WhatsApp username: How to reserve your handle before Meta’s wider rollout

WhatsApp has started allowing eligible users to reserve usernames ahead of the feature's broader rollout later this year. The new option will let users connect using a unique username instead of sharing their phone number, offering an added layer of privacy.Since the rollout is happening in phases, the feature may not yet be available on every account. If you can already access it, reserving a username early could help you secure the handle you want.Steps to reserve your usernameOpen WhatsApp on your primary Android or iPhone.Go to Settings and look for the Username option.Enter the username you want to use.If the username is available and meets WhatsApp's requirements, confirm your selection.Once confirmed, the username will be linked to your account.Also Read: Kunal Shah announces WhatsApp usernames as platform moves beyond phone numbersThings to keep in mindThe username reservation feature is being released gradually, so it may not appear on every account immediately.Reservations can only be made through the WhatsApp mobile app. The feature is not available on WhatsApp Web or the desktop application.WhatsApp recommends updating the app to the latest version, as the feature may become available through future updates.If your preferred username has already been taken, you will need to choose another one.Users who already have a username on Instagram or Facebook can also choose to claim the same username on WhatsApp, helping creators, businesses and organisations maintain a consistent identity across Meta's platforms.Why usernames matterOnce the feature is fully rolled out, users will be able to share a username instead of their phone number when connecting with new contacts, communities or businesses. This allows conversations to begin without revealing a personal phone number while giving users another way to manage their privacy.