How to get WhatsApp username before global rollout

WhatsApp has started allowing some users to reserve unique usernames ahead of the feature's wider rollout later in 2026, marking a move aimed at improving privacy by enabling people to connect without sharing their phone numbers.

The feature is being introduced gradually through WhatsApp's mobile apps, although reserved usernames cannot yet be used to initiate conversations. Availability varies by account as the rollout expands.

According to Meta, usernames will serve as an optional identifier linked to a user's WhatsApp account. Once the feature is fully launched, users will be able to share their username instead of their phone number when connecting with new contacts. Existing contacts and group members who already have access to a user's phone number may continue to see it.

WhatsApp said it will not provide a public directory or suggest accounts based on similar usernames. People will need to know the exact username to contact another user.

Usernames must be unique and contain between three and 35 characters. They may include lowercase letters, numbers, periods and underscores but cannot consist entirely of numbers or include restricted words or phrases.

Users will also be able to change or remove their reserved username. If a username is released, it will remain unavailable for 14 days before becoming available to another account, allowing the original owner an opportunity to reclaim it.

Meta said it also plans to introduce an optional authorisation key for users who receive messages through usernames. The additional code is intended to reduce unwanted contact by requiring new contacts to know both the username and the authorisation key before sending a message.

The company acknowledged that usernames could create opportunities for impersonation and said safeguards would be implemented to limit misuse.