WhatsApp is working on a custom emoji reactions feature that will let Android users replace the six default emoji in the reaction tray. The change was found in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.29.3, confirmed through AllBetaInfo’s report. The feature is not yet available for beta testing and remains in early development. It is planned as part of WhatsApp Plus, the app’s optional subscription tier.
How Message Reactions Work on WhatsApp Today
Users can react to messages by tapping and holding it until the reaction tray appears. The tray shows six default emoji that are the same for every user, with no way to change them. Tapping the plus button opens the full emoji keyboard, so anyone can pick a different emoji if none of the six fit the moment. The reaction appears below the message.
What Changes With Custom Emoji Reactions
The new feature replaces the fixed six emoji tray with one the user controls. WhatsApp is building a dedicated screen where users tap any of the six default slots and swap it for an emoji from the full keyboard. Any slot can hold a different emoji, and users can change as many as they want. This removes the need to open the full keyboard just to find a preferred reaction.
How This Fits Into WhatsApp Plus
WhatsApp plans to release custom emoji reactions as part of the second set of features for WhatsApp Plus, not as a free update. WhatsApp Plus already rolled out its first feature set, adding custom themes, exclusive app icons, premium stickers, and the ability to pin up to 20 chats instead of three. Custom emoji reactions extends that personalization focus into the reaction tray.
Why a Customizable Reaction Tray Matters
The current six emoji cover common responses but do not fit every conversation. A user who mostly chats about work might want neutral reactions instead of the default set. Someone chatting mostly with family might prefer reactions that better reflect those conversations. Everyone is limited to the same six choices unless they open the full keyboard each time. A customizable tray turns frequent alternate picks into a permanent shortcut.
Current Development Status on Android
The custom emoji reactions feature remains under development in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.29.3, available on the Google Play Store. WhatsApp has not enabled it for beta testers yet, and the customization screen is not accessible in the current build. AllBetaInfo has not tested the feature hands on because the interface is still code only. WhatsApp has not shared a timeline for beta access.
Is Custom Emoji Reactions Available Now
No, custom emoji reactions is not available to any WhatsApp users yet, including beta testers running Android 2.26.29.3. The feature exists only inside the app’s code at this stage, and the customization screen cannot be opened in the current build. AllBetaInfo will report as soon as WhatsApp begins rolling out access to beta testers on Android or any other platform.
Do Users Need WhatsApp Plus for This Feature
Yes, WhatsApp plans to limit custom emoji reactions to WhatsApp Plus subscribers as part of the plan’s second feature set. Free WhatsApp users will keep the standard six emoji reaction tray with no option to customize it. WhatsApp Plus already offers custom themes, extra app icons, premium stickers, and pinning up to 20 chats for subscribers on Android.
Conclusion
Custom emoji reactions gives WhatsApp Plus subscribers direct control over the six-slot reaction tray for the first time. AllBetaInfo confirmed the feature in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.29.3, with no functional access yet for beta testers. WhatsApp has not confirmed when the feature moves from development into beta testing on Android.
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