WhatsApp to Roll Out Username Feature Without Showing Phone Numbers: How It Works
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WhatsApp has announced plans to introduce usernames, allowing users to connect without sharing their phone numbers as the messaging platform begins letting eligible users reserve their preferred usernames ahead of the feature’s official rollout later this year.
In an announcement shared on Monday, the Meta-owned messaging platform said users can start reserving their preferred usernames this week before the feature becomes available later this year.
“Your phone number is personal and sometimes you want to connect without handing it over. That’s why we’re introducing usernames for WhatsApp. Starting this week, you can reserve a username to use later this year when we launch the feature,” WhatsApp stated.
The company noted that reserving a username takes only a few seconds, provided users have updated to the latest version of WhatsApp.
WhatsApp Users Can Reserve Usernames ; Process of Reservation
Although usernames are still being rolled out gradually over the next few months, WhatsApp is allowing eligible users to reserve a username in advance.
WhatsApp users who reserve a username will automatically have it activated once the feature launches in their region and will receive a notification when their reserved username is ready to use.
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To reserve a username:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap your profile.
- Select Reserve username or Create username, depending on availability.
- Enter your preferred username.
- If the username is available, tap Save.
WhatsApp recommends updating the app to the latest version to access the newest features as they become available.
Importance of Username Feature
According to the Meta-owned messaging platform, the introduction of usernames aims to make it easier for users to communicate without exposing their phone numbers to everyone they interact with.
Once the feature is available, users can create a unique username that others can use to contact them.
However, the company noted that existing contacts who already have a user’s phone number saved will continue to see that number, while new contacts can connect using the username instead.
Usernames will remain optional, meaning users can choose whether or not to create one.
In addition, WhatsApp stated that users will be allowed to reserve the same username they already use on Instagram or Facebook, provided it has not already been claimed.
To do this, users must link their WhatsApp account to the same Meta Accounts Center as their Instagram or Facebook account.
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If different people use the same username across Instagram and Facebook, WhatsApp said the username will be awarded to the first person who claims it on the messaging platform.
The company further clarified that changing a username on Instagram or Facebook will not automatically update the user’s WhatsApp username.
Rules
WhatsApp has outlined several requirements for usernames. A username must:
- Be between 3 and 35 characters long.
- Contain lowercase letters, numbers, underscores (_) or periods (.).
- Not consist only of numbers.
- Be unique.
- Not contain restricted words or phrases.
If a preferred username is unavailable, WhatsApp will generate alternative suggestions, although some usernames are reserved for businesses, government organizations and public figures.
Meanwhile , once the feature becomes available, users will be able to edit or delete their usernames through the app’s settings.
WhatsApp said there is a limit to how many times a username can be changed. If a user deletes a username, they will have 14 days to reclaim it before it becomes available for someone else to register.
The company also noted that usernames can be transferred when users change their phone number on the same device, although transfers between different devices are not currently supported.
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WhatsApp Users Can Now Claim Usernames Ahead of Rollout.Photo/ Whatsapp