WhatsApp is working on a feature that will allow users to reserve their usernames ahead of the upcoming launch of the full username system. The idea is simple and well-grounded in the reality of the expected high demand: through an advance reservation process, each user can secure their desired identifier so that, at the time of the public launch, they have exclusive access to it.
WhatsApp announces that it is pursuing a fair and organized way of claiming unique names, precisely to minimize conflicts and manage the wave of requests from day zero.
Testing on iOS and the signal that the launch is approaching
WhatsApp has included the infrastructure for this feature in its latest iOS beta code, a sign that it is close to entering testing. The integration in build 25.17.10.70 indicates progress towards making usernames a core element of WhatsApp's identity system.
Officially, the platform talks about availability "soon", without specifying a time frame, which leaves room for a flexible window of technical validation and adjustments before the large-scale opening.
Early access for reservation and ownership at public launch
When it becomes available, the new feature will open an early access phase where users will be able to reserve a WhatsApp username of their choice. The condition is that the name complies with the platform's rules and is available at the time of request.
Once the reservation is complete, the name is tied to the account, ensuring exclusive ownership at the time of public launch. Through the organized reservation calendar, WhatsApp aims to balance availability and reduce the congestion and competition typical of major launches.
Clear rules for forming names: consistency and safety
WhatsApp details a set of requirements for creating and reserving usernames in the iOS 25.17.10.70 beta. Names cannot start with “www.” and cannot end with domain suffixes like “.com” or “.net,” to avoid confusion with external websites.
Each name must contain at least one letter and can only use lowercase letters (az), numbers (0-9), underlines and periods. Uniqueness is mandatory across the entire platform. The accepted length is between 3 and 30 characters, with the caveat that, in certain situations, users may have the option to select names with up to 35 characters.
Dots cannot be at the beginning or end, nor can they appear consecutively. Users are also encouraged to avoid forms that may mislead or impersonate other people, in order to maintain a trustworthy ecosystem.
For the global community, pre-reserving usernames on WhatsApp promises clarity and stability of identity across conversations, channels, and future services. For internal search engines and account discovery, strict rules bring consistency, reduce ambiguity, and lower the risk of abuse.
