A WhatsApp Business username helps customers recognize and find your business more easily on WhatsApp. When this feature is available for your business, customers may be able to search for your business by username instead of relying only on your phone number.

You can create or claim a username for a WhatsApp Business phone number from Meta Business Suite or WhatsApp Manager. This setup is completed in Meta, not in SleekFlow.

This article explains:

• What it means to create or claim a username
• What to prepare before you start
• How to set up a username in Meta Business Suite
• How to set up a username in WhatsApp Manager
• Why you may not be able to create or claim a username

Before you start

Before creating or claiming a username, make sure you have the right access and account setup.

You will need:

• Admin access to the relevant Meta Business Account, WhatsApp Business Account, or WhatsApp Business phone number
• A WhatsApp Business phone number that is already connected to WhatsApp Business Platform
• A business that has completed, or is eligible to complete, Meta Business Verification
• Access to the related Facebook Page or Instagram Business account, if you want to claim a username linked to that Page or Instagram handle

Username availability and visibility may depend on Meta’s rollout schedule, your business account status, and your country or region.

Create vs. claim a username

When you set up a WhatsApp Business username, you may see one of two options: create a new username or claim a reserved username.

Create a new username

Use this option when you want to enter a new username for your WhatsApp Business number.

If the username is available and meets Meta’s requirements, you can save it for the selected phone number.

Claim a reserved username

Meta may reserve certain usernames for your business based on connected or verified business assets, such as:

• WhatsApp display name
• Official Business Account name
• Meta Verified name
• Facebook Page name
• Instagram Business handle

If a reserved username is available to your business, you may be able to select and claim it during the setup flow.

Method 1: Create or claim a username from Meta Business Suite

Use this method if you usually manage your WhatsApp Business account from Meta Business Suite settings.

Step 1: Open Meta Business Suite settings

1. Go to Meta Business Suite.
2. From the left-side menu, click the  icon to go to the “Settings” page

Step 2: Go to WhatsApp Accounts

1. In Settings, go to “Accounts” > “WhatsApp Accounts.”
   
2. Select the WhatsApp Account that contains the phone number you want to update.

Step 3: Select the target phone number

1. Open the “Phone numbers” tab.
2. Find the phone number you want to create or claim a username for
   
3. Click on the phone number you would like to create or claim username for

Step 4: Find the Username section

1. On the phone number profile page, scroll to the “Username” section.
2. Click “Create”.
   

Step 5: Enter or select a username

A username setup window will appear.

You can:

• Enter your preferred username manually
• Select one of the suggested usernames shown in the window
  

After choosing the username, click “Save”.

Step 6: Confirm the username was created

After saving, you should see a confirmation message.

You can also return to the phone number profile page and check whether the username is displayed under the selected phone number’s profile.

Method 2: Create or claim a username from WhatsApp Manager

Use this method if you usually manage your WhatsApp Business phone numbers from WhatsApp Manager.

Step 1: Open WhatsApp Manager

1. Go to Meta Business Suite.
2. From the left-side menu, open “WhatsApp Manager”.
   

Step 2: Go to Phone numbers

1. In WhatsApp Manager, click “Phone numbers”.
   
2. Select the phone number you want to create or claim a username for.

Step 3: Open the Profile tab

After selecting the phone number, open the “Profile” tab.

 

Step 4: Find the Username section

1. In the “Profile” tab, find the “Username” section.
   
2. If the phone number does not have a username yet, click “Create”.
3. If the phone number already has a username, you may see “Edit” instead.

Step 5: Enter or select a username

1. A username setup window will appear.
   
2. Enter the username you want to use, or choose one from the suggested usernames.
3. Click “Save”.

Step 6: Confirm the username was created

1. After saving, you should see a confirmation message.
2. You can also return to the Profile tab and check whether the username is displayed under the selected phone number.

Where to check your current username

You can check the username connected to your WhatsApp Business phone number from Meta Business Suite or WhatsApp Manager.

Meta Business Suite path

1. Go to “Meta Business Suite”.
2. Click “Settings”.
3. Go to “Accounts”.
4. Select “WhatsApp Accounts”.
5. Go to “Phone numbers”.
6. Select the phone number you want to check.
7. Open the “Profile” page.
8. In the “Username” section, check the current username connected to the phone number.

WhatsApp Manager path

1. Go to “Meta Business Suite”.
2. Open “WhatsApp Manager”.
3. Go to “Phone numbers”.
4. Select the phone number you want to check.
5. Open the “Profile” page.
6. In the “Username” section, check the current username connected to the phone number.

Troubleshooting: Why you may not be able to create or claim a username

If you cannot create or claim a username, check the possible reasons below.

The username is already taken

You cannot create a username that is already being used by another business or account.

Try using a username that is close to your business name, but still unique and easy to recognize.

The username is reserved for another business asset

Some usernames may be reserved based on a Facebook Page, Instagram Business account, Meta Verified name, Official Business Account name, or WhatsApp display name.

If you do not own or manage the related business asset, you may not be able to claim that username.

Your Facebook Page or Instagram Business account is not connected

If you want to claim a username related to your Facebook Page or Instagram Business handle, Meta may require you to connect that asset to your WhatsApp Business account first.

After connecting the asset, return to the username setup flow and check whether the username becomes available.

Business Verification is not completed

In some cases, Meta may require your business to complete Business Verification before you can create or claim a WhatsApp Business username.

Check your Meta Business Account settings to confirm your verification status.

The username does not meet Meta’s requirements

Your username may be rejected if it does not meet WhatsApp or Meta’s naming requirements, brand guidelines, or platform policies.

Choose a username that clearly represents your business. Avoid unsupported characters, misleading terms, or names that belong to another brand.

Best practices for choosing a username

Choose a username that is clear, recognizable, and easy for customers to remember.

We recommend that you:

• Use a username that matches or closely reflects your brand name
• Keep the username short and easy to spell
• Use a username that is consistent with your Facebook Page or Instagram Business handle, if possible
• Avoid unnecessary numbers, symbols, or abbreviations
• Avoid changing your username frequently
• Confirm that the username is saved successfully before promoting it to customers