WhatsApp is finally introducing usernames. Here's how to claim yours

Having a WhatsApp account so far meant only one thing: anyone who knows your phone number can contact you. That is finally changing now. Meta has announced that it is adding usernames to its most popular communication app, and you can reserve yours this week. Let’s take a look at what this brings and how to do it.

End of mandatory number sharing

The principle is simple. Instead of a phone number, you will be able to give others a username through which they can contact you. Once the feature officially launches, people who do not have your number saved will only see your name — the number itself will remain hidden. Those who have you in their contacts will not notice any change. However, you will still need a phone number to register for the application; only who sees it will change.

This will be especially practical when meeting new people, networking, or communicating with companies where you don’t want to give out your personal number. WhatsApp is also preparing an optional “key” as a second safeguard — if you enable it, only someone who knows this key will be able to contact you via your username. It’s an elegant defense against unsolicited messages. Conversation encryption remains unchanged.

How to reserve your username

Reservations are made in the app settings via Settings → Account → Username. You can choose your own (it must be unique and 3 to 35 characters long), or use the built-in suggestion generator. Content creators, businesses, and organizations can also claim the same name they already use on Instagram or Facebook. The reason Meta is opening reservations in advance is simple — with over three billion users, attractive names will be taken quickly.

However, there’s a catch. The feature is being rolled out gradually over the coming months, so the reservation option might not be immediately visible in the Czech Republic — it hasn’t appeared in the latest Android version for us in the editorial office yet. If you don’t see it in the settings, it’s worth keeping the app updated and waiting a few days.

Will you use the option to hide your phone number on WhatsApp, or are you fine with the current situation?

Sources: 9to5Google, WhatsApp