TL; DR
- WhatsApp has started activating reserved usernames for a limited number of users globally.
- Users can check their status under Settings, Account, and Username in the app.
- India’s status remains unresolved following MeitY’s formal notice to Meta in late June.
WhatsApp opened username reservations in late June, allowing users to claim a unique handle before the feature went live later this year. However, the Indian government responded almost immediately, issuing a formal notice to Meta, directing it to halt the rollout pending a review of safeguards (citing impersonation issues).
Elsewhere, WhatsApp is moving fast. The platform has already begun activating usernames for a limited number of accounts.
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Who Is Getting It And How To Check
According to WABetaInfo, the activation is rolling out to both beta and official-version users. However, the numbers are very small as of now. Users who are included will see a banner at the top of their chat list confirming their username is active, and they can share it with others to initiate a conversation.
To check your status, go to Settings > Account > Username. If it is not active yet, the section will display a message saying “Usernames are coming soon. We’ll let you know when yours is ready to use.” While I can still see the username I reserved when the feature rolled out, it isn’t live in India yet.
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How The Feature Works When Active
Once a username is live, you can share it with people instead of your contact number, so that they can message you. You can add a layer of protection by requiring new contacts to enter a four-digit PIN in addition to the username. If the username you reserved matches an account already on Facebook or Instagram, WhatsApp may ask you to verify ownership of that account before it goes live, a step that has been added specifically to prevent impersonation.
India’s situation, for the time being, remains unresolved. MeitY’s notice is still in effect. Furthermore, there has been no confirmation from the government or Meta on a timeline for when the feature will go live here.
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