Overview

• The latest Android beta exposes a Reserve Username option that lets users claim handles ahead of a full rollout.
• Usernames are designed to let people connect without sharing mobile numbers, improving privacy and reducing unsolicited messages.
• An optional username key reported in testing would require first‑time contacts to enter a key before messaging a user.
• Formatting rules include 3–30 characters, at least one letter, lowercase letters or numbers with periods or underscores, and no domains or leading or consecutive periods.
• WhatsApp positions early reservations to limit squatting by beta users, but the company has not provided an official timeline for wider availability.