May 6, 2025
Trending News

I don’t understand the new WhatsApp icons: I’ll explain what they mean and what they do

  • December 15, 2024
  • 0

Since WhatsApp’s last major redesign, I’ve been aware of: I missed most of the meta messaging app. New icons keep coming to the app lately – after several

Since WhatsApp’s last major redesign, I’ve been aware of: I missed most of the meta messaging app. New icons keep coming to the app lately – after several attempts to access it I have the beta version and have received them before – I don’t get this. I am speaking in past tense because I caught the topic and can clear your doubts if you are confused like me.

A padlock, two different microphones, double arrows… If you don’t understand the meaning of these badges you see in the application, continue reading: They are very usefuland also information. And it doesn’t hurt to keep track of WhatsApp, an app that never stops in development.

All icons coming to WhatsApp

WhatsApp is changing like life itself: The previously empty space at the bottom of WhatsApp has now turned into a very nice little button. HE app redesign Meta has brought greater clarity to the interface, just as it has brought it closer to the design lines of Android (as well as iOS on the iPhone), but is gradually introducing new icons.

Some add information that wants to tell us something, others buttons we can press to activate new functions. It has a little bit of everything, and if you’re confused by the latest WhatsApp news like me, it’s worth reviewing its meaning and usefulness.

Lock icon below the person’s name

Whatsapp Padlock Icon

First, a lock icon appeared in the groups. In this case, it’s just a matter of informative badge. What does this show? This icon informs call participants that this is a secure chat. WhatsApp implements end-to-end encryption to protect our privacy.

You should also know that this symbol disappears as it appears: After a few seconds, it will be replaced by the display listing the group participants. In individual chat, it will leave the field to show the “Last time online” information.

Double arrow, that’s what it means

Double arrow icon in WhatsApp Sent images, videos, documents or locations have a visible and clear purpose in the bottom corner: to allow you to forward the item quickly and directly. It is extremely useful if you want to share your newly shared photos or videos without having to hold your finger and make extra touches on the screen.

Double Arrow WhatsApp Icon

So how do you use it? Simple: When you receive a file or other item, tap the double arrow icon to go to the forwarding screen. It is a useful tool to save time, especially when processing multimedia content. However, WhatsApp limits forwarding depending on the type of message: in most cases you can send the message to five chats at once, but forwarded messages can usually only be sent to an individual or group chat. This helps reduce the mass spread of viral or potentially problematic messages.

Sound waves icon in WhatsApp

WhatsApp Waves Icon

An icon with sound waves appeared in groups! You don’t need to be afraid (I thought wrong for the first time), They don’t listen to us without permissionis a function that appears in group chats and represents the possibility of starting a voice chat. When the icon is pressed, this mode is activated silently, that is, it does not send mass notifications to all members. Anyone in the group can join at any time, and voice chat will automatically close if no one joins within an hour.

It is simple to use– Simply tap the Waves icon, confirm the creation of the voice chat, and wait for other members of the group to join if they are interested. A hidden notification alerts them to ongoing activity. This change is part of the improvements WhatsApp is implementing to diversify communication options and make groups more dynamic and functional.

A new microphone that’s not for sending sound

The new microphone icon in WhatsApp appears instead of the text that previously indicated our contact would send voice memo. This change aims to make the process more visual and less intrusive by moving the notification directly into the chat, just below the last message sent. The goal is to predict when the user is about to receive a voice, keeping the essence of text indicators, but with a cleaner and more modern design. This icon is for informational purposes only, so it does not react or activate any functions when touched.

Whatsapp Microphone Icon

Although it seems like a small detail, the change is beneficial for those of us who prefer a more minimalist interface. This icon replaces the typical text at the top of the chat, and its location within the conversation makes the flow of messages more streamlined and direct. It actually increases the clarity of what’s going on without taking up additional screen space​.

A few ellipses below the last message

Whatsapp Score Icon

Easy and simple, this icon replaces the classic “Typing…” icon we all know. Now when someone is typing, you will see this animation next to the last message in the chat. more discreet view to your conversations. In group chats, in addition to the three dots, the profile photo of the person typing will also appear, making it easier to quickly determine who is active.

However, the change does not completely remove the “Writing…” text. This will continue to appear in the main chat list when you are not in a particular conversation. This is a small but functional update and comes hand in hand with the new microphone icon: They are very meaningful.

Cover image | Edited Image Creator

Xataka on Android | I didn’t remember WhatsApp being so connected to Facebook: I received the double-factor code via message

Xataka on Android | Important turning point for China and Huawei, defeat for the USA: The first smartphone with 100% Chinese chip was born

Source: Xatak Android

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Exit mobile version