WhatsApp will soon let users connect without revealing their phone numbers. CEO Kunal Shah has announced that usernames are coming to the messaging platform and is encouraging users to reserve their preferred names before the feature rolls out more widely later this year.

Popular messaging app WhatsApp is now allowing users to reserve usernames ahead of plans to launch username-based messaging. Right now, WhatsApp uses a person's phone number as an identifier, but usernames will allow people to interact without having to exchange personal information. Username reservations are rolling out starting this week, and not all users will have access to the reservation system right away. WhatsApp is sending a notification when a username can be reserved.

Popular messaging app WhatsApp is now allowing users to reserve usernames ahead of plans to launch username-based messaging. Right now, WhatsApp uses a person's phone number as an identifier, but usernames will allow people to interact without having to exchange personal information. Username reservations are rolling out starting this week, and not all users will have access to the reservation system right away. WhatsApp is sending a notification when a username can be reserved.

Popular messaging app WhatsApp is now allowing users to reserve usernames ahead of plans to launch username-based messaging. Right now, WhatsApp uses a person's phone number as an identifier, but usernames will allow people to interact without having to exchange personal information. Username reservations are rolling out starting this week, and not all users will have access to the reservation system right away. WhatsApp is sending a notification when a username can be reserved.

Even if you only use WhatsApp sometimes, you might want to snag your username now to stop giving out your phone number.

Even if you only use WhatsApp sometimes, you might want to snag your username now to stop giving out your phone number.

Even if you only use WhatsApp sometimes, you might want to snag your username now to stop giving out your phone number.