With the arrival of the username, WhatsApp changes the way people will be able to connect with each other. Also in Italy, indeed, the username reservation phase begins, one of the most anticipated features of the Meta platform. The goal is to allow you to communicate with people, companies, groups, or new contacts. without having to immediately show your phone number.
The news will not be operational for all immediatelyUsername reservation starts early, while the full launch of the feature is expected during the yearUsers will receive a notification directly in the app when the option is available for their account and in their country.
WhatsApp Username: What's New for Users?
The username will be a unique identifier linked to the WhatsApp account. In practice, instead of sharing your mobile number with a person you just met, with a group or with a business, you can provide a username. phone number will remain however necessary to register for the app, log in to your account, and recover it in case of problems. The difference is how you present yourself to those who don't already have your contact information saved. When the feature is active, your username may appear instead of your phone number in new conversations started with your username.
This change is intended especially for situations where sharing your personal number might be excessive. This happens, for example, with people you meet at an event, with colleagues you've just met, in school chats, neighborhood groups, communities, associations, or relationships with small businesses. In these cases, WhatsApp aims to: offer a more practical and less invasive channel.
WhatsApp username, why Meta is opening pre-orders before launch
The decision to reserve usernames before the official launch is no coincidence. WhatsApp has over three billion users worldwide, and many might try to register the same name, especially if it's short, recognizable, or already used on other platforms.
Open reservations in advance It therefore serves to distribute requests and give users more time to choose their preferred ID. Those who don't find the name they want available can also use an automatic generator, designed to suggest personalized alternatives. The new feature It also concerns companies, creators, professionals and organizationsThose who already use a recognizable name on Instagram or Facebook can try keeping it on WhatsApp as well, to make their presence more consistent within the Meta ecosystem. To use a username already linked to Instagram or Facebook on WhatsApp, however, you may need to prove ownership, which can be done through Meta's Account Center.
How to reserve your username on WhatsApp
To reserve your username you must use the latest available version of WhatsAppThe feature will be rolled out gradually to Android and iOS, so not everyone may see it right away.
I passaggi expected are:
- Update WhatsApp to the latest available version
- Open the app
- Enter Settings
- Select the Account section
- Tap on the Username item
- Enter the desired username
- Check availability and confirm your booking
The username must be respect some rulesIt can contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. It must be unique and cannot exceed 35 characters. It must also include at least one letter, cannot consist solely of numbers or symbols, and must not be confused with web addresses, such as starting with "www" or ending with a domain extension. Two consecutive periods are not allowed.
WhatsApp: Privacy and Security, No Public User List
The most important news concerns the privacyWhatsApp will not turn usernames into a public search system similar to that of social networks. There will be no searchable directory, you won't be offered profiles to add, and you won't be able to search for people randomly within the app. To message someone by username you will need to know his username exactlyThis choice distinguishes WhatsApp from platforms more geared towards public profile discovery and confirms the private nature of the messaging service.
To this will be added an additional, optional protection, called “username key”This is an additional code that the user can activate to further limit initial contacts. In practice, even knowing the username, a person may still need to enter this code to send the first message.
The feature is designed to reduce spam, unwanted contacts, and message attempts from strangers. It can be especially useful for those who choose a highly recognizable username, perhaps identical to the one they use on Instagram or Facebook.
Username, when it will be available and what changes
La Username reservation starts this week, but the full rollout of the feature will be gradual throughout 2026. WhatsApp will notify users with an in-app notification when they can complete registration or actually use their username to communicate. Existing chats will continue to work as before. Contacts who already have the number saved will also be able to continue using it. The change primarily affects new contacts and initial conversations started without directly exchanging numbers.
For those who prefer the traditional method, theuse of the username will remain an option and not an obligationThe big news is that WhatsApp, after years of using your phone number as the center of your identity on the app, is preparing to offer a more private alternative. This move could change your daily habits, professional relationships, and how you manage your digital privacy.
