WhatsApp Could Soon Let Users Reserve Their Usernames: Here’s What It Means

WhatsApp may soon make it easier for users to secure their identity – and their privacy – with a new username reservation feature. The instant messaging app is reportedly working on a tool that will let users reserve their preferred usernames ahead of a wider rollout of the long-rumoured username system. The feature was recently spotted in WhatsApp’s latest Android beta, suggesting that Meta is moving closer to an official rollout in the near future. Also Read: Apple Shelves Cheaper Vision Pro; What Comes Next Could Rival Meta’s Smart Glasses

WhatsApp Working on Username Reservations

According to feature tracker WABetaInfo, the new feature has appeared in the WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.25.28.12. It adds a “Username” option under the Profile section in Settings, allowing users to reserve a unique username before the functionality is available to everyone. While it’s not yet live for beta testers, its presence in the latest build suggests development is well underway. Also Read: Instagram And Facebook Will Soon Use Your Meta AI Chats To Shape Ads And Content

WhatsApp Username Reservation Feature (Source: WABetaInfo)

This is part of WhatsApp’s plan to introduce username-based communication, which could make it easier for users to control who reaches out to them. Instead of sharing phone numbers, people may be able to use usernames, helping reduce unwanted messages and giving users more privacy. Also Read: WhatsApp May Soon Add Incognito Mode For Meta AI Chats: Here’s What It Means

A Step Towards Private Messaging

The upcoming username feature may also include a “username key” – a security measure that limits who can message you. Only people who have both your username and key would be able to start a chat, helping to prevent spam and unsolicited messages.

Additionally, WhatsApp is likely to enforce some restrictions while setting up usernames. They cannot begin with “www” (to avoid impersonation risks) and must include at least one letter. Certain characters like numbers, periods, and underscores will be allowed.

Wider Rollout Expected Soon

For now, the username reservation option is still under development and isn’t available even to beta testers on the Google Play Beta Program. Like most WhatsApp updates, it’s expected to be rolled out gradually over the coming weeks.

Once it’s live, the ability to reserve usernames in advance will let users lock in their preferred handles before they’re taken, giving them first pick when the feature officially launches.