WhatsApp is rolling out custom emoji reactions to some iPhone beta testers, letting WhatsApp Plus subscribers swap the six default emojis in the reaction tray for any emoji they want. The feature appears in the WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.38.10.16 on TestFlight.
The details come from WABetaInfo’s report on the rollout. The feature reached Android first, in the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.38.1, and the iPhone version works the same way. WhatsApp is releasing it gradually, so not every beta tester will see it yet.
Any Emoji Can Replace the Six Default Reactions
Reactions let people respond to a message with an emoji instead of sending a reply, which keeps group chats from filling up. The tray of six default reactions has been fixed until now. Subscribers can change any of them to an emoji from the full keyboard, either from the app settings or straight from the emoji keyboard.
- Open the reaction tray settings, or tap Edit at the top of the tray in the emoji keyboard.
- Tap the emoji you want to replace.
- Pick a new emoji from the emoji view.
- Save the change.
The updated tray shows up the next time you react to a message. WhatsApp already lets Apple Watch reactions use any emoji, and earlier reports said the company was working on customizable iPhone reactions before this rollout.
Non-Subscribers Get a Preview and Nothing More
The Default reactions section is visible to every user, whether or not they pay. Without an active WhatsApp Plus subscription, the six emojis cannot be edited and appear only as a preview of what the feature does.
Custom reactions belong to the second set of WhatsApp Plus features. The first set introduced custom themes, app icons, premium stickers and the ability to pin up to 20 chats. WhatsApp has not said how many features the second set will include, although more updates for subscribers are expected soon.
If the option is missing from the settings screen, it should appear over the coming weeks as the rollout widens. WhatsApp has not shared when custom reactions will reach everyone.
Our Take
Custom reactions are a small feature, but most people lean on the same few emojis, so setting those six once saves a tap or two on every message. Does that justify a WhatsApp Plus subscription? It depends on how much the other extras appeal to you.
