In a blog post dated Monday, June 29, 2026, the Meta-owned messaging platform said the username update is designed to make it easier and safer for users to interact with new contacts and group conversations, where sharing a personal number can often feel intrusive.

“When someone new walks into your life – a classmate, a neighbour, someone you meet at an event – sharing a phone number can feel like a big step,” WhatsApp noted. “Sometimes you just want to chat without handing over your digits.”

The company said the same concern applies to group chats, such as school or community groups, where users may prefer to participate without exposing their personal contact details.

Under the new system, users will be able to reserve a unique username ahead of the full rollout later this year. WhatsApp said early reservations are being introduced due to the platform’s scale, with more than three billion users leading to high demand and overlapping name choices.

“For most people, choosing a WhatsApp username should be something unique that only people you want to contact you will know,” the company said, adding that a username generator will also be available to help users create suitable handles.

WhatsApp also confirmed that creators, small businesses, and organisations will be able to maintain consistency across platforms by reserving usernames matching their Instagram or Facebook handles.

The company emphasised that usernames are a key part of its broader privacy strategy, noting that there will be no public directory or search function to browse users. Instead, individuals will need to know the exact username to initiate contact.

To further enhance privacy controls, WhatsApp is introducing an optional “username key” that users can share with select contacts to determine who can reach them.

Once fully rolled out, users who enable usernames will also have their phone numbers hidden from first-time contacts.

“Once we launch usernames, when you message a person or business for the first time they will no longer see your phone number, if you enabled your username,” the company said.

Setting up a username reservation is available from this week via the app’s settings menu by navigating to Settings > Account > Username. WhatsApp said the process takes just a few seconds on the latest version of the app.

The feature will be rolled out gradually over the coming months, with users expected to receive notifications when it becomes available in their respective countries.