🔥 Trending How to Reserve Your WhatsApp Username

WhatsApp has recently begun rolling out the ability for users to reserve a unique username globally, ahead of the feature's full launch later in 2026 ³⁴⁵⁷. This new feature allows you to connect with others on the platform without sharing your phone number, enhancing privacy ¹⁵⁷.

What is a WhatsApp Username?

A WhatsApp username is an optional, unique identifier for your account, starting with the '@' symbol (e.g., @YourName123) ¹. Once you have a username, others can use it to message or call you, keeping your phone number private ¹². While you still need a phone number to create a WhatsApp account, usernames enable you to initiate conversations without exposing that number ⁶.

How to Reserve Your WhatsApp Username

The reservation process is straightforward and must be completed on your primary mobile device, as it is not currently available on WhatsApp Web or Desktop ².

Here are the steps to reserve your WhatsApp username:

1. Ensure WhatsApp is Updated: Make sure your WhatsApp application is updated to the latest version. This feature is being rolled out gradually, so having the most current app version increases your chances of seeing it ³.
2. Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your smartphone.
3. Navigate to Settings:

• On Android, tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner, then select "Settings."
• On iOS, tap the "Settings" icon located in the bottom right corner.

1. Access Profile/Account Information: Tap on your profile picture or name at the top of the Settings menu. This will take you to your profile details.
2. Look for the Username Option: Within your profile settings, you should see an option related to "Username" or "Reserve Username." This might appear as a new field or a dedicated section ³⁵.
3. Create Your Username:

• Tap on the username option.
• You will be prompted to enter your desired username. Usernames are unique, so if your first choice is taken, you'll need to try another ³.
• WhatsApp will likely provide suggestions or indicate if a username is available.

1. Confirm and Save: Once you've entered an available username, confirm your choice. The app will then save your reserved username.

Important Considerations:

• Availability: Usernames are unique, so it's advisable to reserve your preferred handle as soon as possible, especially if it's a common name or brand ³⁴⁸.
• Privacy: This feature significantly boosts privacy by allowing you to share a public identifier (your username) instead of your private phone number for new contacts ⁷.
• Future Use: While you can reserve your username now, the full functionality of connecting with others solely via username is expected to launch later in 2026 ⁷.
• Device Restriction: Remember, you cannot reserve a username from WhatsApp Web or Desktop; it must be done through your mobile app ².

By following these steps, you can secure your unique WhatsApp username and be prepared for the full rollout of this privacy-enhancing feature.