Verified source report
WhatsApp is launching usernames: here’s how to reserve yours
WhatsApp is introducing a new way to add and chat with contacts, without having to share your phone number. Usernames will launch "later this year," in a move to make the communications platform "even more private," allowing you to keep your phone number concealed from people who aren't already in your contacts. Usernames are available […] You can reserve the username you want to use before the feature starts rolling out later this year. | Image: Meta / WhatsApp WhatsApp is introducing a new way to add and chat with contacts, without having to share your phone number. Usernames will launch "later this year," in a move to make the communications platform "even more private," allowing you to keep your phone number concealed from people who aren't already in your contacts. Usernames are available to reserve starting this week, giving you time to claim a specific handle you may already
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WhatsApp is introducing a new way to add and chat with contacts, without having to share your phone number. Usernames will launch "later this year," in a move to make the communications platform "even more private," allowing you to keep your phone number concealed from people who aren't already in your contacts. Usernames are available […] You can reserve the username you want to use before the feature starts rolling out later this year. | Image: Meta / WhatsApp WhatsApp is introducing a new way to add and chat with contacts, without having to share your phone number. Usernames will launch "later this year," in a move to make the communications platform "even more private," allowing you to keep your phone number concealed from people who aren't already in your contacts. Usernames are available to reserve starting this week, giving you time to claim a specific handle you may already
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What happened
According to The Verge’s source item, WhatsApp is launching usernames: here’s how to reserve yours, WhatsApp is introducing a new way to add and chat with contacts, without having to share your phone number. Usernames will launch “later this year,” in a move to make the communications platform “even more private,” allowing you to keep your phone number concealed from people who aren’t already in your contacts. Usernames are available […] You can reserve the username you want to use before the feature starts rolling out later this year. | Image: Meta / WhatsApp WhatsApp is introducing a new way to add and chat with contacts, without having to share your phone number. Usernames will launch “later this year,” in a move to make the communications platform “even more private,” allowing you to keep your phone number concealed from people who aren’t already in your contacts. Usernames are available to reserve starting this week, giving you time to claim a specific handle you may already
Context
The development sits in VINI’s Technology file for readers following technology, science, product policy, markets, infrastructure, and the public consequences of innovation. The original report is linked so readers can check the source account, follow later updates, and compare new coverage against the first published record. The source item is dated 2026-06-29T16:00:00+00:00.
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Source
Primary source: WhatsApp is launching usernames: here’s how to reserve yours via The Verge. VINI cites and links the source; it does not reproduce the publisher’s full article text without rights clearance.
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- WhatsApp is launching usernames: here’s how to reserve yoursThe Verge - 2026-06-29T16:00:00+00:00
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