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WhatsApp is testing a username reservation system on Android, letting users pre-register handles that can be used instead of phone numbers once the feature goes live.
Reserve your handle before the public launch
In the latest Android beta, WhatsApp added a settings option that lets users reserve a username ahead of the full rollout. That means you could claim your preferred handle now, reducing the chance that popular names get snapped up by early adopters or opportunistic accounts.
Simple rules — and why they matter
- Usernames cannot start with www.
- Each username must contain at least one letter.
- Allowed characters: lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores only.
Privacy wins: connect without sharing your number
Many people are reluctant to hand out their phone number to new contacts. Usernames act as a public handle you can share instead, helping protect your personal contact info while still making it easy for others to find and message you.
ipad.avif" width="4000" height="2999">WhatsApp hasn't announced an official launch date, but the availability of reservation tools in the beta suggests a public rollout could arrive in the coming months. If you want first dibs, watch the Android beta channel and check WhatsApp's settings for the reservation option.
Whether you use the app for friends, communities, or a side business, reserving a username early can help protect your brand and privacy. Ready to claim yours? Keep an eye on the beta and be prepared to register when the option appears.
Source: gsmarena
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