WhatsApp Will Let Users Reserve @ Handles Before Launching Usernames

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Key Takeaways:

WhatsApp Introducing Usernames to Enhance Privacy: WhatsApp is moving beyond phone numbers by introducing usernames, allowing users to connect without sharing personal contact details and improving privacy.
Reservation System for Usernames: A new link in WhatsApp settings will let users reserve their preferred usernames in advance, helping prevent impersonation and secure their handle before the full rollout.
Rules for Choosing Usernames: Usernames on WhatsApp must include at least one letter, can contain lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, and cannot start with ‘www.’ to maintain a consistent and safe naming system.
Benefits of Adding Usernames: Adding usernames makes WhatsApp safer and more flexible, especially for users who change numbers often, by reducing privacy risks and simplifying new connections.
Upcoming Features and Rollout Timeline: Though not officially confirmed, the phased rollout of usernames is likely imminent, with early reservation options helping users secure their handle before others.

WhatsApp is finally preparing to introduce usernames, moving beyond its long-time reliance on phone numbers. The information was first revealed by WABetaInfo, a trusted source for WhatsApp updates, which spotted the new feature in the latest WhatsApp beta build for Android. The report shows that WhatsApp is developing a way for users to reserve their desired @ handle ahead of the full rollout.

Preparing for Usernames on WhatsApp

Since its launch in 2009, WhatsApp accounts have always been tied to a phone number. While simple, this setup also limited privacy and made changing numbers inconvenient. Competing apps like Telegram and Signal have supported usernames for years, allowing users to chat without sharing personal contact details. It seems WhatsApp is finally catching up.

According to WABetaInfo, a new link inside WhatsApp’s settings menu will soon let users reserve a username in advance. This reservation step will likely happen before the full feature rollout, helping users lock in their preferred handles and avoid impersonation risks. The rollout is expected to be gradual, meaning not everyone will get access at once.

Rules for Choosing Usernames

Back in June, WABetaInfo had already spotted early code references in a WhatsApp TestFlight beta revealing how the system will work. Usernames must include at least one letter and can only contain lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), periods, and underscores. They can’t start with “www.” to prevent confusion with official websites. These rules will help maintain a consistent and safe naming system for everyone.

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Why This Matters

Adding usernames to WhatsApp could make it safer and more flexible to connect with new people. You’ll no longer need to share your phone number to start a chat, reducing privacy risks. It’s also a practical improvement for anyone who changes numbers often.

While Meta hasn’t officially confirmed when the feature will go live, WABetaInfo’s report about the username reservation system strongly suggests that public rollout is near. With over 3 billion monthly active users, a phased release makes sense, and reserving your handle early might help you secure your name before someone else does.

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