The biggest WhatsApp privacy update in years is officially underway. WhatsApp is finally shifting away from phone numbers and introducing usernames, giving its three billion users an entirely new way to connect securely.
But with username reservations going live this week, the clock is ticking to claim your digital identity before the scramble begins. While the platform is offering first dibs to users wishing to port over their existing Facebook or Instagram handles, unreserved names are up for grabs.
Here is how to beat the global rush, navigate the new settings, and secure your WhatsApp username right now.
How to set up your WhatsApp username
Open WhatsApp and tap You in the bottom right corner. From here, go to Account and select username. If you don't see it yet, the feature is rolling out globally this week and should appear shortly.
Tap Create username and once you are in, you can claim a brand-new name, use WhatsApp’s generator for ideas, or instantly port over your existing Instagram or Facebook handle.
After locking down your choice, be sure to customize your privacy settings. Enabling the optional four-digit PIN adds an excellent extra layer of security, requiring new contacts to know both your handle and your code before they can message you.
From there, you can start handing out your username instead of your digits.
