WhatsApp not lets you reserve usernames

WhatsApp has unveiled a long-anticipated feature that allows users to reserve unique usernames, enabling profile sharing without the need to reveal phone numbers. Despite this new addition, a phone number will still be required to set up an account on the messaging platform. After years of development, the Meta-owned app is ready to roll out this feature, which will officially launch later this year. Users can select usernames ranging from 3 to 35 characters. In a bid to ensure that high-profile individuals and organizations can maintain their brand consistency, WhatsApp will prioritize username reservations for celebrities and VIPs. Importantly, there are no major restrictions on username selection, provided they adhere to WhatsApp's guidelines. Businesses and creators will have the option to claim their existing Facebook or Instagram usernames to keep their branding consistent across platforms. Once the username reservation capability becomes available in a user's region, they will receive a notification. To choose their username, users can navigate to Settings > Account > Username. WhatsApp will also allow users to create a unique username key, which others will need to know in order to send them messages. Meta highlighted that the reservation process is intended to prevent username duplication among its extensive user base of over 3 billion people. It's worth noting that usernames will not be searchable within the app, meaning only those who know the exact username can initiate contact. Users will have the flexibility to disable this feature or change their username whenever they wish. Alice Newton-Rex, Vice President and Head of Product at WhatsApp, emphasized the importance of this feature, stating, "When you meet someone new, sharing your phone number can feel like a big step. Your phone number is personal, tied to many aspects of your life. Usernames are designed to give you control over who sees your phone number." Currently, users must share their usernames directly, either verbally or through text, as the app does not support QR code scanning for this purpose. Competing messaging platforms such as Telegram, Signal, and Wire have offered similar username features for several years, allowing users to maintain their privacy. With recent leadership changes at WhatsApp, this long-awaited feature is finally being brought to fruition.