In the fast-paced world of WhatsApp, navigating through the myriad of symbols and icons can sometimes feel like deciphering a secret code. Fear not! We’re here to demystify the enigmatic symbols scattered across WhatsApp’s home screen, chat threads, status, calls, and delivery notifications.
1. WhatsApp Home Screen Symbols
Floating Chat Bubble Icon (Android)
This icon initiates a new conversation thread on Android. Navigate seamlessly to select a contact, create a new contact, or form a group. Bonus: Discover the QR code feature for easy number sharing.
Pencil Icon (iPhone)
Situated in the Chats tab, this icon on iPhone mirrors the Android chat bubble. Launch new threads, add contacts, or create groups effortlessly.
Camera Icon
Quickly capture and share photos or videos directly from WhatsApp. Elevate your status game with this nifty feature.
Green Checkmark Next to Name
Spot a green checkmark or tick next to a business name? It’s the verification badge, signifying a Meta-verified business profile.
@ Symbol
Encounter the @ symbol on the home screen? Someone has mentioned or tagged you in a chat. Stay in the loop!
Three-Person Icon (Android)
Explore WhatsApp communities through the three-person icon. Create, join, and manage communities effortlessly.
| Icon | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Floating Chat | Initiates new conversation threads on Android. |
| Pencil (iPhone) | Mirrors the Android chat bubble on iPhone. |
| Camera | Capture and share photos or videos directly. |
| Green Checkmark | Indicates a Meta-verified business profile. |
| @ Symbol | Someone mentioned or tagged you in a chat. |
| Three-Person Icon | Navigate WhatsApp communities effortlessly. |
2. Chat Thread Icons (Android)
When diving into chat threads, understand the icons at the top:
Pin
Pin essential chats to stay atop the thread, even as new messages flood in.
Trash
Delete unnecessary chat threads with the trash can icon.
Speaker with Bar
Mute selected chats effortlessly. Unmute with a simple tap.
Box with Down Arrow
Archive chats to keep them hidden without permanent deletion.
| Icon | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pin | Keeps important chats at the top of the list. |
| Trash | Deletes unwanted chat threads. |
| Speaker with Bar | Mutes selected chats. Unmute with a tap. |
| Box with Down Arrow | Archives chats, hiding them without deletion. |
3. WhatsApp Status Symbols
On the Status screen, discover the Pencil and Camera icons:
Pencil Icon
Create text-based statuses with options for emojis, font styles, colors, and easy publishing.
| Icon | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pencil | Craft text-based statuses with emojis, fonts, and colors. Publish with ease. |
4. WhatsApp Camera Icons
The Camera icon opens a realm of possibilities:
Crop
Crop images to perfection and rotate with ease.
Emoji
Add expressions to your photos with a variety of emojis.
Text
Incorporate text seamlessly into your images.
Pencil
Draw and doodle on your images for a personalized touch.
Gallery
Select and upload multiple images to your status.
(1) Icon
Enable View Once mode for media files, ensuring they vanish after viewing.
| Icon | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Crop | Perfectly crop and rotate your images. |
| Emoji | Express yourself with a range of emojis. |
| Text | Seamlessly integrate text into your images. |
| Pencil | Unleash your creativity with doodling. |
| Gallery | Select and upload multiple images to your status. |
| (1) Icon | Activate View Once mode for media files. |
5. WhatsApp Call Tab Symbols
Explore the icons under the Calls tab:
Phone Icon With Plus Sign
Initiate audio or video calls effortlessly. Learn to create and share WhatsApp call links for added convenience.
Video Camera
Identify video calls in your call history with the video camera icon.
Phone
Recognize regular audio calls with the classic phone icon.
| Icon | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Phone with Plus | Effortlessly initiate audio or video calls. |
| Video Camera | Indicates video calls in the call history. |
| Phone | Represents regular audio calls. |
6. WhatsApp Video Call Screen Icons
During video calls, acquaint yourself with these icons:
Camera
Switch between front and rear cameras effortlessly.
Videocamera
Toggle the video on or off with this handy icon.
Microphone
Control your microphone status during calls.
Red Phone
End calls promptly with the red phone icon.
Person With a Plus Sign
Add more participants to ongoing calls, transforming them into group calls.
| Icon | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Camera | Switch between front and rear cameras. |
| Videocamera | Toggle video on or off. |
| Microphone | Control microphone status. |
| Red Phone | End calls promptly. |
| Person with Plus | Add more participants to ongoing calls. |
7. WhatsApp Audio Call Icons
Audio calls share similar icons with video calls:
Speakerphone
Toggle between speakerphone and regular mode during audio calls.
Video Icon (During Audio Call)
Activate video during audio calls with this icon.
| Icon | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Speakerphone | Toggle between speakerphone and regular mode. |
| Video Icon (Audio) | Activate video during audio calls. |
8. WhatsApp Chat Symbols
Explore various symbols and icons within chats:
Clock Symbol Next to Profile Picture
Indicates disappearing messages for that chat.
Audio and Video Call Icons
Identify the camera and phone icons for initiating calls.
Catalog
Represents a business catalog. Explore the offerings by tapping on it.
Paper Clip Icon (Android)
Attach and send documents, images, audio, location, or contacts seamlessly.
Payment Icon
Send money through WhatsApp in supported countries.
Camera
Capture and send new photos or videos directly.
Microphone
Send voice notes effortlessly.
Right Arrow
Forward media files to more contacts with a simple tap.
Star Icon
Bookmark or favorite important messages for quick access.
Double Arrow
Beware of forwarded messages marked with a double arrow.
| Icon | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Clock Symbol | Disappearing messages are enabled for that chat. |
| Audio/Video Call | Initiate calls with the camera and phone icons. |
| Catalog | Explore business offerings through the catalog icon. |
| Paper Clip (Android) | Attach and send documents, images, audio, location, or contacts. |
| Payment Icon | Send money through WhatsApp in supported countries. |
| Camera | Capture and send new photos or videos directly. |
| Microphone | Send voice notes effortlessly. |
| Right Arrow | Forward media files to more contacts with a simple tap. |
| Star Icon | Bookmark or favorite important messages for quick access. |
| Double Arrow | Beware of forwarded messages marked with a double arrow. |
9. WhatsApp Voice Note Icons
Sending voice notes? Pay attention to these icons:
Grey Circle
The initial grey circle turns blue when the recipient listens to the voice note.
Green Dot
A green dot indicates that the voice note hasn’t been played yet on the recipient’s end.
1x Symbol
Adjust the speed of WhatsApp voice messages with the 1x symbol.
| Icon | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Grey Circle | Turns blue when the recipient listens to the voice note. |
| Green Dot | Indicates that the voice note hasn’t been played yet. |
| 1x Symbol | Adjust the speed of WhatsApp voice messages. |
10. Delivery Symbols
Finally, understand the checkmarks on WhatsApp:
Single Grey Tick
Message sent but not yet delivered to the recipient.
Two Grey Ticks
Message delivered but not yet seen by the recipient.
Two Blue Ticks
Message seen by the recipient. Approach with caution!
Clock Symbol
Message hasn’t left your device; check for network issues.
| Icon | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Single Grey Tick | Message sent but not yet delivered. |
| Two Grey Ticks | Message delivered but not yet seen. |
| Two Blue Ticks | Message seen by the recipient. Approach with caution! |
| Clock Symbol | Message hasn’t left your device; check for network issues. |
Conclusion
Navigating WhatsApp’s symbolic landscape can now be an enlightening experience. Arm yourself with the knowledge of these icons, and enhance your messaging prowess. May your WhatsApp journey be filled with clarity and communication bliss!
Stay connected