WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that allows its roughly 3 billion global users to reserve usernames for their accounts. The change is designed to give users an additional option for identifying themselves on the platform while reducing the need to share a phone number with others. Under the update, usernames can be used to connect or be found without exposing a phone number, which is particularly relevant when users interact with new contacts or join group conversations. The feature is intended to improve control over personal information by allowing users to manage who can see their phone number, while still enabling communication on WhatsApp. The rollout focuses on enabling username reservations for the large existing user base, rather than introducing an entirely separate service. As usernames become available, users can select and reserve them for use going forward, helping streamline how people reach each other and potentially lowering privacy risks associated with phone-number-based discovery.