WhatsApp, the world’s most popular messaging app, is reportedly working on a major update that will let users create unique usernames — a long-awaited feature expected to transform how people connect on the platform. Since its launch in 2009, WhatsApp has relied solely on phone numbers for registration and discovery, a model that now feels outdated when compared with rivals like Telegram, which has supported usernames for years.
WhatsApp Username Feature: What We Know So Far
According to leaks from WABetaInfo, recent test builds of WhatsApp have revealed references to usernames and detailed rules for their creation. Each username will need to include at least one letter, and may contain lowercase letters, numbers, underscores, or periods.
However, there are a few crucial restrictions:
– Usernames cannot start with “www.” to avoid being mistaken for URLs.
– Handles made up only of numbers or symbols will not be allowed.
– Only a limited character set will be supported to maintain consistency and readability across all users.
Early Reservation System for Handles
In an interesting twist, WhatsApp appears to be introducing a reservation system within its settings. This feature will allow users to claim preferred usernames in advance, ensuring early access and reducing impersonation risks.
This proactive step may also encourage businesses and influencers to secure branded usernames ahead of launch — similar to verification and handle-reservation mechanisms used by other social platforms.
No Official Launch Date Yet
Although Meta has not confirmed an exact rollout timeline, the discovery of the reservation option indicates that official deployment might be closer than expected. Once live, the feature will mark one of WhatsApp’s biggest identity shifts in over a decade, allowing users to connect without exchanging phone numbers directly.
Other WhatsApp Updates: Built-in Chat Translation
WhatsApp has also been expanding its functionality in other areas. The company recently rolled out a built-in translation tool that lets users instantly translate chats within the app, available across both iOS and Android. This update simplifies global communication by removing the need to copy-paste messages into external translation apps.
– On Android, the translation feature currently supports six languages — English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic.
– Meanwhile, iPhone users will enjoy support for over 19 languages, thanks to integration with Apple’s native Translate app.
This language expansion underlines Meta’s continued investment in making WhatsApp more inclusive and globally accessible.
Why the Username Feature Matters
The addition of usernames represents more than a small interface update — it’s a strategic move toward privacy and personalization. By decoupling communication from phone numbers, WhatsApp not only enhances privacy protection but also makes it easier for users to connect internationally without revealing personal information.
If successful, the change could align WhatsApp more closely with messaging competitors like Telegram, Signal, and Discord, while maintaining its strong end-to-end encryption and massive global user base.
