WhatsApp usernames are finally coming to boost your privacy get ready to reserve yours soon

Date:
Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:03:38 +0000

Description:
WhatsApp is testing a tool that will let you reserve a username instead of handing out your phone number.

FULL STORY ======================================================================WhatsApp
is working on a long-awaited new username feature The latest beta lets you reserve a username for yourself This feature is expected to roll out more widely soon

WhatsApp is frequently touted as a private messenger (although that reputation is often questioned ), but theres a glaring weakness in its security: you have to give out your phone number when adding people to your contacts book. That presents opportunities for less scrupulous people to use your number for spam and other unwanted behavior.

WhatsApp has spent years working on a fix in the form of usernames , which would allow you to choose a hand-picked name instead of your number. And according to the sleuths at WABetaInfo , WhatsApp will let you reserve a username before the system goes live, ensuring you can use the name you want. The latest development suggests that this new feature could be just around
the corner.

Interestingly, the ability to reserve a WhatsApp username was first mentioned by WABetaInfo in relation to a prior Android update in early October 2025 . Yet the latest beta version adds to that work, and WABetaInfo argues that the developers ongoing efforts on this feature suggest that a rollout may be coming soon.

With the latest beta version, WhatsApp has apparently refined the username reservation process, aiming to provide users with a smoother and more optimized experience from the start. The update is available as part of the WhatsApp testing program on the Google Play Store, so you can try it out for yourself. How can you reserve a username? (Image credit: WABetaInfo)

It doesnt appear that the ability to reserve a username is widely available yet, although WABetaInfos screenshots suggest that its coming soon.

While the website didnt explain how youll be able to reserve a username for yourself, screenshots provided by WABetaInfo suggest it might be located on your WhatsApp profile page under the Username header.

When choosing a username, you must comply with WhatsApps rules, which specify that a name cannot contain website elements (like www. or .com), must contain at least one letter, and cannot duplicate a name in your contacts list. Each username must also be unique and should not conflict with that of any other user.

Additionally, youll have the option to add a username key, which is a code that first-time contacts must enter in order to be able to message you using your username. That should prevent unknown people from sending you unwanted texts and message requests.

Keep an eye on updates from WhatsApp, as the username reservation feature is expected to launch more widely soon. When that happens, you could get a
better way to contact others while better preserving your privacy.

Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the
Follow button!

And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too. You might also like WhatsApp is working on a new feature that could change how
you use it WhatsApp just got a big messaging update here are my 5 favorite upgrades coming to iOS and Android Meta's Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram
are amongst the worst offenders when it comes to social media privacy -
here's what you need to know



======================================================================
Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/phones/whatsapp-usernames-are-finally-coming-to-boos t-your-privacy-get-ready-to-reserve-yours-soon


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A49 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)