What you need to know about WhatsApp's new username feature

WhatsApp has started allowing users to reserve usernames ahead of the feature's official rollout later this year, introducing a new way for people to connect without sharing their phone numbers.

The messaging platform says usernames will be optional, meaning users can continue using WhatsApp without creating one if they prefer.

Some users may find that their preferred username is unavailable for several reasons, including where a username cannot be reserved if it is already being used on Instagram or Facebook by its legitimate owner.

If the name belongs to or closely resembles the name of a public figure, celebrity, government entity or a Meta Verified account, or if it has already been claimed by another WhatsApp user. In cases where a preferred name has already been taken, WhatsApp will provide a username generator to suggest alternatives.

The company says it has put in place measures to reduce impersonation and online scams. Although usernames are being reserved now, they will not be searchable when the feature launches.

If a user receives a message from someone they have never interacted with before, WhatsApp will display information such as the sender's country of origin and warn that it is a first-time contact.

The platform also says it will continue monitoring reports and blocked accounts to detect and take action against scammers.

To further enhance privacy, WhatsApp is introducing a username key, an optional security feature that requires someone to know both a user's username and the unique key before they can initiate contact.

Users will be able to reset the key at any time, preventing new contacts from reaching them through the old key.

Users who want the same username across WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook will need to temporarily link their Meta accounts to verify ownership. After verification, they can unlink the accounts if they wish or choose a username that is unique to WhatsApp.

WhatsApp also says usernames will not be permanent. Users will be free to change them at any time, provided the new username is available.

The company has cautioned users against claims that popular or well-known usernames can be reserved by anyone, stressing that protected names are only available to their legitimate owners.

WhatsApp says it introduced username reservations ahead of the wider launch because many users are expected to have strong preferences about the usernames they want.

The company says it is taking time to gather feedback and refine the feature before rolling it out to all users later this year.