WhatsApp Invites Users to Reserve Their Username

WhatsApp is making progress towards the launch of its optional username system it teased almost two years ago. Today, the WhatsApp team is inviting users to reserve their unique username in the app before the feature launches later this year.

“Usernames are our latest step to make WhatsApp even more private. There’s no directory to browse and no suggestions – people will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time,” the company explained today.

WhatsApp is opening username reservations early to give more chances to its 3 billion users to claim the username they want. Organizations using WhatsApp will also have the option to reuse their existing username on Instagram or Facebook.

 

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WhatsApp’s username system will also let users set up an optional username key that other users will need to know to send them a message. “Once we launch usernames, when you message a person or business for the first time they will no longer see your phone number, if you enabled your username,” the team also explained.

To reserve your WhatsApp username, you’ll need to go to Settings > Account > Username in the app. Usernames are already available for select beta testers, and they will roll out to everyone in the coming months.