WhatsApp gets usernames (which is more important than you think)

WhatsApp accounts are so far only linked to telephone numbers-that will change thanks to support for user names.

WhatsApp gets usernames

Since the launch of WhatsApp in 2009, users can only register via their telephone number. Connecting with contact persons is also only possible via telephone numbers. On the other hand, competing apps such as Telegram have long been supporting user names as an alternative.

To keep track of competition, parent company Meta will now finally also add support of usernames to WhatsApp. For the second time this year, instructions have now been found by the website Wabainfo. It seems that Meta is currently set up a system for reserving usernames in preparation.

Code in a test version

Wabainfo discovered in June 2025 Code in a test version of WhatsApp It refers to user names and some basic rules for how that will work:

“Usernames cannot start with” www. ” As Could Mislead Users Into Are Interacting With An Official Website Entity Include at Least One Letter, which Prevents Made Up Only Of Numbers or Symbols. and Underscores.

“User names should not start with ‘www.’, Because this could be users and remind users that they communicate with an official website. User names must contain at least one letter, which consists of usernames that only consist of numbers or symbols. Only certain characters are permitted: small letters (A – Z), figures and a lot of stripes. retain.”

A new step

Now Wabainfo has A new step Discovered in the direction of support for usernames: a new link in the settings with which users can already reserve their desired username before the function is officially rolled out. In this way, users get the chance to get their desired username, even if the function itself is probably rolled out in phases. WhatsApp probably also tries to prevent usernames from being claimed by imitators.

At the same time, Meta has not officially confirmed the position. It is therefore not yet clear when it will actually be rolled out. The image above in which the ‘Reserve Username’ option is visible comes from an Android phone. In the settings of an iPhone, the function is at least not yet visible, as you can see below.

The fact that WhatsApp is busy preparing a system for reserving names in any case indicates that the position will become available earlier than late. On iPhoned In any case, we will keep you informed. Do you want to be sure that you are not missing anything? Then register for our newsletter!