WhatsApp usernames announced, CEO Kunal Shah wants you get yours now
Follow UsWhatsApp has introduced a new username feature that will let people chat without sharing their phone numbers.
Creators, businesses and organisations can claim the same username they already use on Instagram or Facebook.
Privacy is the main reason behind the new feature.
Have you ever met someone new and wanted to chat on WhatsApp, but didn’t want to share your phone number? I have felt that many times too. Sharing your phone number with someone you just met is not always comfortable. Well, to solve this problem, WhatsApp has introduced a new username feature that will let people chat without sharing their phone numbers. The feature is set to roll out later this year, but the company is now allowing people to reserve their usernames.
SurveyWhatsApp’s global head, Kunal Shah, has also encouraged users to reserve their username. “Timing is everything. Joined WhatsApp early enough to claim my username before we release this to the world. Time to get yours,” Shah posted on X.
Timing is everything. Joined WhatsApp early enough to claim my username before we release this to the world. Time to get yours.
— Kunal Shah (@kunalb11) June 29, 2026
A more private way to connect. Coming soon to your WhatsApp. https://t.co/ZIq3S5n7gc
What is the WhatsApp username feature?
A WhatsApp username is a unique name that people can use to find and message you. This means you don’t have to share your phone number with a stranger or a person you just met to chat with them on WhatsApp.
Creators, businesses and organisations will also be able to claim the same username they already use on Instagram or Facebook. This will help them to keep a consistent identity across Meta’s apps.
“With over three billion people on WhatsApp a lot of names overlap, which is why we’re opening reservations early so everyone has the opportunity to select the username that matters to them,” the platform explained.
Also read: Google reportedly limits Meta’s access to Gemini AI models, here is why
Why does the WhatsApp username feature matter?
Privacy is the main reason behind the new feature. WhatsApp says there will not be a public directory where people can browse usernames. Instead, someone will need to know your exact username before they can contact you for the first time. The company is also introducing an optional username key that others will need to know to message you.
How to use the feature
To reserve a username, users need the latest version of WhatsApp. The option is available under Settings > Account > Username. Do note that the ability to reserve your username is rolling out gradually.
