How to claim your WhatsApp username before the feature goes live

Meta-owned WhatsApp has started allowing users to reserve usernames ahead of the official launch of its long-awaited username feature, giving billions of users the chance to secure their preferred identity before it becomes widely available.

Although the feature has not yet gone live, users can already claim a unique username, ensuring no one else takes it when WhatsApp begins rolling out the service globally in the coming weeks.

The move marks one of WhatsApp’s biggest changes in recent years. Instead of sharing a mobile phone number, users will soon be able to connect using a unique username, offering greater privacy and making it easier to communicate with friends, customers and businesses.

How to claim your WhatsApp username

To reserve your username, follow these simple steps:

* Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
* Tap Account.
* Select Username under the “Your Account” section.
* Tap Create Username if this is your first time.
* Enter your preferred username.
* If your chosen name is unavailable, tap Suggest a Username to receive alternative options.
* Once you find an available username, save it to reserve your handle.

Users who already have usernames on Facebook or Instagram can also sign in through either platform to reserve the same username on WhatsApp, helping them maintain a consistent online identity across Meta’s apps.

How to change or delete your username

WhatsApp also allows users to update or remove their usernames at any time.

To change it:

* Go to Settings > Account > Username.
* Tap the Edit button in the top-right corner.
* Enter a new available username and save the changes.

If you no longer want a username, you can delete it from the same menu.

Why usernames matter

The new feature is designed to improve user privacy by allowing people to share their WhatsApp contact details without revealing their phone numbers.

This could prove especially useful for professionals, freelancers, online sellers, content creators and anyone who wants to be contacted on WhatsApp without exposing personal information.

Businesses are also expected to benefit, as they can promote a memorable username instead of displaying a phone number on websites, social media pages or advertisements.

WhatsApp is introducing an additional security feature known as a username key.

Users can decide whether anyone who knows their username can contact them or restrict first-time messages to only people who also know a unique four-digit key.

This means someone who knows your username must also enter the correct security key before sending their first message, helping reduce spam and unwanted contact. The key can be changed or regenerated whenever needed.

Feature coming soon

For now, WhatsApp is only allowing users to reserve usernames to prevent duplicates before the feature officially launches.

Once the rollout begins in the coming weeks, users who have already secured their usernames will be able to start using them immediately, making it easier to connect with others while keeping their phone numbers private.