WhatsApp Brings Messenger-Style Chat Themes to Android After Successful iOS Rollout

WhatsApp is enhancing its Android app with a feature long awaited by users: customizable chat-specific themes, similar to what’s already available on Facebook Messenger. Previously, WhatsApp users on Android were limited to changing the background wallpaper for a chat, which offered only a basic level of customization. Now, this new feature is designed to let users personalize each chat with unique themes, moving closer to the theming options seen on Messenger. The update aims to add a fresh, visually engaging experience for Android users and elevate their customization options on WhatsApp.

Currently, the chat-specific themes are only available to beta testers on the Android platform. WABetaInfo has shared a preview of this new feature, revealing an interface for selecting chat themes that is distinct from the current options. This interface is reportedly more versatile, allowing users to browse a range of colors and textures tailored specifically for chat personalization. The beta launch suggests that a public release may follow soon, depending on user feedback.

Once widely released, the feature will allow users to select from up to 20 different chat colors and 22 unique textured themes, making it easy to assign a distinctive look to each chat. Each theme will have designated colors for chat bubbles, differentiating sender and receiver messages, which further enhances the visual distinction and personalization in chats. This approach is a significant departure from the current wallpaper-based customization, allowing users to tailor their chat environments to match their preferences.

With this update, WhatsApp is positioning itself as a more user-centric messaging platform, offering Android users a new level of control over the look and feel of their chats. The move is expected to resonate well with users looking for greater personalization, and it aligns WhatsApp with modern design trends seen in other Meta apps. Once available to all users, this feature could lead to even more engaging and visually appealing chat experiences on WhatsApp.