WhatsApp is rolling out one of its biggest identity overhauls in years, letting users connect through usernames instead of phone numbers. The Meta-owned platform’s early reservation system is now live, giving people a chance to claim their preferred handle before the feature expands worldwide over the coming months.

WhatsApp chief Kunal Shah announced the update on social media, calling usernames “a more private way to connect” and encouraging users to grab theirs early.

For over a decade, a phone number has been WhatsApp’s core identifier, a system that powered trust and simplicity as the app scaled past three billion users. But that same model created friction for people wary of handing over personal contact details, especially in community groups, hobby clubs and neighbourhood forums.

WhatsApp’s blog post framed the shift around everyday social discomfort: meeting someone new shouldn’t require sharing your digits just to start a conversation. Once enabled, usernames will replace phone numbers as the default identifier for first-time chats with both people and businesses.

Unlike most social apps, WhatsApp isn’t building a searchable directory. There’s no public lookup or suggested-users feature; contact still requires knowing someone’s exact username, with an optional username key adding further verification.

Creators and businesses can also align their WhatsApp handle with existing Instagram or Facebook usernames, reinforcing identity consistency across Meta’s ecosystem. A built-in username generator will help users navigate the inevitable scramble for available handles.

Reservations are accessible now under Settings > Account > Username, with global rollout following gradually.