How to reserve your WhatsApp username right now

WhatsApp announced a significant change this week. Starting later this year, users will be able to message each other using optional and customizable options. usernamesa major departure from the phone number-based system the platform has relied on to date. At the time of writing, some users can reserve usernames, while others cannot. Based on what WhatsApp has said, everyone on the platform should be able to get a username starting this week.

If you’re interested in getting a unique username that doesn’t read like a string of random letters and numbers, you’ll want to start this process as soon as you can. Fortunately, it’s a simple process that only takes a minute or two. Here’s how WhatsApp usernames will work and how to reserve yours.

Usernames on WhatsApp will work similarly to how they do on other platforms. Once the username functionality has been implemented, you will be able to start a new conversation by entering a user’s username instead of their phone number.

WhatsApp notes that there will be no username search function, so anyone who wants to contact another user by their username will need to know that. For added privacy, after setting up a username, you will have the option to set a username “key” (a password) that anyone trying to message you will also need to know.

As described so far, WhatsApp usernames are optional: there is no need to choose one, and WhatsApp will still allow users to message by phone number instead of username. Nothing WhatsApp has said indicates that phone numbers will still be required for new accounts.

The option to configure usernames is being implemented right now. WhatsApp says users will be able to message each other using usernames later this year.

How to reserve your username on WhatsApp

Securing your preferred WhatsApp username is a simple process. You will need to use the mobile app; You currently cannot claim a username from the web interface.

Here’s how to reserve your username.

1. Open the WhatsApp application.
2. Touch the three vertical dots icon in the upper right corner.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Tap Account.
5. Low your account, tap User name.
6. Tap Create username.
   • If you have a Facebook or Instagram username that you want to import, tap the corresponding option.
7. Enter the name you want.
8. Tap Save.

After choosing a username, you can change it later by going to the same section in WhatsApp settings.

Once the username functionality is fully implemented, you will be able to message users with usernames without entering their phone numbers. Once you’ve set up a username, anyone who knows your phone number associated with WhatsApp will still be able to message you that way, but the users you message will only see your username and your phone number will be kept private.

And that’s all. Since billions of people use WhatsApp every month, you’re probably not the only one who wants the username you’re imagining, so hurry up to the WhatsApp app and get yours now.