WhatsApp is preparing to introduce user names to its platform, allowing people worldwide to connect and chat without sharing their personal phone numbers. According to coverage from La Vanguardia, the messaging service has begun notifying users around the globe that they can reserve their unique handles ahead of the official feature rollout. This change marks a shift in how the application establishes new contacts, moving away from a strictly phone-number-dependent directory.
Until now, initiating a conversation on WhatsApp required knowing the recipient’s phone number. That mechanic often forced users to hand over private contact details to third parties.
Under the upcoming update, your primary phone number will remain hidden from anyone who hasn’t already saved it to their device, echoing the privacy frameworks used by competing messaging platforms such as Telegram and Signal, as reported by La Vanguardia and Diario.mx.
Early Notifications and In-App Alerts
The platform has started sending out automated in-app alerts to millions of global accounts, prompting users to secure their preferred identifiers before the global launch.
The notification informs users that “Los nombres de usuario estarán disponibles pronto” and reassures them that “Te notificaremos cuando el tuyo esté listo para usarse.” Although a concrete release date for the full functionality has not yet been announced, the early reservation phase is currently active for accounts receiving the prompt.
Navigating the Reservation Path in Settings
According to instructions detailed by La Vanguardia, checking for the feature requires ensuring the mobile application is fully updated.
Users can navigate through the settings menu by following the path Settings, Account, and then User Name, while some iOS users may locate the option directly within their profile tabs. Selecting “Create user name” allows individuals to experiment with different handles. If the chosen identifier is available and unreserved, the app issues a confirmation message, locking in the name for that account during the pre-launch phase.
Voluntary Adoption and Directories
The company has emphasized that adopting a user name will be completely voluntary, meaning no individual is required to create a handle or alter how they currently use the app.
Furthermore, the company does not intend to build a public directory or an open search list where strangers can browse profiles. To initiate contact using this method, a sender must know the precise user name of the recipient.
User Name Keys and Biometric Defenses
To reinforce these boundaries, La Vanguardia notes that WhatsApp is developing an additional privacy layer called a user name key.
This secondary filter within the contact settings will give users control over who is permitted to reach out via their handle. Alongside these upcoming identifier tools, WhatsApp continues to support security features such as restricted chat folders protected by biometric verification like Face ID or fingerprint scans.
As the platform rolls out these early reservation prompts globally, users are encouraged to check their application settings for availability and monitor official updates from the company regarding the final release schedule.
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