Overview
- WhatsApp began a phased, global reservation period on Monday that lets users claim unique usernames now so they can use them when the feature goes live later this year.
- The new system will allow first-time contacts to see a username rather than a phone number and the app will still require a phone number to create an account.
- Users can optionally enable a username key that requires others to know both the username and the key before a first-time message can be sent.
- Reservations roll out gradually and show up at Settings > Account > Username; WhatsApp enforces rules (3–35 characters), will hold some names for governments and public figures, and offers a username generator.
- Creators, small businesses and organisations can claim matching Instagram or Facebook handles by linking through Meta’s Accounts Center, and the change brings WhatsApp closer to rivals that already use screen names while aiming to reduce unwanted sharing of phone numbers.