How to Reserve Your WhatsApp Username as Meta Begins Rolling Out Reservations

Earlier this week, Meta announced that its widely used messaging platform, WhatsApp, will introduce usernames. These unique handles will let users replace their phone numbers, giving them the option to keep that personal information more private. Although the username feature is not yet active, it is expected to roll out globally over the coming months.

In the meantime, username reservations have already opened, prompting users to quickly claim their preferred handles before someone else does. If you’d like to use the same username across all your social platforms, it’s worth reserving it as soon as possible. Here’s everything you need to know about securing your WhatsApp username.

How to Reserve a WhatsApp Username

At present, username reservations are available only through the mobile versions of WhatsApp. If you keep the app updated, you may receive a notification when the reservation feature becomes available for your account. If you don’t see the notification or prefer to access the option manually, follow the steps below.

For iPhone

• Tap the You button.
• Tap your profile.
• Select “Create Username” or “Reserve Username”. (The available option may differ depending on the rollout stage.)
• Tap Save, then Done.

For Android

• Tap the three-dot menu.
• Select Settings.
• Tap your profile.
• Choose “Create Username” or “Reserve Username”. (The option displayed depends on availability.)
• Tap Save, then Done.

WhatsApp Username Rules and Restrictions

Like most social media platforms, every WhatsApp username must be unique. This means that if your preferred username has already been claimed by another user, you’ll need to choose a different one. The only opportunity to obtain an already-reserved username is if its current owner changes or removes it. Once a reserved username has been changed or deleted, it becomes available again after 14 days. Meta has not revealed how many times users will be able to change their usernames, although the company has confirmed that a limit will eventually be introduced.

Within the username setup menu, you’ll also have the option to use the same username as your Facebook or Instagram account. If that username hasn’t already been reserved by someone else, you can claim it for WhatsApp as well. However, if privacy is your primary reason for using a username, choosing a different and more unique handle may be the better option.

From a technical standpoint, usernames must contain between three and 35 characters. They may include lowercase letters, numbers, underscores, and periods. Usernames made up entirely of numbers are not allowed, and WhatsApp will also block “restricted words or phrases.”

Stay Alert to Potential Scams

Meta says it is introducing safeguards to help verify that messages are coming from legitimate contacts, including an authorization key for people reaching out via username for the first time. Even so, some concerns remain that usernames could make it easier for scammers to impersonate other individuals and deceive potential victims.

While Meta will not allow users to register usernames pretending to be public figures such as Beyoncé or Tim Cook, the company has not yet explained whether or how it will detect similar impersonation attempts. Although it’s highly unlikely that the real Taylor Swift will suddenly message you asking for money, social media scams continue to cause billions of dollars in losses for unsuspecting people across the United States.