WhatsApp Plus Users Can Now Customize Their Emoji Reactions on Android

WhatsApp is rolling out a new customization feature for its premium subscribers on Android. The feature lets WhatsApp Plus users customize their own emoji reactions instead of using the default emojis shown in the message reaction tray.

The new option is currently rolling out to some beta testers through WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.38.4. According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is releasing the feature gradually, so it may take some time before it appears for all eligible users.

WhatsApp normally shows six default emojis when users want to react to a message. With the new feature, WhatsApp Plus subscribers can replace any or all of these emojis.

Users can select any emoji from the full emoji keyboard and assign it to one of the six reaction slots. This gives subscribers more control over which reactions appear when they respond to messages.

Once users save their choices, the updated emojis appear in the reaction tray immediately.

How to Customize WhatsApp Reaction Emojis

WhatsApp provides an option to change the reaction emojis through the app’s settings. Users can open Settings, go to Chats, and look for the Default reactions section.

The six existing reaction emojis appear there. Users can tap any of them and select a replacement from the emoji keyboard. They can change one emoji or customize all six slots.

WhatsApp also offers a quicker way to make these changes. When users open the emoji keyboard while reacting to a message, they can find the default reactions at the top. Tapping Edit allows them to modify the reaction tray without leaving the conversation.

Feature Is Limited to WhatsApp Plus Subscribers

Although non-subscribers may see the default reactions section in their settings, they cannot customize the emojis without a WhatsApp Plus subscription.

The feature is part of the second set of benefits being introduced for premium subscribers. WhatsApp has already added other personalization options for Plus users, including custom themes, app icons, premium stickers, and the ability to pin up to 20 chats.

Custom emoji reactions add another personalization option for users who want to change the way they interact with messages.

See Also: WhatsApp Lets Users Access Instagram and Facebook Media Directly

Gradual Android Rollout

WhatsApp is currently making the feature available to a limited number of beta testers. Users with the compatible Android beta version may see the new option, but the feature is not yet available to everyone.

The company is expected to expand the rollout to more users over the coming weeks. WhatsApp has not confirmed when custom emoji reactions will reach all WhatsApp Plus subscribers.

For now, Android users who do not see the option may need to wait for a future update or a wider server-side rollout.