Overview
- WhatsApp began letting users reserve unique usernames in the app this week so they can claim an @identifier now and use it to start conversations later in 2026.
- The phone number remains required to create an account but first contacts can be made with a username so the sender’s number stays hidden from people who do not have it saved.
- To limit impersonation and spam, WhatsApp blocked high‑value names for public figures and institutions, set format and uniqueness rules (letters, numbers, dots, underscores), and will not publish a searchable directory.
- An optional four‑digit username key or PIN adds a second barrier so someone must know both the exact username and the PIN to message you for the first time.
- Users should update WhatsApp and go to Settings > Account > Username to reserve a name now; availability to activate and use usernames will roll out by region and the app will send an in‑app notification when the feature is live for an account.