WhatsApp began rolling out a new feature in early 2026 allowing users worldwide to reserve unique usernames, or handles, to use instead of sharing phone numbers, according to company sources. The phased rollout started with limited beta testing on Android and iOS, with a full public launch planned for June 2026 to enhance user privacy and simplify contact sharing.
WhatsApp users can now reserve unique usernames, or handles, that will replace phone numbers as the primary identifier when connecting with new contacts, according to multiple reports and WhatsApp-aligned sources. The feature began limited beta testing on Android and iOS devices in early 2026, with a full public launch planned for June 2026, industry trackers and media outlets confirmed. This phased rollout is occurring region by region, with in-app notifications alerting users when username reservation becomes available in their country, according to Engadget and The Times of India.
Usernames must be between 3 and 35 characters, containing only lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, and must include at least one letter, according to technical details reported by Vucense and Invent.
Users can claim a username in advance by navigating to Settings, then Account, and selecting the new Username option, sources said. The reservation process allows users to manually enter a preferred handle or use an in-app generator to suggest available names that comply with WhatsApp’s formatting rules. WhatsApp checks availability in real time, displaying a green checkmark for valid handles. If a desired username is taken, users may receive suggestions based on their existing Instagram or Facebook names, reflecting integration within the Meta ecosystem, The Times of India noted.
Once activated, WhatsApp usernames will appear as the visible contact identifier instead of phone numbers when new users or businesses initiate messages, multiple sources confirmed. This change addresses a longstanding privacy concern, allowing users to connect without revealing their phone numbers to new contacts. However, WhatsApp still requires a phone number to register an account, and it remains the backend identifier, according to privacy guides and reports from Engadget and Vucense. An optional four-digit “username key” can be set during the reservation phase to add an additional layer of security, requiring contacts to know both the handle and key to reach the user’s main inbox. This key is expected to be upgraded to an alphanumeric code when usernames fully launch later in 2026, according to Engadget.
The introduction of usernames is expected to have significant implications for businesses using WhatsApp. Starting as early as June 2026, companies using the WhatsApp Business API will be able to create and claim usernames for customer interactions, according to Invent and Replypop. This will allow businesses to share branded handles instead of phone numbers, simplifying customer communication and enhancing brand visibility. Usernames will also appear in group chats and direct messages, replacing phone numbers and facilitating easier discovery and contact. Industry observers note this shift moves WhatsApp closer to a Telegram-style identity model, where usernames serve as public identifiers searchable within the app.
The development of the username feature has been publicly tracked since 2023, with WABetaInfo regularly reporting on beta builds revealing the functionality. The outlet confirmed that the feature is currently rolling out to a limited number of users on both Android and iOS platforms. Social Media Today reported that WhatsApp is set to give users the option to create usernames as part of a system update scheduled for June 2026. While WhatsApp has not officially announced a precise global launch date, multiple sources point to the second half of 2026 for full deployment.
The phased rollout began in early 2026 with limited beta testing between January and April, expanding gradually to more users and markets. WhatsApp sends in-app notifications when the username reservation option becomes available in each region, enabling users to secure their preferred handles ahead of the public launch. According to The Times of India and Khaleej Times, the username feature represents one of WhatsApp’s most significant privacy upgrades to date and is currently accessible to select users in various countries.
This update is part of WhatsApp’s broader efforts to enhance user privacy and streamline contact sharing on its platform. While usernames will replace phone numbers as visible identifiers in many contexts, the underlying account verification and security continue to rely on phone numbers. The rollout will continue through 2026, with expanded availability for individual users and businesses expected over the coming months.
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