After months of anticipation, WhatsApp has started testing its username feature, with a limited rollout already underway for select Android and iOS users. The feature, which has been in development since last year, is expected to roll out more widely later in 2026, following an earlier timeline hinting at a June 2026 launch.
The introduction of usernames is aimed at enhancing user privacy by allowing people to connect without sharing their phone numbers. This marks a significant shift in how users can interact on the platform.
According to reports, users who receive the feature can set up their username through the profile settings section of the app. A dedicated option will appear once the feature is available, guiding users through a step-by-step process to create a unique username.
WhatsApp has defined specific rules for creating usernames. They must start with “www.” and cannot end with a domain such as .com or .net. Each username must include at least 1 letter, meaning users cannot use only numbers or symbols. Allowed characters include lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), periods, and underscores. The username length must be between 3 and 35 characters.
The platform is also aligning usernames across Meta services. A username must be available across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. If a username is already taken on Instagram or Facebook, it cannot be used on WhatsApp unless the user proves ownership of that same handle.
To use an existing username across platforms, users will need to verify ownership by linking their accounts through the Accounts Centre. Once verified, they can use the same username on WhatsApp. However, if another user owns that handle on Facebook or Instagram, it cannot be used on WhatsApp even if it appears available.
The feature is currently rolling out in phases and is expected to reach more users in the coming months.
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