Overview
- WhatsApp began letting users reserve unique usernames this week, with an in‑app banner and Account > Username settings allowing people to lock a name before the feature is switched on for general use.
- Usernames are optional and will replace a phone number only for people who do not already have your number saved while a phone number remains required to create and keep a WhatsApp account.
- Meta says it will require an extra key or PIN to start chats by username, limit how many new contacts an account can message, block repeated username‑guessing and use detection systems, and it has pre‑reserved high‑profile names.
- India’s IT Ministry formally asked Meta to pause the rollout for review over fears the feature could be used for fraud, phishing and identity theft, and has requested detailed explanations of WhatsApp’s safeguards.
- For users the change could cut routine exposure of phone numbers in groups and new contacts but may make automated or targeted username guessing easier, and Meta plans a slow, country‑by‑country rollout in the coming months.