WhatsApp has started rolling out username reservations, allowing users to secure a unique @handle before the feature becomes fully active on their account. The rollout is happening gradually over the next few months, so the option may not appear for all users immediately.
The feature is aimed at making WhatsApp communication less dependent on phone numbers. A username on WhatsApp will be an optional unique identifier that starts with the “@” symbol, such as @Name123. Once active, it can be used by others to message or call a user without needing their phone number.
WhatsApp is also making a clear distinction between usernames and display names. A display name is the name that appears on a user’s profile and does not have to be unique. A username, however, must be unique to each WhatsApp account, meaning two users cannot claim the same handle.
For users who do not yet have access to usernames, WhatsApp will allow them to reserve a preferred username in advance. Once a username is reserved, it will be held for that account, and other users will not be able to claim it. Reserving a username is completely optional, and users can continue using WhatsApp normally without choosing one.
Reserved usernames will remain private until they become active. No one will be able to see a reserved username during this waiting period, and others will not be able to contact a user through the reserved handle until it is activated. WhatsApp says users will receive a notification in the app once their username is ready to use.
After activation, usernames will help users share their WhatsApp contact without exposing their phone number. People who do not already have a user’s phone number saved will see the username instead. This could be useful for users who interact with new contacts, communities, customers, creators, or groups where sharing a personal mobile number may not be ideal.
WhatsApp will also let users change or delete a reserved username at any time. However, if a reserved username is changed or deleted, it may become available for others to claim. If the preferred username is already taken, users will need to choose another one.
There will be some restrictions on username availability. WhatsApp says certain usernames are held for businesses, governments, public figures, and similar accounts, so they cannot be claimed by regular users. Users may also be able to claim the same username they use on other profiles if it is available and connected through Meta’s Accounts Center.