WhatsApp has unveiled a highly anticipated feature: usernames, permitting users to share their profiles without revealing their phone numbers. Nonetheless, a phone number is still necessary to set up an account on the messaging platform.

WhatsApp has been striving to integrate usernames for several years, and it is now prepared to explain their functionality.

From today onwards, the Meta-owned entity will allow users to reserve usernames, with the feature officially launching later this year. Individuals can select usernames consisting of 3 to 35 characters. The company has indicated it will reserve usernames for prominent figures, VIPs, and organizations. Beyond that, there are no limitations on username selection, provided it adheres to the company’s guidelines. Meta stated that businesses and creators can utilize their Facebook or Instagram usernames for their WhatsApp usernames to maintain consistency.

Users will be alerted once the username reservation feature is accessible in their region. Following that, they can navigate to Settings > Account > Username to pick their username. WhatsApp will also include an option for users to establish a unique username key that others must know in order to send them messages.

Meta emphasized that the username reservation procedure is intended to prevent duplication among its user base of over 3 billion. The organization mentioned that usernames will not be searchable within the app, and only individuals who are aware of the exact username will be able to reach out to you. Furthermore, users can disable this feature or modify their usernames anytime.

“When you encounter someone new—be it a classmate, a neighbor, or an acquaintance from an event—sharing your phone number can seem like a significant step. Your phone number is personal and linked to various aspects of your life,” stated Alice Newton-Rex, vice president and head of Product at WhatsApp, during a briefing. “Thus, usernames are created to grant you control over who can view your phone number initially.”

Currently, users must communicate their usernames verbally or via text. There is no feature available for scanning a QR code to connect with someone without knowing their phone number.

Competing messaging platforms, such as Telegram, Signal, and Wire, have offered usernames for several years, enabling users to keep their phone numbers confidential. WhatsApp, which recently underwent a leadership change, is finally implementing this feature.

The article has been revised to indicate that usernames can range from 3 to 35 characters.