- WhatsApp today began rolling out username reservations worldwide, allowing users to claim a unique name before the privacy-focused feature launches later this year.
- Starting today, WhatsApp is rolling out username reservations, with users receiving an in-app notification when the option becomes available to them in Settings > Account > Username.
- With support for usernames, WhatsApp users will be able to message new people and businesses or join group chats without necessarily revealing their phone numbers.
- WhatsApp says that there won’t be a directory to browse users by username, nor a recommendation system.
- The company says that while reservations begin rolling out today, usernames themselves will become available gradually over the coming months.
- Alice Newton-Rex, Vice President and Head of Product at WhatsApp, stated that usernames are designed to give users control over who gets to see their phone number.
- WhatsApp will allow users to go by usernames instead of phone numbers, addressing a privacy blind spot.
- Once the feature is fully rolled out, individual phone numbers will no longer be visible on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp has initiated a global rollout of username reservations, allowing users to connect without disclosing their phone numbers. This feature, which will be fully available later this year, aims to enhance user privacy and control over personal information.12347
Starting today, users can reserve unique usernames ranging from 3 to 35 characters. Alice Newton-Rex, WhatsApp's Vice President and Head of Product, emphasized that this feature addresses a significant privacy concern, stating, “So usernames are designed to give you control of who gets to see your phone number in the first place.”56
Once implemented, users will be able to message others or join group chats solely through their usernames, without revealing their phone numbers. Importantly, there will be no public directory for usernames, and users must know the exact username to initiate contact.
The feature is part of WhatsApp's ongoing efforts to enhance privacy, as current settings only allow blocking individual users. WhatsApp has over 3 billion users globally, and this update is expected to significantly change how users interact on the platform. Users will also have the option to change or remove their usernames at any time, ensuring flexibility and control over their online identity.
As WhatsApp continues to evolve, this username feature represents a pivotal shift towards prioritizing user privacy in digital communication.
“People will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time,” Newton-Rex added, highlighting the feature's focus on privacy.
The app will notify users when the username reservation option is available in their country, with the full rollout expected in the coming months.
“WhatsApp has begun rolling out username reservations, enabling users to connect without sharing their phone numbers. This feature aims to enhance privacy and will be available gradually over the coming months.”
9to5Mac
TechCrunch
