WhatsApp Apple Watch reactions now support any emoji, giving users more options beyond the six reactions that were previously available.
The full emoji picker is rolling out gradually with the latest version of WhatsApp for Apple Watch. Until now, choosing an emoji outside the six available reactions meant switching to an iPhone.
The change makes emoji reactions more useful on the Apple Watch, where tapping a reaction is often quicker than typing or dictating a reply. WhatsApp still keeps the six common reactions in the main tray, with a new button for accessing the rest.
WhatsApp Removes the Six-Emoji Limit on Apple Watch
WhatsApp launched its full Apple Watch app in November 2025 after years of relying on notification replies. The app brought message reading, voice message recording, call notifications, clearer images and stickers, more chat history and message reactions to the wrist.
Message reactions initially offered just six emojis. That was enough for quick responses, but there was no way to choose a different emoji directly from the watch.
That limitation is now being removed. Apple Watch users can keep using the six suggested reactions or open the full emoji picker when they want a different response.
The recipient sees the reaction normally, whether it was sent from an Apple Watch or an iPhone.
How to Use Any Emoji for a WhatsApp Reaction
The basic reaction gesture has not changed. Tap and hold a message to open the reaction tray, then use the new button to browse the full emoji collection.
- Tap and hold a message in a WhatsApp chat.
- Choose one of the six suggested emojis, or tap the button to open the full emoji picker.
- Browse recently used emojis at the top.
- Tap a category and scroll through the available emojis.
- Tap an emoji to send the reaction.
WhatsApp divides the picker into eight categories: Smileys, Nature, Food, Activity, Travel, Objects, Symbols and Flags. The interface uses a scrollable list rather than the tab-based layout found on iPhone.
| Detail | Apple Watch before | Apple Watch now | iPhone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emoji choices | Six | Full emoji set | Full emoji set |
| Access to more emojis | Required an iPhone | Button in reaction tray | “+” button in reaction tray |
| Emoji layout | Six-reaction grid | Scrollable list | Category tabs |
| Recipient view | Standard reaction | Standard reaction | Standard reaction |
The new picker also keeps recently used emojis at the top, making it easier to find reactions you use regularly.
WhatsApp Is Rolling Out the New Emoji Picker Gradually
The feature is not available to every Apple Watch user yet. WhatsApp is enabling the full emoji picker gradually for users running the latest version of its Apple Watch app.
WhatsApp has not listed the change in its official changelog, so the new button may appear without a separate update notification. If it is not available yet, make sure WhatsApp is updated and check again later.
The change arrives alongside Apple’s latest Apple Watch software. If you are using watchOS 27, see our guide to 40+ New watchOS 27 Features and Changes for a look at other additions and changes.
You can also check out 20 Things to Try After Updating to watchOS 27 for more features to try on your Apple Watch.
WhatsApp for Apple Watch requires an Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 10 or later.
(via WABetaInfo)
