- It allows you to contact other people without revealing your personal phone number.
- Booking is optional and can be done from the Account section in your profile settings.
- It includes an additional security key to filter who can start a conversation.
- It is possible to link the same identifier used on Facebook or Instagram.
Imagine you've just met someone at an event, a new neighbor, or a classmate, and you want to stay in touch, but you're a little hesitant to give out your phone number right away. That's normal; after all, our phones are very personal and connected to countless aspects of our private lives. Sometimes, we simply want to exchange a few messages without exposing our personal information to someone we've just met.
This same feeling occurs when we join WhatsApp groups, like the typical school parents' chat or the football team group, where we end up sharing our number with people we don't even know. Luckily, Meta has decided to solve this dilemma by implementing usernames , a feature that allows us to interact without having to give out our phone number, adding a layer of privacy we've been missing.
What exactly are usernames and what are they used for?
Basically, it's a unique identifier (like @username) that acts as an alternative to your phone number so others can find you. Most importantly, it doesn't replace your phone number for creating an account; rather, it's a way to hide your number from people who don't already have it saved in their contacts.
When you first contact someone or a company with this option enabled, your number will be invisible to them. It's an ideal tool for content creators, freelancers, or anyone who wants to separate their public identity from their private contacts, thus avoiding spam and unwanted messages from strangers.
How to reserve your ID step by step
WhatsApp is currently rolling out this feature gradually. Some users may already be able to reserve their name, while others don't see the option yet. If this is the case for you, it's best to update the app and be patient. Here's the path depending on your device:
- On iPhone (iOS): Open the app and go to the tab You at the bottom. Go to your profile and look for the option "Create username"If available, click on reserve, enter the desired name and click save.
- On Android: Tap the three vertical dots in the upper right corner and enter SettingsTap on your profile and select "Create username"Enter the identifier you want and confirm the operation.
If you can't decide on a username, the platform includes a name generator to help you create an original one. Furthermore, if you already have a personal brand on Instagram or Facebook, you can claim the same username by linking the accounts through Meta's Account Center, which is very practical for maintaining a consistent image across all your networks.
Rules for choosing the perfect name
Not all names are available, as with billions of users, the simplest ones are quickly taken. For WhatsApp to accept your suggestion, you must meet these technical requirements :
- The length must be between 3 and 35 characters.
- You can use lowercase letters (az), numbers (0-9), periods (.) and underscores (_).
- It cannot consist only in numbers.
- It must be unique and not contain restricted terms.
Note that some names, even if they appear available, cannot be used. Meta has blocked high-value usernames , such as those of celebrities, government figures, or athletes like Messi, to prevent impersonation. Similarly, some very simple names may be reserved exclusively for WhatsApp Business accounts.
Advanced Privacy: The Key to Security
For those who want to take their data protection a step further, there's the username key . This is an optional feature that acts as a second filter: it's not enough for someone to know your username to message you; they also need to know this secret key to start the conversation.
A crucial detail is that when configuring this option, you must ensure you tap "Save key ." If you simply generate it and close the app, the setting might revert to "Everyone," allowing anyone with your username to contact you. Remember, there is no public directory or search suggestions; no one will find you unless they provide your exact name.
User management, changes, and deletion
If you regret the name you chose, you can change it by going to your profile, selecting your username, and tapping Edit . Keep in mind, however, that there's a limit to the number of changes you can make to prevent abuse or scams, although WhatsApp hasn't specified the exact limit. Also, once you change your name, the previous one will be available and someone else could take it.
If you prefer to delete it completely, you can do so from the same editing menu. After deleting it, you'll have a 14-day grace period to recover it before the system makes it available to any other user on the platform.
In short, we are facing a necessary evolution that prioritizes privacy management , allowing us to choose who accesses our real number through a progressive reservation system, optional access keys, and the possibility of unifying our identity with other Meta networks.