WhatsApp Lets Users Claim Unique Usernames

WhatsApp is enabling users to reserve unique usernames, a feature set to launch later this year. This significant privacy upgrade allows people to connect and chat without exchanging phone numbers. Currently, sharing phone numbers is often the only way to initiate contact on the platform, which can feel intrusive.

To address this, WhatsApp will allow users to choose a username, which will be visible to contacts instead of their phone number for new conversations. Reservations are open now to help users secure their desired usernames amidst the platform's vast user base. Businesses and creators can also claim existing Facebook or Instagram usernames for their WhatsApp accounts.