Overview

• Beta code spotted by WABetaInfo shows a new option to reserve a WhatsApp username before the full handle system rolls out.
• Usernames are designed to let people connect without exposing their mobile numbers, framing the change as a privacy improvement.
• Reported rules require 3–30 characters with at least one letter, allow only lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, and block domains or formats like "www."
• Additional constraints include no duplicate usernames, no starting or ending with a period, and no consecutive periods.
• An optional username key for first-time contacts is in development to limit who can message users, and WhatsApp has not announced a public rollout date.