How to reserve your WhatsApp username before launch

The new feature aims to increase privacy on the platform, as it will be possible to contact other people without exposing their cell phone number.

Although usernames should only begin to be used closer to the end of the year, the application already allows users to reserve the desired name. This way, it is possible to guarantee the choice before someone else uses the same identification.

Here's how to reserve a username on WhatsApp:

Open the WhatsApp application;

Tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner of the home screen;

Access Settings;

Enter the Account option;

In the Your Account section, tap Username;

Select Create username;

Choose a name with 3 to 40 characters.

If the chosen name is already being used, WhatsApp may suggest alternatives similar to the option entered.

After creating the username, you can also define who can contact you using it. The application will offer specific settings for those who prefer to keep their account more restricted.

To adjust this option, follow the steps:

Access the Username area;

Tap Contact me by username;

Choose between Everyone or People who know my key.

When selecting the People who know my key option, only those who have access to this code will be able to add or contact the user using the new identifier.

Usernames raise concern in India

Since announcing the feature, WhatsApp has stated that the tool was developed to offer more security and privacy than similar solutions available in other applications, such as Telegram.

Despite this, the news sparked concern among authorities and digital security experts in India. According to the website TechCrunch, there is a fear that usernames facilitate scams and fraud attempts on the platform.

The Indian government reportedly asked WhatsApp to suspend the launch of the feature in the country. The request came from the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Authorities believe that criminals can create profiles with names similar to those of politicians, celebrities and other public figures to deceive users and carry out scams.

In response, WhatsApp stated that the phone number will continue to be mandatory for creating an account. The company also stated that names related to well-known personalities were reserved to prevent misuse.

“People are making false claims about reserving popular or well-known usernames,” the platform said in a post on the social network X.

"This is not true. Only those legitimately responsible for the accounts can reserve names associated with public figures," he added.

Username reservations are here, as more and more people claim theirs, here’s answers to the top questions you’re asking ??Q: Are usernames mandatory?A: Nope, they are optional.Q: What if the username I want isn’t available?A: There’s a few reasons you might not be able to…

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