WhatsApp Implements Usernames and the Rush for Reservations is On: How to Get the Perfect 'Nickname'

WhatsApp has globally initiated the phase of reserving usernames, a long-awaited feature aimed at changing interactions on the platform. The introduction of a unique identifier will allow users to start conversations or join groups without the need to share their phone number, adding a potential layer of privacy. However, the full functionality will be gradually rolled out over the next few months, with general availability expected by the end of the year.

The reason for this preliminary reservation phase is substantial: with over three billion active users, the likelihood that multiple people want the same username is very high. The company has, in fact, decided to open the reservation early to allow users to secure their desired handle.

To reserve their username, users must access the WhatsApp application and navigate to Settings > Account > Username. Not everyone will see the option immediately, as the rollout is staggered, but several users – including us – have already been able to claim theirs. In our case, we received a notice on the main screen at the first startup, allowing us to access the reservation screen with a single interaction. In short, to lock down the perfect "nickname," one needs to be timely.

WhatsApp Introduces Usernames, But Privacy is at the User's Discretion
The new feature offers more granular control over the visibility of one's phone number, a crucial aspect for privacy. Although sharing the username is optional, the company emphasizes that it is advisable to choose a name known only to the people you wish to interact with. Furthermore, WhatsApp has set up a "claim" system for creators, small businesses, and organizations, allowing them to claim the same username already used on platforms like Instagram or Facebook, thereby maintaining image consistency across channels.

An important aspect to consider is that there will not be a public directory to browse usernames, nor a recommendation system. This means that to contact a new user via their nickname, knowing the exact string will be essential. This approach is designed to maintain the private nature of usernames.

For an additional layer of protection, users will have the option to create an optional "username key," a sort of password that will be required for others to start an initial conversation. It’s a necessary compromise for those seeking maximum privacy, but its effectiveness in practice will depend on mass adoption of this option.

It is crucial to clarify that even with the introduction of usernames, the phone number remains a requirement for signing up for the service. Additional protections primarily apply to new conversations. For existing chats and groups, the phone number will remain visible to contacts with whom it has already been shared, while the usernames of public figures seem to have already been reserved to prevent abuse.