Overview
- WhatsApp has started a phased release to a small group of users, with the latest Android and iOS betas showing a username option according to WABetaInfo and corroborating outlets.
- When enabled, a username field appears under Settings > Profile, and chats started via a handle remain end-to-end encrypted.
- Usernames must be 3–35 characters with at least one letter, can use lowercase letters, numbers, periods, or underscores, and cannot start with “www.” or end with a domain such as .com or .net.
- Handles must be available across Meta apps, and users may need to link accounts in Accounts Center to prove they own the same name on Instagram or Facebook.
- An optional four-digit “username key” can restrict first-time messages, a phone number is still needed to register, and WhatsApp plans a broader rollout after this limited test.