WhatsApp Begins Global Username Reservations to Protect Phone Numbers
Summary
WhatsApp is rolling out username reservations so users can connect without sharing phone numbers. Optional username keys add control over first-time contacts; availability will expand gradually over the coming months.
Key points
- WhatsApp has begun gradually rolling out global username reservations ahead of general availability later this year.
- Users can connect through usernames instead of directly sharing their phone numbers.
- An optional username key requires a first-time contact to know both the username and key; users can reset the key to cut off new inbound contact.
- WhatsApp says users can reserve usernames through Settings > Account > Username.
- Creators, businesses, and organizations can claim their existing Instagram or Facebook username on WhatsApp.
Article Details
- Event Type
- WhatsApp announced a gradual global rollout of username reservations.
- Impact
- Users can connect through usernames rather than sharing phone numbers. Optional username keys add a further control for first-time contacts, and users can reset their keys to stop new inbound contacts.
Vendors
Products
FacebookThe feature also includes optional username keys for extra protection, while allowing creators, businesses, and organizations to reserve familiar usernames across WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.InstagramThe feature also includes optional username keys for extra protection, while allowing creators, businesses, and organizations to reserve familiar usernames across WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.Signal#WhatsAppWhatsAppWhatsApp has begun rolling out global username reservations to help more than three billion users protect their phone numbers and connect privately on the platform.