In a massive win for user privacy, WhatsApp has officially begun rolling out its highly anticipated Username feature for Android and iOS users. This game-changing update means you will finally be able to text, call, and connect with people on the platform without ever giving away your private phone number.

Whether you are chatting with a business contact, someone from an online marketplace, or a new acquaintance, you can simply hand out your unique username instead. While your phone number remains securely linked to your account for logging in and recovery, it will be completely hidden from anyone who adds you via your username.

The feature is rolling out in phases globally. If you’ve received the update, here is your step-by-step guide to locking in your custom handle before someone else takes it.

Strict Guidelines for Choosing Your Username

Before you jump into the setup, keep WhatsApp’s specific formatting rules in mind:

• Length: Your handle must be between 3 and 35 characters long.

• Characters Allowed: You can use alphanumeric characters (letters and numbers), periods (.), and underscores (_).

• Requirement: It must contain at least one letter.

• Availability: Like Instagram or X (Twitter), each username is entirely unique. WhatsApp will instantly scan the database to tell you if your choice is available or already taken.

Step-by-Step: How to Set Up Your WhatsApp Username

Setting up your handle is incredibly straightforward. Just make sure your app is updated to the latest version and follow these steps:

Step 1: Head to Your Profile

Open WhatsApp on your iPhone or Android device. Tap on the Settings gear icon (usually in the bottom right on iOS or via the three dots in the top right on Android).

Step 2: Open Profile Settings

At the very top of the Settings screen, tap on your Profile Picture or Name. This action opens up your personal Account Details page.

Step 3: Select the Username Option

Look directly below your display name and about section—you will find a brand-new field labeled Username. Tap on it to open the creation screen.

Step 4: Enter and Verify

Type in your desired handle. WhatsApp will automatically run a real-time availability check. If a red flag pops up saying the name is taken, tweak it by adding a number or an underscore.

Step 5: Save and Secure

Once you see a green checkmark confirming your handle is valid and unique, simply tap Save (on Android) or Done (on iOS) in the top right corner.

The Bottom Line: This is arguably one of the biggest privacy upgrades in WhatsApp history, effectively transforming the platform from a phone-number-reliant SMS replacement into a secure, modern social network. Keep checking your app settings over the coming days so you can secure your preferred name the second the update hits your device!