How to Change and Update Your WhatsApp Username

The messaging platform WhatsApp, which is part of Meta, initiated the rollout of username reservations for its 3 billion users earlier this June. While the username functionality is not yet operational, users can currently reserve their usernames and use them when the feature becomes available later this year.

With usernames, users will have the ability to share their WhatsApp contacts without disclosing their phone numbers. This is advantageous for those who prefer to be reached on WhatsApp while maintaining their privacy. For businesses, sharing a username can be more streamlined than providing a phone number to clients.

Here’s how to reserve your username:

• Go to Settings > Account and select the Username option in the “Your Account” section.
• If this is your first time setting up a username, you’ll see a “Create username” option where you can enter and select your desired username.
• If the username you want is taken, WhatsApp will offer alternative suggestions if you click the “suggest a username” option.

WhatsApp is reserving certain usernames linked to public figures and organizations, meaning these will not be available for personal use. Moreover, if you already have a username on Facebook or Instagram, you can log in through either platform to secure the same username for WhatsApp.

Once you’ve established your username, you can return to the same menu to modify it by tapping the “Edit” button located in the top right corner. You can also choose to remove your username if desired.

WhatsApp adds an extra layer of protection with a username key. Users can limit who can contact them from “Everyone” to “People who know my key” in the username settings. This means that individuals familiar with your username must enter a four-digit key to reach out for the first time. Users can either save this key or generate a new one at any time.

This username feature is set to be officially launched in the coming weeks. In the meantime, WhatsApp enables users to claim their usernames to avoid duplication.