WhatsApp announces usernames: reserve yours now and connect without giving your number

WhatsApp confirmed this Sunday, June 29, 2026 that it will introduce usernames in the most used messaging app in the world. "Your phone number is personal and sometimes you want to connect without handing it over," wrote the official account @WhatsApp on X. The novelty replicates the model of Telegram, Instagram or X: an optional public identifier that reduces friction and improves privacy when starting chats with strangers, groups or business contacts.

What WhatsApp announced

In the message published at 4:09 p.m. (Eastern time), WhatsApp explains that usernames will allow connection without sharing the number. Starting this week users can reserve a name that they will use when the feature is active; The process "takes only a few seconds."

Meta does not yet detail length rules, allowed characters or whether there will be account verification. It does make the path clear in the app: Settings > Account > Username, with the app updated to the latest version available in the App Store or Google Play.

Reserve vs use: two phases

There is an important distinction: reserving the username and using it to chat are different steps. WhatsApp opens the reservation now; The full launch of the feature – search for contacts by @, start conversations without numbers – will come later in 2026, according to the announcement itself.

It is advisable to book early if you want a short handle or one with your personal brand: on other platforms, the most desired names disappear within hours.

Why it matters for privacy

Today WhatsApp is anchored to the mobile number: to add someone you usually need the phone or a link/QR. This complicates scenarios where you do not want to give your personal line—sales, events, online communities, journalism—or where changing SIMs involves reconfiguring contacts.

• Less exposure: the @ can be public; the number, no.
• Simpler onboarding: share a username in bio or card instead of +34…
• Meta Alignment: Instagram and Threads already use handles; WhatsApp completes the ecosystem.

The number is not going away: it is still the basis of account and verification in many markets. Usernames would be an additional layer, not a total replacement for the phone at the moment.

How to book (step by step)

1. Open the app store and update WhatsApp to the latest version.
2. In the app, go to Settings (gear icon or menu ⋮).
3. Enter Account > Username.
4. Choose the available @ and confirm the reservation.

If you don't see the option, the update may be rolling out by region. Repeat the check in a few days or check the official help.

Reaction and context

The tweet exceeded 8 million views in a few hours, a sign of global interest. WhatsApp exceeds 2,000 million users; Any change in identity affects businesses that use WhatsApp Business, Meta APIs and customer service flows.

Competitors like Telegram have been using @username for years; Signal keeps focus on number + PIN. Meta is betting on a hybrid: phone for the existing network and username for new use cases.

In summary

What is it? Usernames on WhatsApp to connect without giving your phone number. What can I do now? Reserve your @ in Settings > Account > User name. When will it fully work? Later in 2026, according to WhatsApp.