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WhatsApp is now open for username reservations worldwide. While a phone number is still necessary to create an account, having a username allows you to start conversations without revealing your phone number.
Claiming your handle is quick and straightforward, provided you have all the required details ready. It typically takes less than a minute to secure your username.
Before you reserve your username, here are some key points to consider:
Your username must be between 3 and 35 characters and adhere to WhatsApp’s policies. Beyond that, you’re free to choose any name you like.
It’s worth noting that certain usernames have already been reserved for high-profile celebrities, VIPs, and verified organizations, so those are unavailable for registration. If your preferred username isn’t taken, WhatsApp’s built-in generator can suggest unique options for you.
To reserve your username, navigate to Settings > Account > Username in the latest version of WhatsApp. From there, you can input your desired handle to see if it’s available. The app may also offer suggestions for available usernames. Once you pick one, it will be linked to your account and will be visible when this feature rolls out fully later this year. Keep in mind, this feature is being introduced gradually across regions, and you’ll receive a notification in the app once it’s available in your country.
Once your username is active, anyone messaging you for the first time will not see your phone number, provided you’ve enabled the username feature. For added privacy, you can also set an optional username key — an extra layer of security that contacts will need to message you, in addition to your handle.
If you change your mind later, WhatsApp allows you to update or remove your username at any time.
The use of usernames follows a trend seen in other messaging apps like Signal, which introduced phone-number-free contact discovery in 2024, and Telegram, which has had this feature for years. This shift aims to address one of WhatsApp’s long-standing privacy concerns by reducing the need to share your phone number with contacts, helping you better control your personal, professional, and public connections.
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