WhatsApp is allowing users to reserve unique usernames before the feature is officially released to the general public [1].

This change addresses a long-standing privacy gap by removing the requirement for users to share their personal phone numbers to connect with others [3]. For years, the platform has relied on mobile numbers as the primary identifier, which often forced users to disclose private contact information to strangers or professional acquaintances.

Users on both iOS and Android devices worldwide can now access the reservation process within the app [4]. This early access period ensures that individuals can secure their preferred handles before the feature becomes available to the broader user base [1].

Meta designed the system to improve user privacy [3]. By utilizing a username, users can maintain a layer of anonymity while still utilizing the app's messaging and calling capabilities. The process is integrated directly into the existing account settings, allowing for a seamless transition once the full rollout is complete [2].

While the platform has not specified a final date for the global launch, the ability to claim usernames suggests the infrastructure is nearly ready for public use [1]. The move brings WhatsApp closer to the functionality of other social messaging platforms that decouple identity from telephony [3].

“Users can reserve a WhatsApp username before the feature is fully released to the public”

The shift toward usernames marks a significant evolution in WhatsApp's identity model. By decoupling the account from a phone number, Meta is transforming the app from a telephony-based utility into a more traditional social network. This reduces the friction for user growth and addresses privacy concerns that have previously limited the app's use in professional or semi-anonymous contexts.