WhatsApp will soon let users select usernames instead of sharing phone numbers, the company announced Monday to improve privacy. Users can now reserve unique usernames ahead of the feature rollout later this year. With over 3 billion users worldwide, the service previously required sharing a phone number for contact. Meta-owned WhatsApp stated in a post that people will soon choose to be reached only via username over the coming months. The feature was built as a core privacy tool, said product vice president Alice Newton-Rex. No username directory will exist and suggestions will not appear during searches. Exact usernames must be known for initial contact. Current options include blocking users or muting unknown callers, plus profile names shown only in groups. The app remains popular outside the United States. Early reservations opened due to expected demand for desirable names. Accounts from Instagram and Facebook may claim matching usernames first. Usernames range from three to 35 characters, with some reserved to avoid impersonation of public figures.
