> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.doubletick.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.doubletick.io/business-usernames-and-bsuid/how-to-reserve-your-business-username-why-reserve-early-and-how-the-naming-rules-work.md).
# How to Reserve your Business Username: Why Reserve Early and How the Naming Rules Work
Meta has started rolling out **usernames** on WhatsApp: a unique @handle businesses can claim so customers can find and message them without needing a phone number. Handles are largely first-come, first-served, so once someone else claims the one you want, it's gone.
The good news is you don't have to wait for the feature to fully launch in your region to lock in your handle. You can reserve it right now, and it will activate automatically the moment usernames go live where you operate.
This guide walks you through reserving a business username for your WhatsApp API number, whether you're on a standard API number, a co-existence (coex) number, or managing things through the WhatsApp Business app.
***
#### **Why reserve early**
* **Build brand recognition.** A memorable @handle makes your business easier to recall and search for.
* **Stay consistent across Meta.** In most cases, you can claim the same username you already use on Instagram or Facebook.
* **Protect your name.** Meta automatically reserves some usernames for eligible businesses, but most are first-come, first-served, so reserving early is your best shot at getting the exact name you want.
***
#### **Username vs. display name vs. phone number**
These three get mixed up often, so here's the quick version:
* **Display name** is what shows up in chat. It doesn't have to be unique, and you can change it whenever you like.
* **Username** is your unique @handle (like @YourBusinessName). No two WhatsApp numbers, business or personal, can share one.
* **Phone number** stays visible on your business profile either way. Reserving or adopting a username does not hide your phone number; it's simply an additional way for customers to reach you.
Once your username is active, both it and your phone number appear on your business profile.
***
#### **Username format rules**
Before you pick one, make sure it fits Meta's rules:
* Only English letters (a to z), digits (0 to 9), periods (.), and underscores (\_) are allowed
* Non-English characters (like ñ, é, ü) aren't supported and will cause your request to fail
* Must be between 3 and 35 characters long
* Must contain at least one English letter
* Can't start or end with a period, and can't have two periods in a row
* Can't start with "www"
* Can't end with a domain-style suffix, like .com, .org, .net, .edu, .gov, .mil, .us, .in, or .html
* Case doesn't affect matching, so MyBrand and mybrand count as the same username. Periods and underscores do count, though, so myid, my.id, and my\_id are all treated as separate, distinct usernames
Keep in mind usernames are tied to a phone number, not a business as a whole. If you run multiple WhatsApp numbers under the same brand, each one needs its own separate username.
***
#### **What you'll need**
* Admin access to Meta Business Suite or WhatsApp Manager for your WhatsApp API number
* If you want to match an existing Instagram or Facebook handle, full control (or basic partial access with the manage\_phone permission) over that Page or account
* The latest version of the WhatsApp Business app, if you're reserving through the app instead
***
#### **Standard WhatsApp API number, via Meta Business Suite**
{% embed url="" %}
1. Go to Meta Business Suite
2. Click **WhatsApp Accounts** in the left menu
3. Click the phone number you want to create a username for
4. Click **Phone numbers**, then click the Edit (pencil) icon
5. Scroll to **Username**, then click **Create**
6. Enter the username you want, or pick one from the Suggested list
7. Click **Save**, then click **Close**
Prefer WhatsApp Manager? The steps are nearly identical: open WhatsApp Manager, click **Phone number** in the left menu, select your number, click **Profile**, scroll to **Username**, and click **Create**. Anything you change in one tool automatically shows up in the other.
Want to match your Instagram or Facebook username? If it isn't showing up as a suggestion, link that account to WhatsApp first, either by adding your phone number directly from the Facebook Page or Instagram account, or by linking it during the claim flow in Meta Business Suite or WhatsApp Manager.
***
#### **Co-existence (coex) numbers**
{% embed url="" %}
1. Update to the latest version of the WhatsApp Business app from the Play Store or App Store
2. Go to **Settings**, then **Account**, and look for **Username** (it may also appear as Create Username or Reserve Username, depending on your rollout stage)
3. Enter your preferred handle. If it's taken, WhatsApp will suggest alternatives
4. Save your selection
If you don't see the option right away, don't worry; it can take a day or two to appear after updating, since Meta is rolling it out to Business app users in phases.
***
#### **What happens after you reserve**
* Your username is held under your business account, so no one else can claim it while it's reserved
* It stays invisible to everyone else until it activates
* You'll get a notification the moment your username goes live in your region
* You can change your username anytime later. If you do, your old one stays on hold for 60 days in case you want it back
***
#### **Quick FAQ**
**Does a username replace my phone number?** No. Both your username and phone number stay visible on your business profile, and your phone number is still required for WhatsApp API onboarding and registration.
**Can I use the same username as my Instagram or Facebook page?** In most cases, yes, as long as it isn't already taken elsewhere. Link the accounts first if it isn't showing up as a suggestion.
**I manage multiple WhatsApp numbers. Do they all get the same username?** No. Each phone number needs its own unique username, even under the same brand.
**Can I change my username later?** Yes, anytime. Your previous username is held for 60 days after you change it, so you can reclaim it if needed.
***
#### **Reserve yours before someone else does**
Usernames are still rolling out gradually, but reservations are open now. Claiming your handle today takes a few minutes and guarantees your brand's name is ready the moment the feature reaches you, so don't leave it for later.
---
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