WhatsApp has begun rolling out a significant update that promises to fundamentally change the way users interact on the platform. The change, which began on June 30, 2026, replaces phone numbers with unique usernames, with the possibility of booking now open.
The main motivation behind this innovation is user privacy. Currently, to connect with someone on the app, you have to share your personal phone number, which is often considered an excessive exposure of sensitive data. The company, in an official post, stated: “A phone number is personal and is linked to many parts of your life. Sometimes you just want to chat without giving out your digits.”
Understand how to secure your WhatsApp profile name before full launch
Starting this week, users can now reserve their desired usernames. The full feature will be officially launched later this year, but the advance booking phase aims to allow WhatsApp’s more than 3 billion users to secure their preferences before general availability.
To help you choose, the platform offers a username generator, making it easier to identify a unique name that can be easily shared with future contacts.
New feature seeks greater security and combats scams with messages
The username system also contributes to security, working to combat scams and fraud. With the new functionality, fraudulent messages, such as those pretending to be from a family member who has changed numbers, can be more easily identified and avoided.
Additionally, the tool offers flexibility for content creators, small businesses, and other organizations. It will be possible to link the WhatsApp username to existing profiles on Instagram or Facebook, unifying the online presence.
Find out how to reserve your username on the WhatsApp app
To reserve your username, it is essential that the application is on the latest version. iPhone users should open the App Store, press and hold the Apple account icon in the top right corner, then swipe down the page to check for available updates.
For those using Android, the procedure involves accessing the Play Store, searching for “WhatsApp Messenger” and, if available, performing the update.
After the update and when opening the application, on the iPhone, the path is: “You” tab, then “Account” and, finally, “Username”. For Android, go to “Settings” (three vertical dots icon in the top right corner), then “Account” and select “Username”.
It is important to note that the implementation of the resource is gradual. If the username option is not yet visible, users should not worry as the functionality will be progressively made available to everyone. The release of reserves, however, is already a welcome development for many.