WhatsApp now lets users reserve usernames that keep their phone numbers private. Starting today, Meta's messaging platform is allowing users to reserve handles between 3 and 35 characters—eliminating the need to share phone numbers with strangers.
Celebrities, VIPs, and major organizations receive priority access to reservations, preventing rapid username claims by others.
Once the feature arrives in your country, go to Settings > Account > Username and claim your handle. You can change it whenever you want, turn it off entirely, or keep it locked down with a username key that only chosen contacts will see.
WhatsApp's Vice President and Head of Product, Alice Newton-Rex, said: "Your phone number is personal, and it's tied to so many other parts of your life." Usernames offer protection against unwanted contact and data exposure.
Usernames are not searchable within the app, so you will still need to share your handle through text, voice, or in person. QR code scanning is not yet available, though rival apps like Telegram and Signal offer this feature.
With over 3 billion users on the platform, Meta is using the reservation strategy to prevent duplicate usernames. If you're a creator or business owner, you can claim your Facebook or Instagram username on WhatsApp for consistency across the Meta ecosystem.
The feature will roll out to different regions throughout 2026.
