WhatsApp is finally rolling out its most-requested feature: usernames. Starting this week, users can claim a unique handle, offering a more private way to connect without sharing phone numbers.
This highly anticipated update, set to launch globally later this year, allows over 3 billion users to create a personalized username. This means the race is on to snag the perfect username before it's taken. Keep an eye out for an in-app notification, or check Settings > Account > Username to see if reservations are open for you.
Users will have the option to create a brand new username or import their existing handles from Instagram or Facebook. WhatsApp even offers a username generator, but you're free to choose whatever you like.
"Usernames are designed to give you control over who gets to see your phone number in the first place," explained Alice Newton-Rex, VP of Product at WhatsApp. "It's an optional feature; you choose your own username, you can change it or remove it, and it doesn't have to match your handle or account name on any other app."
Privacy is a core focus for this feature. There won't be a public directory of usernames, and users can add an extra layer of security by requiring a unique four-digit key to contact them. This move mirrors features seen on other platforms like Signal, which introduced usernames earlier this year.
Don't expect to snag famous names like @kimkardashian, though. WhatsApp has reserved the most high-profile handles for legitimate owners, including celebrities and government entities. However, you will get a head start on claiming your existing Facebook or Instagram username during this initial reservation period.
