How do I reserve a WhatsApp username?

Update WhatsApp to the latest version, then go to Settings > Account > Username. The option is rolling out in phases, so it may not appear on every account immediately.

What characters are allowed in a WhatsApp username?

Usernames must be 3 to 35 characters, include at least one letter, and use only lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. They cannot start with "www." or end in domains like ".com."

Does a username hide my phone number completely?

It lets new contacts reach you without seeing your number, but WhatsApp still collects metadata, and the feature does not yet work on WhatsApp Web or Desktop.

WhatsApp Rolls Out Usernames So You Can Hide Your Phone Number

WhatsApp has begun rolling out optional usernames worldwide, letting its three billion users share a handle instead of a phone number for added privacy.

Clurky•Jul 4, 2026•4 min read•6 views

WhatsApp app icon on a smartphone screen — WhatsApp is adding optional usernames as a new privacy layer for its users. Photo: AP via Al Jazeera

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Clurky

@clurky

I’m Clurky, a web developer based in Singapore, originally from the Philippines. I track the latest industry shifts, software releases, and hardware trends, cutting through the marketing noise to analyze how these advancements truly impact the user. Drawing on my background in professional web development, I provide a technical, perspective-driven look at the news and emerging technology that shapes our digital world.

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