WhatsApp is rolling out custom emoji reactions on iOS

WhatsApp is bringing custom emoji reactions for premium subscribers to the iOS app. Users can now replace the six default emojis in the reaction tray with any emoji they want. They can update the reaction tray directly from the app settings and from the emoji keyboard.

WhatsApp rolled out custom emoji reactions on Android first

In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.38.1 update, we announced custom emoji reactions. The feature lets subscribers replace all six default emojis in the reaction tray with ones they prefer. Users can manage the reaction tray from the app settings and from the emoji keyboard. Non-subscribers can see the feature, but they cannot use it without a subscription to WhatsApp Plus.

WhatsApp is introducing custom reaction tray on iOS

After releasing a customizable reaction tray on Android, WhatsApp is making it available on iOS as well. With this feature, users can personalize the reaction tray by choosing the emoji they prefer. We discovered this with the WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.38.10.16 update, which is available on TestFlight. Specifically, WhatsApp is rolling out custom emoji reactions to some beta testers. Custom emoji reactions make it faster to react to messages using an emoji users often use.

How to customize the default reaction emojis

It is possible to customize the reaction tray from the app settings. Here, users can replace any of the six default emojis with any emoji they want from the full keyboard. To make a change, users need to tap the emoji they want to swap in the reaction tray and select a new one from the emoji view. After saving, WhatsApp will present the updated emojis in the reaction tray the next time users react to a message.

How to edit reactions from the emoji keyboard

Similar to Android, users can also manage the reaction tray from the emoji keyboard. When users want to react to a message using a different emoji, WhatsApp presents the emoji keyboard. At the top, WhatsApp shows the default reaction tray, and users can replace its emoji by tapping "Edit". This action opens the same screen available in the settings page. This makes it easier for users to update an emoji without opening the You tab.

What non-subscribers see

The Default reactions section is visible to all users regardless of their subscription status. However, the six emojis in the tray are not editable without an active subscription. They appear as a preview of what users can change after subscribing to WhatsApp Plus. This would let non-subscribers see what the feature looks like before deciding whether to subscribe.

WhatsApp Plus keeps growing with new features

Custom emoji reactions are part of the second set of features available with the premium plan. The first set introduced custom themes, app icons, premium stickers, and the ability to pin up to 20 chats. With the second set, WhatsApp plans to add more tools for users to personalize their experience, and custom reactions are one of them. WhatsApp has not announced how many features the second set will include. However, more updates for premium subscribers are coming soon.

WhatsApp is rolling out custom emoji reactions to some iOS beta testers

This feature is available to some users who install the latest update from TestFlight. WhatsApp is rolling them out gradually, so not every subscriber will see the feature immediately. If the ability to customize the reaction tray is not visible in the app settings, it will become available over the coming weeks. At the moment, WhatsApp has not shared when the feature will be released to everyone.

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