WhatsApp is now allowing users to reserve usernames in advance before the feature is fully launched at the end of the year. This move is intended to protect important names such as celebrities, governments, and official accounts from being misused. Regular users can also reserve their preferred usernames in advance. So when this feature is opened to everyone later, you don't have to worry about the name being taken by someone else.
However, this move has sparked debate among users. Some are concerned about security and the possibility of abuse, and there are also those who are still confused about how to use these usernames. Among the main concerns is whether WhatsApp usernames are publicly searchable like on Instagram. The answer is no.
WhatsApp usernames are not publicly searchable, so others cannot arbitrarily send messages just because they know your username. This is clearly different from Instagram. To contact someone via username on WhatsApp, they need to know two things at once, namely the username and the username key.
With this layer of security, strangers cannot easily send you messages. WhatsApp also emphasizes that this feature is an important security addition. Additionally, WhatsApp also allows you to link your username to an Instagram or Facebook account if you want to use the same name, and you can unlink it again if necessary. Usernames can also be changed later as long as they are still available.
Currently, usernames on WhatsApp are optional and not required, so you can still use your phone number as usual. If the username you want is not available, there are a few possibilities. It may already be used on Instagram or Facebook and WhatsApp has reserved it for the original owner. It could also be a famous name like a celebrity or an official Meta Verified account that can only be claimed by the rightful owner. Or, it may have been taken by someone else, so you need to find another variation that is still available.
Currently, usernames on WhatsApp cannot be used to send messages. When this feature is launched later, WhatsApp will add additional security features such as displaying country of origin information and warnings for the first message from a new person. WhatsApp will also monitor reports from users and block actions.
