WhatsApp is taking another major step toward improving user privacy by introducing username reservations, a new feature that will allow people to communicate without revealing their phone numbers.

The feature, which begins rolling out globally from Monday, June 29, enables users to reserve a unique username ahead of its full launch later this year. Once the reservation option becomes available, eligible users will receive a notification within the app.

According to WhatsApp, the initiative is designed to give users greater control over their personal information while making it easier to connect with new contacts.

"A username is a way for you to connect with someone on WhatsApp without giving away your phone number," the company said. "You choose your own, and it doesn't have to match your handle on any other app. At its core, it's a privacy feature, not a social media handle."

Unlike traditional social media platforms, WhatsApp stressed that usernames will not be searchable through a public directory. There will also be no suggestions or discovery features, meaning anyone wishing to initiate a conversation must know the user's exact username.

The company explained that the feature is intended for everyday situations where users may not be comfortable sharing their personal phone numbers immediately.

"When someone new walks into your life – a classmate, a neighbor, someone you meet at an event – sharing a phone number can feel like a big step," WhatsApp said. "Sometimes you just want to chat without handing over your digits."

The same privacy benefit extends to group conversations. For example, users joining community groups, school associations or sports team chats can participate without exposing their phone numbers to people they have never met.

To further enhance security, WhatsApp is introducing an optional username key. This additional verification measure means anyone trying to message a user for the first time using their username will also need to know the username key before contact can be established.

"You can also set up a username key for an extra layer of protection. Someone will need it the first time they contact you, adding one more layer of protection for your account," the company explained.

Recognising that many users may struggle to find an available username, especially with more than three billion people using the platform, WhatsApp said it is opening reservations early to give everyone an opportunity to secure their preferred identity before the feature becomes widely available.

"For most people, choosing a WhatsApp username should be something unique that only people you want to contact you will know," the company said, adding that a built-in username generator will also help users create suitable options if their preferred names are unavailable.

The feature also caters to creators, businesses and organisations seeking consistent branding across multiple platforms. WhatsApp said eligible users will have the option to claim the same username they already use on Instagram or Facebook.

Once usernames are officially launched later this year, users who choose to enable the feature will no longer need to reveal their phone numbers when messaging a person or business for the first time.

WhatsApp described the development as another milestone in its ongoing efforts to strengthen privacy across the messaging platform.

"There's no directory to browse and no suggestions – people will need to know your exact username to contact you for the first time," the company stated.

Users running the latest version of WhatsApp can reserve their usernames by navigating to Settings > Account > Username once the feature becomes available to their accounts.

The company said the rollout will continue gradually over the coming months, with users receiving in-app notifications as username reservations become available in their respective countries.