WhatsApp just opened username reservations for three billion people heres
how to claim your handle before it's taken

Date:
Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:26:15 +0000

Description:
WhatsApp is tightening the screws on its privacy with the announcement of usernames.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter WhatsApp is rolling out the option of reserving unique usernames Username reservations are coming to
users worldwide from this week They're designed to make communicating through WhatsApp "even more private" WhatsApp has become one of the world's most popular messaging apps, but not everyone is comfortable with handing out
their phone number to a stranger to start a chat. Fortunately, Meta is
rolling out a new feature to help change that.

Today (June 29), Meta announced the arrival of WhatsApp usernames, which the company says will be rolling out to over three billion users. From this week, youll be able to reserve a username that you can then use when the tool rolls out fully over the coming months. Since there are a lot of users on WhatsApp, Meta is opening up reservations in advance so you can claim one thats unique to you before its taken by someone else. Meta is also making it easier for organizations and small businesses to claim theirs, and owners will have the option to claim their existing Facebook and Instagram username for their WhatsApp account. Latest Videos From Watch full video here:

Adding new contacts to WhatsApp is fairly straightforward already all you have to do is simply enter their number and a pop-up saying this person is using WhatsApp will appear. But the addition of usernames paves a way for an even more convenient and private way of adding new contacts aligning with
how other social media platforms work. (Image credit: WhatsApp) Meta added that usernames are [our] latest step to make WhatsApp even more private in
its announcement. For one, Meta says that theres no search function that allows you to find anyone via username like you can on Instagram theres no directory for browsing, or suggestions and results. You may like WhatsApps latest beta lets you set up a username, so you dont have to share your phone number You can buy this VPN for life for $40 and spare yourself a direct
debit chipping away at your monthly earnings keep your internet browsing and personal data private forever Spotify may soon allow users to change
usernames and add profile bios

If someone wants to add you as a contact, theyll need to know your exact username if you want to add you. Additionally, Meta has also integrated an optional four-digit key which you can enable, which others will need to enter if they want to add you. How to reserve your username (Image credit:
WhatsApp) The first step is to make sure your WhatsApp app is updated. Then, once username reservations have been rolled out in your region, head to Settings > Account > Username . Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Meta says it'll alert you in the WhatsApp app when usernames are available in your country. It added that "we'll be rolling out usernames gradually over
the coming months", so you may need to be patient to see the option.

Usernames have been in the works for WhatsApp for a while. Username reservations were first spotted back in October 2025 , and in April users spotted a tool in the services beta that allowed them to create their own username , but was only available to a very limited number of users. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/websites-apps/whatsapp-just-opened-usernam e-reservations-for-three-billion-people-heres-how-to-claim-your-handle-before- its-taken


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