WhatsApp Rolls Out Usernames: Here’s What You Need to Know

WhatsApp has officially rolled out usernames, giving users a new way to connect without sharing their phone numbers.

Similar to usernames on Instagram, Telegram and Signal, the feature adds an extra layer of privacy by allowing people to chat using a unique username instead of revealing their mobile number.

What are WhatsApp usernames?

WhatsApp usernames let you create a unique handle linked to your account. When someone contacts you using your username, your phone number remains private.

Creating a username is optional, and you can change or delete it at any time without affecting your existing WhatsApp account or chats.

How WhatsApp usernames work

The new feature includes several privacy-focused protections:

• Your phone number stays hidden when someone contacts you using your username.
• There is no public username directory or search list. People need to know your exact username to find you.
• You can add an optional four-digit Username Key (PIN) for extra security. New contacts will need both your username and PIN before they can message you.
• Usernames are completely optional and can be updated whenever you choose.

WhatsApp username rules

WhatsApp has introduced several rules when creating a username.

Your username must:

• Be between 3 and 35 characters long.
• Start with a letter.
• Contain only lowercase letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), periods (.) and underscores (_).

Your username cannot:

• Start with a number or symbol.
• Contain consecutive periods (for example, user..name).
• Start with “www.”
• End with domain extensions such as “.com” or “.net”.

To help prevent impersonation, usernames linked to celebrities, major brands, government organisations and similar high-profile identities are reserved for their legitimate owners.

How to reserve your WhatsApp username

Usernames are globally unique and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If your preferred username is available, it’s recommended that you claim it as soon as the feature appears on your account.

On Android

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Tap Account.
4. Select Username or tap your profile picture and choose Create Username.
5. Follow the prompts to reserve your username.

On iPhone

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Tap your profile at the top.
4. Select Create Username.
5. Choose an available username and save it.

At launch, usernames can only be created on your primary mobile device. The feature is not currently available through WhatsApp Web or the desktop app.

Rolling out globally

WhatsApp is releasing usernames in phases, so the feature may not be available to everyone immediately. If you don’t see the option yet, you’ll need to wait until it becomes available in your region and on your account.

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