On Monday, **WhatsApp** announced the global rollout of username reservations, a move designed to enhance the privacy of its vast user base. This optional feature enables users to connect with others on the service using a unique identifier, rather than their phone number. ### Protecting Your Digital Identity The ability to reserve usernames is now gradually becoming available, allowing users to secure their preferred handle before the feature's general release later this year. **Meta**-owned **WhatsApp** emphasized that this is fundamentally a privacy-centric feature, not a social media handle. "You choose your own, and it doesn't have to match your handle on any other app," **WhatsApp** stated. "At its core, it's a privacy feature, not a social media handle – there's no directory to browse and no suggestions, so people need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time."  ### Username Creation and Security Usernames must be unique and can range from three to 35 characters. **WhatsApp** will offer a username generator to assist users in selecting one. Certain usernames are reserved for businesses, governments, and public figures, and are unavailable for general claim. An additional layer of protection comes with the option to set up a 'username key'. This key acts as a second factor, requiring the other party to know it in addition to the username when initiating contact. A **Meta** spokesperson clarified that username keys provide enhanced control over who can reach users via their username. "Others will need to know not only your exact username but also your key to message you for the first time with your username," the spokesperson explained. "You can reset your key at any time to cut off new inbound contact." ### Consistency for Content Creators and Businesses Content creators, small businesses, and organizations aiming for a consistent online presence can claim existing **Instagram** or **Facebook** usernames on **WhatsApp**, streamlining their digital identity across **Meta**'s platforms.  ### How to Reserve Your Username The primary benefit of this update is that once enabled, a user's phone number will no longer be visible or accessible to other accounts. Users can reserve their username by navigating to Settings > Account > Username within the **WhatsApp** application. **WhatsApp** confirmed that the rollout will be gradual over the coming months, with notifications sent to users when the feature becomes available in their respective countries. This move by **WhatsApp** follows a similar initiative by **Signal**, which introduced its username feature over two years ago to help shield users' phone numbers.