Overview
- WhatsApp began a staged, global reservation period on Monday that lets users claim a unique @username now while the ability to message via usernames will be enabled later in 2026.
- Usernames allow someone to be contacted or join groups without revealing their phone number on first contact while the phone number remains required to create and own the account.
- Meta built safeguards into the launch by pre‑reserving high‑value names for public figures and verified accounts and offering an optional username key or PIN, character rules and limits on changes to curb impersonation and abuse.
- To reserve a name users with the updated app can go to Settings > Account > Username, use an in‑app name generator or claim the same handle they use on Instagram or Facebook through Meta’s account tools, but availability will vary as the rollout is gradual.
- The change gives everyday users more control over privacy and gives creators and businesses a mnemonic contact option, while raising risks from lookalike usernames and scams that WhatsApp plans to monitor during the phased launch.