Key Takeaways:
- WhatsApp introduced 15 new features in February 2025, including chat themes, video playback speed control, and status filters.
- Several features are in testing, like Instagram links in profiles, custom stickers, and improved group call menus for better usability.
- These updates improve customization, privacy, and convenience, making WhatsApp more fun and user-friendly for both Android and iPhone users.
If you’re like me, you probably spend half your day (or more—no judgment) chatting on WhatsApp. Well, great news! The app has rolled out some awesome new features this February, and trust me, you’re going to love them. From cool chat themes to AI magic, WhatsApp just got a serious upgrade. Let’s dive in and check out what’s new!
1. Colorful Chat Themes
What’s New?
Say goodbye to boring green and white chats! WhatsApp now lets you customize your chats with colorful themes.
Why You’ll Love It
Ever felt like your chat screen looks the same every day? Now, you can spice things up with different colors and wallpapers. It’s like giving your WhatsApp a fresh outfit!
How to Use It
Just go to Settings > Chat Themes, pick a color or wallpaper, and boom—your chats are now stylish!
Where You Can Get It
Available on both Android and iPhone. Time to make your chats pop!
2. Clear Chat Notifications (Finally!)
What’s New?
iPhone users, you can now clear those annoying unread message badges from your home screen.
Why You’ll Love It
Ever had 100+ unread messages from family groups and felt overwhelmed? Now, you can clear that red notification without actually reading all the “Good Morning” messages.
How to Use It
Head to Settings > Notifications and turn on “Clear Badge.” Poof! No more stress.
Where You Can Get It
iPhone users get this first. Android folks, hang in there—it’s coming soon.
3. Unread Chat Counter in Filters
What’s New?
Now, WhatsApp shows unread message counts inside chat filters.
Why You’ll Love It
If you’ve got messages piling up in groups or favorites, this feature helps you track them without endless scrolling.
How to Use It
Just switch between chat filters like “Unread” or “Groups,” and you’ll see how many messages are waiting for you.
Where You Can Get It
Currently on iPhone, but Android is next in line.
4. Change Video Playback Speed
What’s New?
Now you can speed up videos in WhatsApp.
Why You’ll Love It
No more suffering through super slow forwarded videos! Watch long clips faster and save time.
How to Use It
Tap the speed button while watching a video and choose between 1x, 1.5x, or 2x speeds.
Where You Can Get It
Both Android and iPhone users can enjoy this feature.
5. Meta AI Widget for Quick Chats
What’s New?
WhatsApp now lets you chat with Meta AI right from your home screen.
Why You’ll Love It
Imagine having a super-smart assistant just one tap away. Ask it questions, get jokes, or pretend you have an actual friend.
How to Use It
Add the Meta AI Widget to your home screen and tap whenever you need a quick AI-powered chat.
Where You Can Get It
For now, Android users get the fun. iPhone users, stay patient.
Related: WhatsApp Features Added in January 2025 Like Selfie Stickers Feature & More!
Related: WhatsApp Will Let Users Add Contacts from Any Linked Device Soon
6. View Once Photos on Linked Devices
What’s New?
You can now view “View Once” photos on linked devices.
Why You’ll Love It
No more running to your primary phone when you receive a disappearing photo. View it from any connected device!
How to Use It
Just open the “View Once” media from any linked device before it disappears.
Where You Can Get It
In testing for both Android and iPhone.
7. Add Instagram to Your WhatsApp Profile
What’s New?
WhatsApp now lets you link your Instagram profile.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s perfect if you want your friends (or customers) to check out your Insta profile directly from WhatsApp.
How to Use It
Go to Profile Settings, enter your Instagram username, and let people find you easily.
Where You Can Get It
Currently in testing, but coming soon to all.
8. Allow Guests in WhatsApp Events
What’s New?
You can now allow guests to bring extra people to WhatsApp events.
Why You’ll Love It
Hosting a party? Now guests can RSVP with a “+1,” so you’ll know exactly how much food to order.
How to Use It
Enable “Allow Guests” while creating an event, and your friends can confirm their plus-ones.
Where You Can Get It
Testing phase—stay tuned!
9. Manage Chat Notifications
What’s New?
Android users can now clear unread chat badges—just like iPhone users.
Why You’ll Love It
Finally, Android users don’t have to stare at an unread badge for days.
How to Use It
Go to Settings > Notifications and enable “Clear Badge.”
Where You Can Get It
Currently in testing for Android.
10. New Text Status Layout
What’s New?
WhatsApp has refreshed the text status screen with better fonts and colors.
Why You’ll Love It
Now it’s easier to create stylish text updates. No more struggling with font selections!
How to Use It
Just type a status, choose a font/color at the bottom, and post!
Where You Can Get It
Testing phase for Android users.
11. Stickers in Status Updates
What’s New?
You can now add photo stickers to your status updates.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s a fun way to make your updates more creative and eye-catching.
How to Use It
While uploading a status, select “Add Photo Sticker” and place an image over another.
Where You Can Get It
Testing phase for Android.
12. Labels for Group Members
What’s New?
Admins can now add labels to group members for better organization.
Why You’ll Love It
No more guessing who’s the admin, moderator, or VIP. Labels keep things clear!
How to Use It
Assign labels like “Admin” or “Manager” to group members.
Where You Can Get It
Testing phase for Android.
13. Filters in Status Page
What’s New?
WhatsApp now has filters for status updates.
Why You’ll Love It
Easily switch between personal updates and channels without the mess.
How to Use It
Tap the filter icons to see the type of statuses you want.
Where You Can Get It
Testing phase for Android.
14. Better Group Call Menu
What’s New?
WhatsApp redesigned the group call menu for smoother navigation.
Why You’ll Love It
Switching between voice and video calls is now much easier.
How to Use It
When on a call, use the new menu options for better control.
Where You Can Get It
Testing phase for Android.
15. Create Custom WhatsApp Stickers
What’s New?
Now you can make custom sticker packs inside WhatsApp.
Why You’ll Love It
Express yourself with personalized stickers instead of boring emojis!
How to Use It
Select stickers, add them to a pack, and send them in chats.
Where You Can Get It
Currently in testing for all users.
Related: Top Tips to Organize WhatsApp Chats With Labels & Stars: Simplify Your WhatsApp Experience!
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Use WhatsApp Voice & Video Calls: Everything You Need to Know!
The Bottom Line
That’s a wrap on the latest WhatsApp features! From fun chat themes to useful AI tools, these updates make messaging even better. Which feature do you like the most? Let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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