Have you already reserved your WhatsApp username?

WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will allow users to add new contacts and start conversations more privately. Instead of having to share their phone number with someone, they will be able to use their username. The feature is expected to be officially introduced later this year, and its main purpose is to reduce the need to reveal personal phone numbers to people who are not already saved in the user's contacts.

The new feature will be especially useful in cases where a user wants to contact someone but doesn't want to reveal their number right away. This can come in handy for online shopping, communicating with strangers, temporary arrangements, communities, work contacts, or other situations where a phone number is often too personal information.

WhatsApp will gradually roll out usernames, but name reservations will be available earlier. Users will be able to start reserving their desired username this week, even before the username chat feature actually goes live. This is to give WhatsApp users enough time to secure a name they may already be using on other platforms.

WhatsApp points out that the service has over three billion users, so a lot of overlap in names is to be expected. That's why they're opening reservations early to give users more time to choose the name that means the most to them.

The booking process will vary depending on your device. Android users will be able to username set up in the latest version of the app via Settings > Account/Profile > Username. On your iPhone, you will need to open the "You" section, select your profile, and then the option to create a username.

WhatsApp will also allow individuals and organizations to use existing names from Instagram or Facebook, as long as they are not already taken. However, the company will be particularly careful when it comes to famous people. Some usernames associated with celebrities, politicians, and other publicly recognizable people are already protected from being taken by other users. This means that some users with the same name as a famous person will have to choose a different version.

Importantly, WhatsApp will not turn usernames into a classic public directory. Users will not be able to be searched for simply by name. To start a conversation, you will need to know the exact username of the person you want to contact. This is to prevent mass search, harassment, and spam.

The new privacy protections will primarily apply to new conversations. If you've already shared your phone number with existing contacts or are in group conversations with them, your number will still be visible to them.

In addition to usernames, WhatsApp is also working on an additional feature called a "username key." This is an optional security key that anyone who wants to contact you via your username will need to know.