WhatsApp is preparing to introduce usernames, allowing users to connect without relying on phone numbers. Since its 2009 launch, WhatsApp has required phone numbers for registration and contact discovery. The new username system aims to modernize the platform, similar to competitors like Telegram.
Username Rules and Format
WABetaInfo previously spotted code in WhatsApp’s TestFlight build showing:
- Usernames cannot start with “www.” to avoid confusion with websites.
- Each username must include at least one letter, preventing names of only numbers or symbols.
- Only lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), periods, and underscores are allowed.
This keeps usernames standardized and secure.
Username Reservation Feature
The WhatsApp Android beta 2.25.28.12 shows a username reservation option under Settings. This lets users secure their preferred handles before the official rollout, ensuring fairness and preventing early adopters from claiming popular names first.
Unlike the full username system, the reservation feature only locks in a handle, not messaging access. It allows WhatsApp to manage demand, maintain stability, and monitor performance during gradual expansion.
Release Timeline
The username reservation feature is expected to arrive before full username access, ensuring fairness and allowing WhatsApp to refine performance. While still in development, the beta suggests it could appear before the complete username system, though no official release date has been announced.