Overview
- WhatsApp opened global reservations for unique usernames at the end of June so users can claim a name now that will be activated for contact in waves later this year.
- Accounts still require a phone number to register but once usernames are active new contacts will see the username instead of your number.
- WhatsApp will not offer a public searchable directory or autocomplete; people must know the exact username to start a chat and can enable an optional four-digit Username Key that blocks first contact without the key.
- Names must be 3–35 characters using a–z, 0–9, dots and underscores, cannot use umlauts or only digits, and WhatsApp reserves certain names for businesses, public figures and brands.
- Businesses and creators can claim existing Facebook or Instagram handles by linking to their Meta account, a move that could simplify branding but also raise risks from cross-platform profileability and targeted spam.