WhatsApp is taking a pivotal step toward a future less dependent on phone numbers by rolling out its highly anticipated username reservation system to beta testers. This new functionality allows users to secure their unique preferred handles (@usernames) before the feature is officially launched to the wider public, ensuring fair access to desirable identifiers.
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The development, recently spotted in the WhatsApp beta for both iOS (version 25.30.10.70) and Android (version 2.25.28.12), signals the imminent arrival of usernames, which will serve as a privacy-focused alternative to sharing a mobile number for communication.
Securing Your Digital Identity:
The primary goal of the username feature is to enhance user privacy by providing a mechanism to connect with others without exposing a personal phone number. The reservation system acts as an early-access phase, giving a large group of users a chance to lock in their desired handle before a competitive global rollout.
Once reserved, the username will be exclusively linked to the user’s account, guaranteeing ownership when the full username functionality—which allows users to be found and contacted via their chosen handle—is officially deployed.
Username Rules and Requirements:
To maintain a secure and consistent naming system, WhatsApp has implemented strict formatting rules for the new usernames. Users looking to reserve their handle must ensure it adheres to the following criteria:
- Allowed Characters: Must only contain lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), periods (
.), and underscores (_). - Length: Usernames must be between 3 and 30 (or 35) characters long.
- Must Contain a Letter: The name must include at least one letter; usernames made up of only numbers or symbols are not permitted.
- Restrictions: Cannot begin or end with a period, and cannot start with
"www."or end with domain extensions like".com"to prevent impersonation or confusion with website addresses.
While Meta has not provided an official launch date for either the reservation feature’s wider availability or the complete username system, its presence in the latest beta updates suggests the platform is actively preparing for a significant privacy overhaul in the coming months.
