WhatsApp is preparing to launch a long-awaited feature that will let users connect through usernames instead of phone numbers, marking one of the most significant privacy updates in the app’s history.
According to recent reports by the WhatsApp beta for Android, there is a newer feature called username reservation in the settings. This will enable users to claim and reserve their favorite usernames before the rollout, so that they are not taken instantly as the service is launched.
The update makes WhatsApp compatible with other messaging applications such as Telegram and Signal, which have already introduced the possibility of communicating without sharing phone numbers.
Rules for Choosing a Username
To maintain consistent and secure usernames, WhatsApp has provided explicit instructions:
- It only accepts lower case letters, numbers, periods, and underscores.
- Must be between 3-30 characters.
- Should consist of at least one letter.
- No duplicate usernames are permitted.
- No domains (such as “.com” or “www”)
- Usernames are not allowed to begin or end with a period and have two consecutive periods.
These guidelines are aimed to provide clarity and avoid confusion among the users.
When Can Users Expect It?
Although there’s no official release date yet, both the username reservation and username system are in active development. Since the feature is already appearing in beta versions, a public rollout is expected in the coming months.
This new system will offer a major privacy boost, allowing users to connect on WhatsApp without having to share personal contact details, particularly useful in group chats and public communities.
