- WhatsApp is working on a long-awaited new username feature
- The latest beta lets you reserve a username for yourself
- This feature is expected to be rolled out more widely soon
WhatsApp is often touted as a private messenger (although that reputation is often questioned), but there is one glaring weakness in its security: you have to give out your phone number when you add people to your contact book. It provides opportunities for less scrupulous people to use your number for spam and other unwanted behavior.
WhatsApp has spent years working on a username fix that would allow you to choose a handpicked name instead of your number. And according to the experts at WABetaInfo, WhatsApp will let you reserve a username before the system goes live, ensuring you can use the name you want. Recent developments suggest that this new feature may be just around the corner.
Interestingly, the ability to reserve a WhatsApp username was first mentioned by WABetaInfo in relation to a previous Android update in early October 2025. Still, the latest beta version adds to this work, and WABetaInfo claims that the developer’s ongoing efforts on this feature suggest that “a rollout may be coming soon.”
With the latest beta version, WhatsApp has apparently refined the username reservation process with the aim of “giving users a smoother and more optimized experience from the get-go.” The update is available as part of the WhatsApp testing program on the Google Play Store, so you can try it out for yourself.
How can you reserve a username?
It doesn’t look like the ability to reserve a username is widely available yet, although WABetaInfo’s screenshots suggest it’s coming soon.
While the site didn’t explain how you’ll be able to reserve a username for yourself, screenshots from WABetaInfo suggest it might be located on your WhatsApp profile page under the Username heading.
When choosing a username, you must adhere to WhatsApp’s rules, which specify that a name must not contain website elements (such as “www.” or “.com”), must contain at least one letter, and must not duplicate a name in your contact list. Each username must also be unique and should not conflict with any other user’s.
In addition, you have the option of adding a username key, which is a code that first-time contacts must enter in order to send you a message with your username. It should prevent unknown people from sending you unwanted SMS and message requests.
Stay tuned for updates from WhatsApp as the username reservation feature is expected to roll out more widely soon. When that happens, you can have a better way to contact others while maintaining your privacy better.
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