WhatsApp usernames are coming — reservations are open now

WhatsApp announced on @WhatsApp that usernames are coming: connect on WhatsApp without handing over your phone number. Reservations opened first, with messaging via username launching later this year.

To reserve: update to the latest WhatsApp and go to Settings → Account → Username. Usernames are optional.

Per WhatsApp's official FAQ: existing Instagram and Facebook usernames are reserved for their owners (link accounts to claim the same handle); well-known public-figure and brand names are held so only legitimate owners can claim them; and a username key adds an extra layer — someone needs both your username and key to contact you, and the key can be reset anytime.

You can't search WhatsApp by username (just like you can't search by number), unknown-sender warnings show country and first-contact flags, and username changes are allowed if the new name is available.

Reserve your business name now — before launch. Usernames become the public face of WhatsApp contact. If your brand handle exists on Instagram or Facebook, linking accounts secures the same @name on WhatsApp; if not, reservations are first-come.

Marketing gets a cleaner front door: a memorable @yourbrand on a billboard, receipt or profile beats a raw phone number — and staff can engage without exposing personal numbers.

Impersonation defenses are built in — held brand names, country-origin warnings, and username keys — but they protect the *legitimate owner*, which is one more reason to be the one holding the handle.

The number itself still runs your operations: campaigns, workflows and the team inbox all live on the number behind the username.