Meta has outlined specific safeguards for WhatsApp’s upcoming username feature, responding to growing concerns about potential misuse once the functionality launches.
While users can currently reserve preferred usernames, the ability to message others using these handles is not yet active. The company expects this functionality to roll out slowly later this year as part of a gradual deployment.
A Meta spokesperson explained that users will receive additional context when someone contacts them for the first time through a username. These signals are designed to help users decide whether they want to respond to an unknown sender. The information includes whether the sender is a new account, if they are already in the user's contacts, if they share groups in common, or if the sender is based in a different country.
“Users will receive additional context when someone contacts them for the first time through a username. This will include whether the sender is a new account, whether they are already in the user’s contacts, whether they share groups in common, and whether the sender is based in a different country.”
— Meta Spokesperson
To mitigate impersonation risks, Meta has held back the highest-profile names. These include handles linked to public figures, government entities, celebrities, and verified Meta accounts, ensuring they can only be claimed by legitimate owners. Lookalike versions of known names are also being withheld. Furthermore, users will still need a phone number to use WhatsApp, even after usernames become available.
“We've built multiple layers of defense against scams into usernames: Other users need to know the exact username to message you, we will limit how many new people an account can contact, block repeated attempts to guess someone's username key, and have systems to detect and remove activity showing common impersonation and abuse patterns.”
— Meta Spokesperson
WhatsApp usernames are expected to improve privacy by allowing users to connect without immediately sharing their phone number. However, security experts have warned that lookalike handles could still be used by scammers to appear more credible. This concern is particularly relevant in cases involving fake businesses, public figures, banks, courier services, or customer support accounts.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the safety features of WhatsApp usernames?
Meta has outlined specific safeguards for WhatsApp usernames, including context signals and impersonation protections.
Can I still use WhatsApp without sharing my phone number?
Yes, WhatsApp usernames are expected to improve privacy by allowing users to connect without immediately sharing their phone number.
How will WhatsApp prevent impersonation with usernames?
Meta has built multiple layers of defense against scams into usernames, including limiting how many new people an account can contact and blocking repeated attempts to guess someone's username key.
Can I reserve a WhatsApp username?
Yes, users can currently reserve preferred usernames on WhatsApp, but the ability to message others using these handles is not yet active.
