WhatsApp’s Next Big Privacy Move Could Be Usernames — And You’ll Be Able to Reserve Yours Soon

It looks like WhatsApp is finally taking a big step toward something users have been asking for for years — usernames. A new beta version of the app suggests that WhatsApp will soon let people reserve their preferred usernames, giving them a unique handle that could make it easier (and safer) to connect without sharing phone numbers.

WhatsApp Begins Testing Username Reservations

WABetaInfo spotted the new feature in WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.25.28.12. While it’s not live yet, the app’s code shows a new option under the Profile section that will eventually let users pick and reserve their usernames. Think of it as claiming your digital identity before the feature officially rolls out.

It’s a smart move by WhatsApp, considering how features often reach users in stages. By allowing reservations early, people won’t have to rush or risk losing their preferred usernames once the full feature launches.

A Step Toward Reducing Unwanted Messages

This new system could also change how privacy works on WhatsApp. According to WABetaInfo, the company is developing something called a “username key”, which would act like a second layer of verification. Only people who have both your username and key would be able to message you. That could drastically cut down on random or unwanted messages — something users have been dealing with for a while.

Username Rules and Restrictions

WhatsApp isn’t giving users complete freedom when choosing names. Usernames won’t be allowed to start with “www,” and they’ll need to include at least one letter. Certain characters like numbers, underscores, and periods will be supported, but that’s about it. It’s clear WhatsApp wants to prevent fake profiles or misleading names that could look like websites or brands.

What Happens Next

The feature is still under development and isn’t available to beta testers just yet. However, if WhatsApp follows its usual rollout pattern, we could see testing expand to more users over the next few weeks.

For now, the reservation system seems to be laying the groundwork for the full username experience — a change that could make WhatsApp feel a little more like Telegram, but with Meta’s own twist on privacy and control.