01/07/2026 19:19 - Tecnologia
WhatsApp began on June 30, 2026 the global reservation of usernames, a feature that allows users to identify themselves with the @ symbol without revealing their phone number in groups and new contacts. The platform with 3 billion monthly users seeks to strengthen user privacy with this new feature.
The feature allows you to create a unique username of between 3 and 40 characters that will serve as your identifier instead of your phone number. This way, users can share their contact without exposing their personal number in groups or conversations with strangers.
To reserve a username, users must go to Settings > Account > Username. You can also add an optional 4-digit PIN as an additional security measure to prevent others from using the same name.
WhatsApp clarified that there is no public directory of usernames, so only people who know your exact username can find you. Names of public figures are already blocked to prevent impersonation.
According to the company, the deployment of this feature will be gradual throughout the rest of 2026, so not all users may have immediate access to username reservations. It's recommended to update the app to the latest available version.
The move responds to growing user demand for greater control over their privacy. Until now, every time someone joined a group or started a conversation with a new contact, their phone number was automatically exposed. With usernames, users can keep their number private and decide who has access to this information.
This feature was already available on other messaging platforms like Telegram, and its incorporation into WhatsApp represents a significant step in the competition to offer better privacy tools. The app has been gradually adding features such as disappearing messages, screenshot blocking, and password-protected chats.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
