WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that could change how users identify themselves on the platform. According to reports from WABetaInfo, the company is testing a “username reservation” feature in its Android beta version 2.25.28.12, allowing users to claim their preferred usernames before the full feature rolls out globally.
What Is the Username Reservation Feature?
For years, WhatsApp has relied exclusively on phone numbers to identify users. But this upcoming feature could finally bring a new layer of personalization and privacy to the app. The latest beta build reportedly includes a new “Username” option under the Profile settings, where users may soon be able to reserve unique handles—similar to Instagram or Telegram usernames.
The reservation system would let users lock in their desired usernames early, ensuring that popular names don’t get taken once the feature becomes public. This approach also gives WhatsApp more control over the rollout, avoiding name conflicts and impersonation issues.
Why Is WhatsApp Introducing Usernames?
The move toward usernames seems to align with WhatsApp’s broader privacy goals. Currently, anyone who wants to chat with you needs your phone number — something not everyone is comfortable sharing. A username system would allow users to communicate without exposing personal contact details.
It could also make connecting easier in professional or public spaces. For example, small businesses and creators could share their WhatsApp username instead of a phone number, making their presence more discoverable and brand-friendly.
There are also hints that WhatsApp might introduce an optional “username key”, which would add another layer of security. This means even if someone knows your username, they would still need a key to start a chat — a step that could drastically reduce spam and unwanted messages.
What We Know So Far
Early beta code suggests that usernames must include at least one letter and can combine lowercase letters, numbers, periods, or underscores. However, usernames cannot begin with “www.” to prevent confusion with web links.
The reservation option isn’t live yet, and WhatsApp hasn’t officially confirmed when users will be able to claim their names. It’s also unclear how the platform will handle duplicates or what happens if someone reserves a name but doesn’t use it.
Still, these early traces indicate that the feature is in active development, hinting that WhatsApp is preparing for one of its most significant identity changes yet.
Introducing usernames on a global scale won’t be simple. WhatsApp has over two billion users, so managing reservations and preventing duplicate claims will require massive backend coordination. There’s also the risk of name squatting, where users reserve desirable usernames just to hold or resell them later.
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