WhatsApp Lets Users Lock Down A Handle Now, Switch To It Later

Meta’s messaging service is now letting people claim a unique handle ahead of a wider launch, giving users a way to be reached without sharing phone numbers. The feature — available for reservation though not yet fully active — lets roughly 3 billion users, or about three-eighths of the planet, stake a name that others can use to start a chat when the system goes live in the coming weeks.

To reserve a handle, open WhatsApp, go into Settings, select Account and find the entry for handles. First-time claimants will be prompted to enter a preferred name; if that choice has already been taken, the app will propose alternatives. You can also link an existing Facebook or Instagram handle to grab the same name on WhatsApp, and later return to the same settings to rename or remove the handle if you change your mind.

WhatsApp has set aside certain handles for public figures and organizations, so those names won’t be available to general users. That reservation aims to prevent impersonation of well-known entities, though smaller creators and businesses should still be cautious when picking names that could be confused with others.

The app includes an optional four-digit passcode that adds a gate before a first message from someone using your handle — you can restrict contact to people who know that code rather than allowing anyone to reach you. “Separating a chat identity from a phone number can cut down on unwanted outreach, but it also creates new trust decisions for users,” said Laura Chen, a digital privacy analyst at the Center for Internet Safety. She suggested saving the code securely and changing it if you suspect misuse.

For companies, a short handle may be easier to publish than a number, potentially simplifying customer outreach. But businesses should verify their accounts and monitor for look-alike names. Until the full rollout, WhatsApp is only accepting claims to prevent duplicate registrations, so it might be wise to pick a name you’ll want to keep.