WhatsApp Reactions: How To Add WhatsApp Reactions To Messages

WhatsApp finally allows users to add reactions to messages. Here’s how…

WhatsApp reactions have arrived! WhatsApp owner Meta has announced that it has officially begun rolling out WhatsApp reactions around the globe.

In this post, we’ll tell you all you need to know about WhatsApp reactions including what they are, how to use them, and how to change them. Let’s dive in!

• Save

What Are WhatsApp Reactions?

WhatsApp reactions are emoji-based replies to messages. Of course, what app has long supported emojis and you could reply to any message in what app with a simple emoji. But reactions work a little differently. 

WhatsApp reactions allow you to append a little emoji on the WhatsApp chat bubble of your choice. This means a new chat bubble isn’t formed as it would be if you simply replied back with a WhatsApp emoji.

WhatsApp reactions aren’t unique to WhatsApp. Apple’s Messages have had similar reactions for a few years now, and other messaging apps like the privacy-focused Signal have had reactions for quite some time.

What’s The Point Of WhatsApp Reactions?

If you could already reply with an emoji to messages, what are the WhatsApp reactions? In short, they are just a simpler, quicker way to reply to a message instead of having to create an additional message.

Plus reactions allow multiple people to append the same reply to one message, giving the sender of that message a quick glance at all the ways others have replied. This is very useful in group chats.

How Many WhatsApp Reactions Are There?

Right now, WhatsApp supports six reactions. They are: 

• thumbs up
• thanks hands
• heart
• shocked face
• laughing face
• crying face

It’s possible more reactions will be added in the future. Theoretically, WhatsApp could support reactions for every emoji out there.

What Are The Requirements For WhatsApp Reactions?

WhatsApp reactions are available for iOS and Android. You simply need the latest version of WhatsApp, which is a free update.

WhatsApp reactions are rolling out globally, but the full rollout can take a few weeks. But everyone should have the ability to send WhatsApp reactions by the end of May 2022.

What Are The Limitations Of WhatsApp Reactions?

In a FAQ document, WhatsApp says the following are limitations of the new reactions feature:

You can only add one reaction per message.

Reactions to disappearing messages will disappear when the message disappears.

It’s not possible to hide reactions or reaction counts.

Recipients might see your reaction before you remove it or if removing it wasn’t successful. You won’t be notified if removing a reaction wasn’t successful.

WhatsApp FAQ

How Do I Use WhatsApp Reactions?

Using WhatsApp reactions is pretty easy. A reaction can be added to any received or sent message in any WhatsApp chat. Yes, this means you can even add reactions to your own sent messages.

To send a WhatsApp reaction:

1. Long press on any message in any chat.
2. A new toolbar with the six emoji reactions will appear above the contextual menu that shows us. Tap one of the six emoji to add the reaction to the message.

How Do I Change My WhatsApp Reaction?

Changing your WhatsApp reaction is easy:

1. Long press on the message with your existing reaction.
2. Form the emoji toolbar that appears, tap one of the six emoji to change the reaction to the one you prefer.

How Do I Remove My WhatsApp Reaction?

If you want to remove your WhatsApp reaction, it’s simple:

1. Long press on the message with your existing reaction.
2. From the emoji toolbar that appears, tap the existing reaction you want to remove. It will be highlighted in a grey bubble.

And check out iPhone Messages Reactions: How To Add Reactions To Messages! And How To Unsend Emails In iOS 16!

• Save

Michael Grothaus

Apple expert and novelist, Michael Grothaus has been covering tech on KnowYourMobile for the best part of 10 years. Prior to this, he worked at Apple. And before that, he was a film journalist. Michael is a published author; his book Epiphany Jones was voted as one of the best novels about Hollywood by Entertainment Weekly. Michael is also a writer at other publications including VICE and Fast Company.