> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://manuals.dialox.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://manuals.dialox.ai/advanced-topics/meta/whatsapp-usernames.md).

# WhatsApp Usernames

## Claiming a username for a WhatsApp Business account

{% hint style="info" %}
Username support already works with DialoX. You will not miss conversations from users who contact you with a claimed Username.

The next platform release is also expected to add a **Contacts** column that shows the retrieved WhatsApp Username.
{% endhint %}

### Quick answer

* A Username is **not required** to keep using your WhatsApp Business account.
* Reserving one is **optional**, but useful for brand protection.
* The feature is still **rolling out gradually**.

### Why reserve a username

Reserving a Username protects your business name. Once reserved, another business cannot claim the same name.

This is especially useful if you use the same brand name across WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, your website, and other channels.

### Where to reserve a username

#### In the WhatsApp Business app

If the feature is available for your account:

1. Update the **WhatsApp Business** app.
2. Open your business profile or business tools.
3. Look for the **Username** option.
4. Enter your preferred Username.
5. Confirm the reservation.

If you do not see the option, the feature is likely not available for your account yet.

#### In WhatsApp Manager

If you use WhatsApp Business through the API:

1. Open **WhatsApp Manager**.
2. Select the relevant phone number.
3. Open the profile section.
4. Check whether **Username** appears below the display name.

If the option is visible, you can reserve it there. If it is not visible, the feature is likely not available for that number yet.

### Availability

Meta is rolling out Usernames gradually. Some businesses already see the option. Others do not.

If you cannot find the Username option, it does not automatically mean something is wrong. It may simply not be available yet for your account, country, number, or setup.

### Username requirements

Usernames must follow Meta’s rules:

* 3 to 35 characters
* Lowercase letters, numbers, underscores, and periods only
* Cannot consist only of numbers

Choose a short, clear Username that matches your business name as closely as possible.

### Linked Facebook and Instagram accounts

If your WhatsApp Business account is linked to your Facebook Page or Instagram Business profile, you may be able to claim the same Username on WhatsApp.

This helps keep your branding consistent across Meta platforms. Availability still depends on rollout and eligibility.

#### Link a WhatsApp Business account to a Facebook Page

You can do this in two common ways:

1. In the **WhatsApp Business** app:
   * Open **Tools**
   * Select **Facebook and Instagram**
   * Select **Facebook**
   * Complete the login steps
2. In your **Facebook Page** settings:
   * Open **Linked Accounts**
   * Choose **WhatsApp**
   * Enter your WhatsApp number
   * Confirm it with the verification code

You need the right permissions on the Facebook Page.

### Meta Verified web page address

For Meta Verified businesses, the custom web page address is a public WhatsApp page created by WhatsApp.

It can show:

* Business name
* Description
* Catalog
* Opening hours
* Address

If your business already has this custom web page address, your WhatsApp Username should automatically match it. No extra action is needed.

#### Meta Verified web page address rules

This address has its own rules:

* 5 to 30 characters
* Letters, numbers, underscores, and periods

These rules are separate from the general WhatsApp Username rules.

### API-only accounts

If your WhatsApp Business account is connected only through the API, check **WhatsApp Manager** first.

Select your WhatsApp number, open the profile section, and look for the **Username** option below the display name. If the option is visible, you can reserve it there.

### Limits and support

#### Can 360dialog reserve or confirm the username?

No. 360dialog cannot reserve, claim, or independently confirm a Username for you.

The business owner must complete this directly in WhatsApp or Meta tools, such as the **WhatsApp Business** app or **WhatsApp Manager**.

#### Is there a public dashboard or API to check username availability?

No. There is currently no public dashboard or API to check whether a WhatsApp Username is available or already reserved.

You need to check in the tool where the Username can be reserved. If the reservation succeeds there, the Username is reserved for your account.

### Troubleshooting

If you do not see the Username option:

1. Update the **WhatsApp Business** app.
2. Make sure you are checking the correct business number.
3. Confirm that you have the right access in Meta business tools.
4. If you use the API, also check **WhatsApp Manager** under the number profile.

If the option is still missing, the feature is most likely not available for your account yet.

### Key takeaways

* You do not need a WhatsApp Username for your Business to keep using your account.
* Reserving a Username is optional, but useful for brand protection.
* The feature may not be visible yet for every account.
* App users should check the **WhatsApp Business** app.
* API users should check **WhatsApp Manager** under the number profile.
* Linked Facebook or Instagram accounts may help you claim the same brand name.
* Meta Verified businesses may already have a matching Username reserved automatically.
* 360dialog cannot reserve or confirm a Username on your behalf.