Don't miss out on yours, aliases are coming to WhatsApp: pre-reservation and password to avoid spam.

WhatsApp is finalizing a key update that will make it no longer essential to share your phone to talk to someone: @alias type usernamesThe company is working on a system that will allow you to identify yourself without exposing your number, with tests already visible in the Android application and a focus on the privacy.

In addition, the platform is designing a mechanism for pre-reservation of the alias and a verification by key or PIN to authorize the first contact, a combination designed to reduce spam and unwanted messages. All of this will be rolled out gradually, with controls to avoid rushing and name-hoarding.

What changes with WhatsApp usernames?

With this new feature, each account will be able to choose a unique identifier preceded by @ so others can find you without having to share your number. The idea is reminiscent of what already exists on social media and other messaging apps, but adapted to the logic of WhatsApp, which for years has revolved around the phone.

Sharing your @alias will be enough to start a conversation, while the number will remain available for those who prefer it. In any case, the goal is clear: give more control over personal data and limit the exposure of your mobile phone in professional or public environments.

For now, There is no official confirmation on whether the alias will be mandatory at launch., so the company You could opt for a gradual and voluntary adoption in the early stages.

For the daily experience, this feature will be integrated into the profile: the alias will coexist with the rest of the fields, so you can manage them in one place. how you want to be located in the app.

How alias reservation will work

References to this novelty have appeared in the WhatsApp beta for Android (v2.25.28.12), where the option of is already mentioned "Reserve username" within the profile, according to specialized sources such as WABetaInfo. Early registration seeks better distribute the most requested names and prevent them from running out in minutes.

The reservation will be an independent prior step to the general release, so that you can secure the alias before the feature is live for everyone. It is expected to be rolled out on a limited basis, with notices to eligible users and controls for detect and correct errors before its massive extension.

Once the reservation queue opens, you'll typically receive a notification and complete the process from Settings. If the chosen ID is already taken, the app will suggest it. alternatives available to expedite the process.

This phased approach attempts to avoid unfair advantages for those using trial versions by seeking a distribution as equitable as possible of the popular aliases.

The username key: filter against unwanted messages

In addition to the alias, WhatsApp is testing a system of validation key or PIN to start conversations. Knowing someone's @username won't be enough to write to them: you'll need to enter that password the first time, which reduces the risk of messages from strangers and mistakes with popular aliases.

This extra step seeks to protect those who choose a very common name or figures with high exposure, preventing them from receiving waves of unwanted requests. In practice, only those who have the nickname and password will be able to start a chat. you decide to share.

The exact behavior (whether the authorization is remembered for future messages, whether it can be revoked, etc.) is still under development, but the direction is clear: more control for the receiver from the first contact.

With this model, WhatsApp tries to balance discoverability and privacy, keeping your number in the background and shielding the first message with explicit consent.

Rules and availability: which aliases you can choose

As on other platforms, aliases will be unique and non-repeatableThe app will show availability in real time and push you to variants if yours already exists. Tests have shown hints of rules like use at least one letter, allow lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, and avoid www type formats.

Another line of defense that WhatsApp is considering is to restrict aliases associated with brands or identities highly recognizable, as well as preventing impersonation attempts. In the absence of definitive documentation, validation would aim to reduce conflicts and protect names at risk of abuse.

Regarding availability, The new features are appearing first on Android, with the aforementioned beta version as a clue. It is expected that the rest of the platforms will follow suit. after the first rounds of testing.

Until the deployment is general, the best strategy is Prepare several alias alternatives to react quickly when you receive the reservation notification..

Privacy and comparison with other apps

The underlying objective is to strengthen the privacy without complicating use. If you only share your nickname, you reduce your phone's exposure to calls or SMS, limiting contact to WhatsApp and allowing you to cut off interactions with locks and adjustments already known.

Telegram has had public identifiers for years, but WhatsApp could go a step further with the first message keyThe idea is that they'll find you by @username, yes, but that the start of the conversation will be conditional on your consent.

Those who prefer to continue using their phone number can also do so: your contacts with the saved phone number will continue to appear as usual. The new feature is the ability to alternative and more reserved route for the rest of the cases.

This change fits with Meta's tendency to turn WhatsApp into a more customizable and secure, maintaining its private messaging nature.

What you can do now

Ve thinking of a primary alias and two or three backup options in case your favorite one isn't availableAvoid confusion: better a short identifier, easy to pronounce and consistent with your activity (personal or professional).

Pay attention to the arrival of the reservation notification in Settings. When it appears, Complete the registration without rushing but with determination, and keep your password or PIN safe: : based on the tests, it will be necessary for others to write to you for the first time.

If you use WhatsApp in a public context (business, events, communities), consider posting only your handle on your channels and sharing the key through reliable channels or upon request to keep spam at bay.

Regarding dates, the company has not communicated definitive deadlines. What we have seen in the beta suggests that the deployment will be is coming, but it will be staggered, with priority given to stability and balance in naming.

The arrival of the @WhatsApp aliases open up a more discreet and controlled means of contact.: pre-book to avoid losing your name, anti-spam key for the first message and a slow rollout that prioritizes reliability. Everything points to a significant change in how we interact and talk in the app, with the phone number as optional and privacy as the axis.

Related article:

WhatsApp wants you to better control who sees your statuses: this is how the new selector works.

Alberto navarro

I am a technology enthusiast who has turned his "geek" interests into a profession. I have spent more than 10 years of my life using cutting-edge technology and tinkering with all kinds of programs out of pure curiosity. Now I have specialized in computer technology and video games. This is because for more than 5 years I have been writing for various websites on technology and video games, creating articles that seek to give you the information you need in a language that is understandable to everyone.

If you have any questions, my knowledge ranges from everything related to the Windows operating system as well as Android for mobile phones. And my commitment is to you, I am always willing to spend a few minutes and help you resolve any questions you may have in this internet world.