Popular messaging app WhatsApp is now allowing users to reserve usernames ahead of plans to launch username-based messaging. Right now, WhatsApp uses a person's phone number as an identifier, but usernames will allow people to interact without having to exchange personal information. Username reservations are rolling out starting this week, and not all users will have access to the reservation system right away. WhatsApp is sending a notification when a username can be reserved.

Popular messaging app WhatsApp is now allowing users to reserve usernames ahead of plans to launch username-based messaging. Right now, WhatsApp uses a person's phone number as an identifier, but usernames will allow people to interact without having to exchange personal information. Username reservations are rolling out starting this week, and not all users will have access to the reservation system right away. WhatsApp is sending a notification when a username can be reserved.

Popular messaging app WhatsApp is now allowing users to reserve usernames ahead of plans to launch username-based messaging. Right now, WhatsApp uses a person's phone number as an identifier, but usernames will allow people to interact without having to exchange personal information. Username reservations are rolling out starting this week, and not all users will have access to the reservation system right away. WhatsApp is sending a notification when a username can be reserved.

WhatsApp just announced that it’s time to reserve your WhatsApp Username, which will then be locked-in for your use when the feature is launched. You can use the same username as your Instagram while businesses or creators Facebook and Instagram usernames are reserved. Once it’s been launched the first thing people will see on WhatsApp will be the username that you have claimed.

WhatsApp will soon let users connect without revealing their phone numbers. CEO Kunal Shah has announced that usernames are coming to the messaging platform and is encouraging users to reserve their preferred names before the feature rolls out more widely later this year.