Your WhatsApp Number Can Stay Private Now: How To Reserve Your Username

Meta-owned WhatsApp has finally solved one of its biggest privacy problems. After months of leaks and rumours, the instant messaging platform has started rolling out its Usernames feature. This means you will no longer need to share your personal phone number to connect with others on WhatsApp. WhatsApp says users will now be able to reserve a username on both Android and iOS. With this feature, people will be able to message new people and businesses without sharing their phone number. You can reserve your username in just a few seconds from the app settings."Your phone number is personal and sometimes you want to connect without handing it over. that's why we're introducing usernames for WhatsApp. Starting this week, you can reserve a username to use later

this year when we launch the feature. It takes just a few seconds, make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp and then go to Settings > Account > Username," WhatsApp posted on X.WhatsApp CEO Kunal Shah said that 'timing is everything' as he announced that he had already claimed his WhatsApp username before the feature's public rollout.

"Timing is everything. Joined WhatsApp early enough to claim my username before we release this to the world. Time to get yours.A more private way to connect. Coming soon to your WhatsApp," Shah wrote on Elon Musk-owned social media platform. What Is WhatsApp Username Feature?WhatsApp said a username allows users to connect with others without revealing their phone numbers. They can choose any available username, and it does not have to match their handle on other platforms. According to the Meta-owned app, usernames are designed as a privacy feature rather than a social media identity. There will be no public directory or username suggestions. This means people will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time.How It Works- Usernames reservations will allow people to create and reserve a username before the feature is available in-app later this year. - Once reservations become available, users will be notified in the app. For most people, choosing a WhatsApp username should be something unique that only people you want to contact you will know. - Your phone number is protected. You can now share your unique username instead of your digits. There’s no public directory and no suggestions – people need to know your exact username to find you. You can update your username right in the app.- To control who can message you, you can set up a 'username key', so that anyone messaging you for the very first time via your username will need the key to reach you, adding one more layer of protection for your account. You can change the key at any time, WhatsApp said in a statement. How To Reserve Your WhatsApp usernameTo reserve your WhatsApp username, first update the app to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play. Open WhatsApp, go to Settings, and then tap Account > Username on Android or Your Profile > Create Username on iPhone.Enter the username you want and if it is available and meets WhatsApp's guidelines, confirm it to reserve it.It is important to note that your WhatsApp username must be between 3 and 35 characters long and should include at least one letter. You can use letters, numbers, periods (.) and underscores (_). Each username is unique, so once it has been claimed by someone else, it cannot be used again.