Meta Plans to Launch Usernames For WhatsApp: Here is How to Get Yours
Meta is enhancing privacy on WhatsApp as it plans to launch usernames for the platform. Here is everything you need to know about WhatsApp usernames and how you can reserve yours.
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WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world. Today, there are more than 3 billion people who use this platform to communicate with each other, send live locations, share pictures and indulge in group chats.
For years, the platform has worked in a simple way where your phone number is your identity on this application. However, it could feel like a big step when you share your phone number with someone new or join your office group chat.
That is why to solve this problem Meta is launching usernames for WhatsApp. The announcement was made by Meta on June 29, 2026 that later this year WhatsApp usernames will roll out. The platform has been planning for this feature since 2023 and now it will be launching soon
There are billions of users of this platform and usernames can overlap each other that is why Meta has opened early reservations. Here is everything you need to know about WhatsApp usernames including how you can reserve yours.
What is WhatsApp Username?
Source: Meta
A WhatsApp username is a unique name that you can create for your WhatsApp account which will be separate from your phone number. It is just like your Instagram username where you can choose it as per your convenience.
Instead of sharing your phone number with someone new such as a colleague, neighbour or a classmate, you can simply share this username to maintain privacy.
Meta has also made it easier for businesses and creators to maintain consistency as they can keep the same username on WhatsApp as well that they are using on Facebook and Instagram. If someone needs help choosing a username then Meta also has a username generator to offer a helping hand.
How Will WhatsApp Username Work?
Meta has clarified that this feature will enhance privacy further. There will be no direct repository from where a username can be accessed. If someone wants to reach you then they need to know their username.
Meta mentions: “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. To help control who can reach you on WhatsApp with your username, we’ve built an optional username key that others will need to know to message you.”
How to Reserve Your WhatsApp Username?
Reserving your WhatsApp username is quite easy and only takes a few minutes. Here are the simple steps that you need to follow:
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Update WhatsApp to the latest version.
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Go to Settings in WhatsApp
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Tap on the Account Option
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Look for the option of Username and tap on it.
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Type in your desired username that you want to reserve
If you can’t see the option then don’t worry as Meta might roll down this feature gradually all over the world.
Nikhil is a dedicated digital journalist and communications professional with more than five years of experience, currently working within the General Knowledge section at Jagran Josh. He has established himself as a subject matter expert in Finance, Economy, History, Technology, and Trending News, consistently delivering accurate, engaging, and easy-to-read content for a wide global audience.
Over the course of his career, Nikhil has developed deep expertise in crafting informative listicles, viral trending stories. His editorial portfolio also spans finance, historical research, and technology reporting, making him a versatile and well-rounded content professional. Every piece he produces reflects a strong balance between factual accuracy and reader engagement.
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