- 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 roll out more widely soon
WhatsApp is frequently touted as a private messenger (although that reputation is often questioned), but there’s a glaring weakness in its security: you have to give out your phone number when adding people to your contacts book. That presents opportunities for less scrupulous people to use your number for spam and other unwanted behavior.
WhatsApp has spent years working on a fix in the form of usernames, which would allow you to choose a hand-picked name instead of your number. And according to the sleuths at WABetaInfo, WhatsApp will let you reserve a username before the system goes live, ensuring you can use the name you want. The latest development suggests that this new feature could be just around the corner.
Interestingly, the ability to reserve a WhatsApp username was first mentioned by WABetaInfo in relation to a prior Android update in early October 2025. Yet the latest beta version adds to that work, and WABetaInfo argues 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, aiming to “provide users with a smoother and more optimized experience from the start.” 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 appear that the ability to reserve a username is widely available yet, although WABetaInfo’s screenshots suggest that it’s coming soon.
While the website didn’t explain how you’ll be able to reserve a username for yourself, screenshots provided by WABetaInfo suggest it might be located on your WhatsApp profile page under the Username header.
When choosing a username, you must comply with WhatsApp’s rules, which specify that a name cannot contain website elements (like “www.” or “.com”), must contain at least one letter, and cannot duplicate a name in your contacts list. Each username must also be unique and should not conflict with that of any other user.
Additionally, you’ll have the option to add a username key, which is a code that first-time contacts must enter in order to be able to message you using your username. That should prevent unknown people from sending you unwanted texts and message requests.
Keep an eye on updates from WhatsApp, as the username reservation feature is expected to launch more widely soon. When that happens, you could get a better way to contact others while better preserving your privacy.
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alexblake.techradar@gmail.com (Alex Blake)
