• New feature focuses on digital identity protection and account linking
• Helps individuals and businesses unify names and prevent impersonation

WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, has announced the start of testing a new feature that allows users to reserve their usernames from Facebook and Instagram, aiming to unify digital identity across apps on Android devices.

The feature enables users to select a username on WhatsApp that matches their existing names on Facebook or Instagram.

Before activating the username, the app requires verification of ownership through Meta’s Accounts Centre, after which the name is linked to the account and cannot be claimed by others.

The feature is designed to strengthen user identity both personally and commercially by allowing a unified name across all three apps. It also helps protect usernames from being taken prematurely when the feature is officially launched.

Currently, the reservation is limited to users who already have names on Facebook or Instagram, rather than creating entirely new usernames.

Usernames must follow certain rules, such as including at least one character, not resembling a website address, and not starting with “www”. The feature remains in internal testing and may be delayed for a wider rollout.

For users, this provides an opportunity to secure their preferred username before someone else claims it, which is especially important for brands and influencers.

For businesses, unifying usernames across the apps enhances communication and marketing while reducing the risk of impersonation.

This update also indicates WhatsApp’s move toward less reliance on phone numbers, giving users greater control over who can contact them.