WhatsApp has announced a new feature that will allow users to choose a username in place of their phone numbers.
WhatsApp, in a blog post published on June 29, 2026, noted that this new feature helps users keep their number private and control who can reach them on WhatsApp using their username.
“… we’re introducing usernames for WhatsApp. Usernames are our latest step to make WhatsApp even more private,” the tech company said.
WhatsApp noted that there will be no directory to browse people’s usernames and no suggestions, so people will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time.
“We’ve built an optional username key that others will need to know to message you,” part of the blog post reads.
Although WhatsApp did not state exactly when the feature will take effect, it noted that users can begin reserving usernames this week and will be notified when the feature is available in their country.
“Starting this week, you can reserve a username to use later this year when we launch this feature,” the announcement reads.
“We’ll be rolling out usernames gradually over the coming months and will notify you in WhatsApp when they’re available in your country. With over three billion people on WhatsApp, a lot of names overlap, which is why we’re opening reservations early so everyone has the opportunity to select the username that matters to them.”
WhatsApp added that once this feature is launched, when anyone messages a person or business for the first time, they will no longer see their phone number if the user has enabled the feature.
How to reserve your username
Although reservation is optional, you can reserve a username. It takes just a few seconds to make the reservation.
- Open your WhatsApp and go to Settings
- Select Account under setting
- Click on Username
- Choose a new username or choose a username from your linked Meta accounts (Facebook or Instagram)
- Then save
Explaining that a username on the platform is unique, WhatsApp noted that once a user reserves a username, no other user can claim it. This is because it will be held for the first user who selected the name.
However, if the person decides to change the name or delete it at any time, that username becomes available for others to claim.