WhatsApp has officially announced one of its most anticipated features: Usernames, allowing people to connect without revealing their phone numbers.
The new feature, unveiled on Monday, June 29, 2026, marks a major turnaround for the world's most popular messaging app, which has long required users to exchange phone numbers before chatting.
Rollout begins this week
WhatsApp has confirmed that username reservations begin this week, enabling users to secure their preferred handle before the feature officially launches.
However, the company says the full rollout will happen gradually over the coming months, with the feature becoming available later in 2026.
Users will receive an in-app notification once it is enabled in their country.
There is no exact global launch date yet, as WhatsApp is releasing the feature in phases.
Once usernames are available, users can reserve one by updating to the latest version of WhatsApp and navigating to:
Settings, click Account, click Username
On iPhones, users can also create a username from their profile settings.
Usernames are optional and can contain between three and 35 characters.
WhatsApp is also introducing a username generator to help users find available names since all names will be unique, just like the ones used on social media like X or Instagram
Better privacy
The biggest benefit is privacy.
Once the feature is enabled, people or businesses you contact for the first time will see your username instead of your phone number, provided you have chosen to use a username.
WhatsApp says there will be no public directory of usernames.
Instead, someone must know your exact username to start a conversation with you, reducing unwanted messages and protecting personal information, which is critical in an era of digital fraud.
The company is also adding an optional username key, giving users even greater control over who can contact them.
Good news for businesses and creators
Businesses, creators and organisations will also benefit.
Meta says eligible users will be able to reserve usernames that match their existing Instagram or Facebook accounts, helping maintain a consistent online identity across its platforms.
To prevent impersonation, WhatsApp has already reserved usernames belonging to celebrities, public figures and major organisations.
Phone numbers aren't going away
Despite the change, phone numbers will still be required to create a WhatsApp account.
Existing contacts, who already have your phone number, can continue messaging you as before. The username simply offers a new, more private way to connect with people you don't already know.
With more than three billion users worldwide, WhatsApp says the early reservation period is designed to give everyone a fair opportunity to claim the username they want before the feature becomes widely available.
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