide
WhatsApp’s explanation for opening the username reservation feature ahead of its official launch is that there are over 3 billion people on the platform and many names overlap. This is why it’s opening it so everyone has the opportunity to select the username “that matters to them.” Users will be receiving an in-app notification when the feature becomes available to them.
The process of setting up a username is quite simple. On the latest version of WhatsApp, head to Settings > Account > Username. There’s also a username generator for those who need help picking one. With usernames, WhatsApp users can now message new people/businesses or join group chats without revealing their phone numbers.
It’s not entirely new
The company notes that this is its latest step to make the platform even more private. People will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time. There won’t be a directory to browse users by username, nor a recommendation system. For additional privacy, WhatsApp also built an optional username key that others will need to know to message you.
Meanwhile, creators, small businesses, and organizations can maintain a consistent presence online, as they have the option to claim their existing Instagram or Facebook username on WhatsApp. That said, the username feature isn’t entirely new. Telegram has offered a username feature for a few years now. So WhatsApp is just catching up here.
While reservations are rolling out today, usernames themselves will gradually roll out in the coming months. Users will receive an in-app notification once the feature is available.
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