Monday, June 29, 2026
Technology

WhatsApp is launching usernames: here’s how to reserve yours

WhatsApp is introducing a new way to add and chat with contacts, without having to share your phone number. Usernames will be launching "later this year," in a move to make the communications platform "even more private," allowing you to keep your phone number concealed from people who aren't alread...

WhatsApp is launching usernames: here’s how to reserve yours
Image: The Verge
You can reserve the username you want to use before the feature starts rolling out later this year. | Image: Meta / WhatsApp

WhatsApp is introducing a new way to add and chat with contacts, without having to share your phone number. Usernames will be launching "later this year," in a move to make the communications platform "even more private," allowing you to keep your phone number concealed from people who aren't already in your contacts.

Usernames are available to reserve starting this week, giving you time to claim a specific handle you may already be using elsewhere before the WhatsApp username feature officially launches. The username launch will be rolling out gradually over the coming months, and users will be notified when the feature is available in the …

Read the full story at The Verge.

Originally published at The Verge

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