WhatsApp has initiated the rollout of a username reservation system, providing a privacy-focused alternative to sharing personal phone numbers. This process officially began on June 29, with a broader launch scheduled for later this year.
The platform will notify users via in-app alerts as the feature becomes accessible to them. By using unique identifiers instead of phone numbers, users gain better control over their contact information. Importantly, the company clarified that there will be no public directory or search function; to initiate contact, a sender must possess the exact username.
To bolster security, an optional username key is being introduced. This requires individuals to input a specific code before they can send an initial message to someone new. WhatsApp noted that with more than three billion global users, early reservations are essential to ensure people can claim their preferred names before the official system-wide release.
