WhatsApp Rolls Out Username Reservations, Lists 5 Steps to Secure Your Preferred Name
- WhatsApp announced the rollout of usernames, allowing users to connect without sharing phone numbers
- Starting the week of June 30, users can reserve a username ahead of the launch of the platform feature this year
- To reserve a username, users must update WhatsApp to the latest version and navigate to the settings section
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WhatsApp has announced the introduction of usernames, a new privacy feature that will allow users to connect with others without revealing their phone numbers.
The new feature, announced via WhatsApp's official channel on X, allows users to share a unique username instead of a phone number when making new contacts.
Source: Getty Images
How to reserve a WhatsApp username
WhatsApp is allowing users to claim and reserve their preferred username now, ahead of the feature's official launch later in 2026.
To do so, users must:
- Ensure they have the latest version of WhatsApp installed
- Open 'Settings'
- Tap 'Account'
- Select 'Username'
- Choose and reserve a name.
The company confirmed that reservations are open starting this week, giving users an early opportunity to secure their preferred handle before the broader rollout.
WhatsApp username update: Rollout and user concerns
The announcement has drawn significant attention globally, with users raising questions about availability, uniqueness and safety.
Some users in regions including India and Australia reported being unable to locate the username option even after updating the app, suggesting the rollout is being introduced in phases across different markets.
Questions have also been raised about what happens when multiple users attempt to claim the same username, and whether WhatsApp will notify users if their chosen name has already been taken.
Source: Getty Images
Privacy advocates and users have also highlighted potential concerns around accountability.
Because usernames would allow contact without a phone number being disclosed, some have questioned how WhatsApp intends to handle cases where the feature is exploited for fraud or scams, and whether law enforcement mechanisms will be strengthened accordingly.
Below is the X post by WhatsApp announcing the rollout of the divisive username reservation feature:
Reactions to WhatsApp introducing usernames
YEN.com.gh sampled some reactions from X users following WhatsApp's announcement:
@chanduuu_cs said:
"Usernames are a great privacy feature, but how will WhatsApp handle scammers? If someone uses only a username to scam people, users won't even know their phone number. I hope there are strong verification, reporting, and law enforcement mechanisms to prevent abuse."
@Rahulshidr94922 asked:
"Is it accessible in India? And on iOS? I tried but couldn’t find the username option anywhere. Am I the only one facing this, or is everyone in India experiencing the same issue?"
@ruhejanaa stated:
"Why is the username reservation feature not available in Australia yet? WhatsApp announced it’s starting this week, but many Australian users still can’t see Settings > Account > Username even on the latest version. Is Australia being included later in the rollout?"
@halsonbusinge wrote:
"What if we have the same username? How does it work? Let’s say 10 people want the same username. Does WhatsApp inform you that the name has already been taken?"
WhatsApp starts testing paid subscription
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that WhatsApp had confirmed that it is testing a new subscription tier called WhatsApp Plus.
The optional subscription would allow users to pay for additional features while keeping the standard platform experience free.
Meta said the test is aimed at introducing extra features and customisation options, and would not change core functionality.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
