The era of usernames begins on WhatsApp: The path to messaging without sharing numbers is opening

WhatsApp has taken the first step in its long-awaited username system. As username reservations begin to open worldwide in the app, the new era will pave the way for users to communicate with new contacts and businesses without sharing their phone numbers.

Users will be able to reserve a unique username for themselves by going to Settings > Account > Username within the app. Given that WhatsApp has more than three billion users, it is noted that there may be high demand for the same names, which is why the company has launched the reservation process before the full rollout of the feature.

The system is important not only for individual users but also for content creators, small businesses, and organizations. WhatsApp has also created a request mechanism for accounts that want consistency with the usernames used on Instagram or Facebook. Thus, the goal is for the same username to be obtained on WhatsApp under appropriate conditions.

ADDITIONAL MEASURES FOR PRIVACY

WhatsApp states that usernames will not be listed in a public directory and will not be presented to others through a recommendation system. Accordingly, for a person to initiate contact for the first time, they will need to know the exact username.

An optional "username key" will also be available in the app as an additional security layer. When this key is enabled, a person will need to know not only the username but also the designated key to send a message for the first time.

Those who wish to reserve a username will open the WhatsApp app, go to the Settings menu, and then tap the Username option under the Account section to set an available name. WhatsApp reports that usernames will be rolled out gradually in the coming months and that users will receive in-app notifications when the feature is active in their country.