Quick Summary
WhatsApp will soon introduce usernames to WhatsApp, meaning you don't have to share your number with new people or groups – you can just share the username instead.
WhatsApp says this is to increase privacy and is allowing users to register their usernames over the coming months.
WhatsApp has announced that it's going to support usernames, so you don't have to give out your phone number to people you've just met.
The company explains that you might not want to hand over your number to a new group you're joining, so suggests that the usernames will allow for more privacy. People won't know your number, just that username you decided to pick.
That means they can't lift your number out of WhatsApp and start calling you, or sending your messages though another service that uses the same number. Equally, malicious users won't be able to add your phone number to a database, saving you from a stream of spam calls.
While the feature won't go live for some time, WhatsApp is instead pushing the idea that you can reserve your username now, ready for later in the year. It has even teamed up with Anthony Joshua to make a fun video, focusing on choosing that perfect name.
Therein lies the problem. Brands, organisation and "creators" will be able to claim their username from Instagram or Facebook, so that people can't claim that name and use it for their own purposes, which makes sense.
On the flip side, those creators whose number you'd never know, will then be contactable via that name, which should be easy to figure out. So to further protect users, you'll need to know their PIN – or username key – to contact that person.
There will be no directory or listing according to WhatsApp – you'll have to know that person's username, but equally, it's going to be fairly easy to share or guess usernames and I'm sure those not using the PIN function will be targeted by bot spam.
While existing brands and high profile individuals will be able to claim their name, there are sure to be plenty of impersonations, for example, swapping letters for numbers so that at first glance a username looks safe. In this instance, there's no number to fall back on, giving spammers additional anonymity.
Then we have to consider that WhatsApp has 3.3 billion monthly active users, all of whom will be scrabbling to get their perfect username. With this being a gradual roll-out, some users are already doing so while others wait. Just like trying to get your name on Gmail, only a few will be lucky.
So don't delay: if you're an active WhatsApp user you'll have to move fast to get the username you want.
How to reserve your WhatsApp username
The process is simple:
- Open WhatsApp and tap on Settings
- Then tap Account
- Here you'll find Username
Because it's a phased roll-out, you'll get a notification in WhatsApp when it's available in your country.
