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WhatsApp is gearing up to launch a much-awaited username feature, one that has been in the works for almost two years. The feature is supposed to provide users with a distinct identifier for their account, decreasing the need to share personal phone numbers when meeting new contacts.
Although the company has not issued a launch date, it is reported that users will soon be able to make early reservations for usernames so that their favorite handles can be booked before the actual release.
As per WABetaInfo, the option to reserve your username early will be listed under the ‘Username’ area of WhatsApp’s profile tab. People who reserve their usernames will get priority when the feature is made available. The new addition is meant to ensure privacy: those who do not have your contact saved will view your username rather than your phone number.
This is based on WhatsApp’s earlier privacy improvements, such as a PIN function launched last year. The PIN avoids allowing anyone to message an individual directly, even if they are aware of the username, providing a further level of protection.
Once the feature goes live, WhatsApp users will be required to follow a group of rules:
Usernames cannot start with ‘www.’
Every username must contain a letter.
Only letters (a–z) and numbers (0–9) in lowercase, periods, and underscores are permitted.
Usernames cannot begin or end with a domain such as .com or .net.
Usernames cannot begin and end with a period.
Between 3 to 30 characters, the length should be.
The rules are meant to keep the platform consistent and avoid misuse or impersonation.
Also Read: ChatGPT to Stop on WhatsApp from Jan 15, 2026: What You Need to Know
The introduction of the username feature is a major step in WhatsApp’s ongoing effort to enhance user privacy without compromising connectivity. The elimination of phone numbers in favor of usernames allows users to interact with unfamiliar numbers securely while not revealing their private information.
WhatsApp will offer early access to users who will be able to secure the usernames they want before the actual rollout of the feature.
