The username function is the most recent in a sequence of privacy-focused additions WhatsApp has launched to boost consumer privateness.
Meta-owned WhatsApp has introduced plans to introduce usernames, a brand new function geared toward permitting its customers to attach with others with out sharing their cellphone numbers.
The messaging platform disclosed the function on its web site on Monday, noting that the replace is designed to supply customers extra privateness when connecting with others.
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WhatsApp stated customers can start reserving their most well-liked usernames this week, forward of the function’s official rollout later in 2026.
“Your cellphone quantity is private, and typically you wish to join with out handing it over. That is why we’re introducing usernames for WhatsApp,” the corporate stated.
The expertise firm added that customers can already reserve a username by updating the app and navigating to the related settings.
Based on WhatsApp, customers can entry the username choice by clicking on “Username” beneath “Account” within the app’s settings.
“Beginning this week, you may reserve a username to make use of later this 12 months once we launch the function.
“It takes only a few seconds. Ensure you have the most recent model of WhatsApp after which go to Settings > Account > Username,” WhatsApp acknowledged.
On-line id
Based on WhatsApp, opening username reservations earlier than the function launches later in 2026 is meant to offer customers sufficient time to safe their most well-liked usernames.
“With over three billion individuals on WhatsApp lots of names overlap, which is why we’re opening reservations early so everybody has the chance to pick the username that issues to them,” it stated.
The tech agency added that creators, small companies, and organisations can even be capable to preserve a constant on-line id by claiming their present Instagram or Fb usernames on WhatsApp.
“For them, we reserved an choice to say their present Instagram or Fb username on WhatsApp,” the corporate stated.
Privateness
The username function is the most recent in a sequence of privacy-focused additions WhatsApp has launched to boost consumer privateness.
In Might, the Meta platform added the ‘Incognito Chat’ function to WhatsApp to deal with privateness issues throughout customers’ delicate conversations with Meta AI on the app.
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WhatsApp stated it’ll additionally launch ‘Aspect Chat’ within the coming months, which is able to supply customers non-public assist with any chat as non-public methods of interacting turn into a part of customers’ every day routines.
The username function is predicted to offer customers a novel username that may be shared as a substitute of their cellphone numbers.
It’s going to supply a further layer of privateness whereas making it simpler to attach with different WhatsApp customers, much like Meta’s different platforms, together with Instagram and Fb.