By Rauf Mujeeb
WhatsApp has announced a new feature that allows users to select unique usernames, providing a way to connect with others without sharing their personal phone numbers.
The platform confirmed that while the feature will fully launch later in 2026, it has opened a reservation window to allow its three billion users to secure their preferred handles in advance.
According to the official announcement on Monday June 29, 2026, this update aims to improve privacy, as sharing a phone number can feel like a “big step” when interacting with new contacts, such as classmates, neighbors, or people met at events.
“Sometimes you just want to chat without handing over your digits,” WhatsApp stated.
Regarding the feature’s design, the company noted, “There’s no directory to browse and no suggestions people will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time.”
To help users control their reachability, the company added, “We’ve built an optional username key that others will need to know to message you.”
For public figures and organizations such as creators, small businesses, and entities wanting to maintain a consistent online presence they are advised to claim their existing username on their Meta apps.
“We have reserved an option for users to claim their existing Instagram or Facebook username on WhatsApp.”
The reservation system is being rolled out in stages, and users will receive an in-app notification when the feature is live in their region. To reserve a handle, users can navigate to Settings > Account > Username on the latest version of the app.
The Meta also clarified that while phone numbers remain necessary for account registration, “when you message a person or business for the first time, they will no longer see your phone number if you have enabled your username.”
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