WhatsApp Adds Username Reservations to Hide Phone Numbers
Summary
WhatsApp is gradually rolling out usernames that let users hide their phone numbers from non-contacts. Users can reserve names ahead of launch and optionally require a key before others can message them.
Key points
- Meta says users can reserve a WhatsApp username before the feature launches in their country.
- People who do not have a user's phone number in their contacts will see the username instead.
- An optional username key can limit who is able to message a user through their username.
- Users can change or delete a reserved username, after which others may claim it.
- Some usernames are reserved for governments, public figures, and businesses.
Article Details
- Event Type
- Gradual rollout of username reservations and optional username keys for WhatsApp
- Impact
- Users can reserve usernames to hide their phone numbers from people outside their contacts. An optional username key can limit who is able to message them. The feature is rolling out gradually, with usernames reserved for some governments, public figures, and businesses.