The popular instant messaging application WhatsApp has recently begun to open the username reservation function to users in preparation for the upcoming "username-based messaging service". Currently, WhatsApp has always used mobile phone numbers as account identifiers, and users need to exchange phone numbers with each other to establish contact; after the introduction of usernames, users can interact through usernames and no longer have to expose their personal phone numbers, thereby improving privacy protection in social and business scenarios.
According to the official WhatsApp blog, username reservation will be rolled out in phases starting this week. Not all users will receive permission immediately, and eligible users will receive an in-app notification reminding them that they can reserve a username. Username is not a mandatory setting item, but once receiving the relevant notification, users can enter the "Settings - Account - Username" interface in WhatsApp to select and set it. Officially, usernames need to be between 3 and 35 characters in length, and the specific naming rules have not yet been fully disclosed.
WhatsApp said that the platform currently has more than 3 billion users worldwide, so opening reservations early is to "give everyone the opportunity to choose a username that is meaningful to them." Officials recommend that users try to choose a unique name that only their contacts will know to reduce the risk of being maliciously guessed or harassed by strangers or spam accounts. In addition, for creators, small and medium-sized enterprises, and various institutions, WhatsApp provides a convenient option to connect with existing social media accounts: if they already have a username on Instagram or Facebook, they can apply for the same username in WhatsApp through the "Use Instagram Username" or "Use Facebook Username" options, as long as the name is not already occupied by others on WhatsApp.
It is worth noting that WhatsApp does not provide a "username yellow page" or public directory. Users cannot discover other people's usernames by searching or browsing the list, nor will they get "discovered username" suggestions recommended by the system. To send a message to a WhatsApp user, the specific username of the other person must be known in advance, which limits the way strangers can actively add contacts to a certain extent. At the same time, WhatsApp has also designed an optional "username key" mechanism as an additional spam protection method to further reduce the chance of being attacked by malicious accounts or sending group messages.
According to the official rhythm plan, the username function will be gradually promoted to global users in the next few months. After the function is fully launched, as long as an account has a username set, when the user sends a message to the individual or business for the first time, the other party will no longer see their phone number, and the username information will be displayed first, thus significantly reducing the possibility of exposing the mobile phone number during the initial contact stage. Industry analysts believe that this move is an important upgrade for WhatsApp in terms of privacy protection and account identification system, and also provides a more flexible technical basis for opening up identity authentication and business services across multiple platforms in the future.