Following the introduction of WhatsApp's username reservation feature, some accounts have started receiving notifications that their usernames are ready for use. This means that the era of messaging on WhatsApp without sharing phone numbers will soon begin. You will no longer have to give your phone number to someone. It's important to know in advance who will see your WhatsApp username and how to change it. All details regarding how to add, find, and message people using a WhatsApp username are here.
WhatsApp Messaging with a Username
To message on WhatsApp using only a username without sharing your phone number, you first need to set a username for yourself. You can reserve your @username by following the path: Settings - Account - Username. Once you receive the "Your username is ready" message from WhatsApp after the reservation process, you can start messaging with your username. (Steps to get a WhatsApp username 👇🏻)
Can you change your WhatsApp username?
You can change or delete your WhatsApp username at any time. If you delete your username, people will be able to see your phone number again.
When you change or delete a username, someone else can take that name. Here's how to change your WhatsApp username, step by step:
- Open WhatsApp
- Tap on your profile picture
- Follow the path: Account - Username - Edit
- Tap on the 'Change username' option
- Enter your desired username and save it
What should a WhatsApp username be like?
A WhatsApp username must be 3-35 characters long and can only contain lowercase letters, numbers, underscores (_), and periods (.). To ensure more secure communication by hiding your number, it would be appropriate to choose a short, unique username that includes your first and last name or is easily memorable.
- Must be 3 to 35 characters long
- Can contain lowercase letters (a-z), numbers (0-9), underscores (_), and periods (.)
- Cannot consist solely of numbers
- Must be unique
- Cannot contain restricted words or phrases
How to start a chat with someone whose WhatsApp username you know?
Open WhatsApp and tap the icon to start a new chat in the Chats tab. Here, tap the search bar. Type the exact username the person shared with you. If the username exists on WhatsApp, their profile will appear in the search results. Tap on the username to open the chat and start talking.
The person may have added a username key for additional privacy. If the person you are trying to contact has a username key, WhatsApp will ask you to enter it before proceeding. After entering the key, tap Next to continue. You cannot communicate with someone if you do not know their username key. (Steps to add a WhatsApp username key 👇🏻)
So, how will finding and adding people with a WhatsApp username work? To communicate with someone new on WhatsApp via username, you need to know their exact username. Partial usernames do not yield results: the search only works when you type the full username correctly. If the person has set a username key, you will also need it before starting a chat with them. Without the username key, WhatsApp will not allow you to initiate a chat with that person via username.
Who can see your WhatsApp username?
People who have not saved your number can see your WhatsApp username. Your username will be displayed when you join group chats, send a direct message to someone, or search on WhatsApp. Your username always appears with the @ symbol in front of it.
Is a WhatsApp username mandatory, what happens if we don't get one?
A WhatsApp username is entirely optional. The requirement for a phone number to open a WhatsApp account remains. If you choose not to get a username, nothing changes; your existing contacts can still reach you via your phone number. What happens if you don't get a username? There will be no disruption to your profile; you will continue to chat as usual.
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