21 Things to Know About WhatsApp Message Reactions - TechWiser (2023)

Before WhatsApp message reactions, one would have to send an emoji to react to the message. That emoji would appear as a normal message in the chat. Imagine the unnecessary clutter in the chat if several people send emojis at once. To avoid such a mess, WhatsApp has introduced message reactions. Let’s answer all your questions you might have about WhatsApp message reactions.

Table of Contents

1. What Are Message Reactions

Message reactions is a feature that allows a user to respond to a WhatsApp message with an emoji. Reactions are emojis that appear with a message instead of a separate message. They provide a quick way to respond to a message without cluttering the chat and also allow users to express their emotions.

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2. Which Emoji Reactions Does WhatsApp Offer

You can currently select from six emoji reactions. These include basic emotions such as love, laughter, tears, surprise, sadness, and gratitude:

  • Thumbs up
  • Red heart
  • Laughing emoji i.e., face with tears of joy
  • Surprised emoji i.e., face with mouth open
  • Sad emoji i.e., a crying face
  • Thank you emoji i.e., folded hands
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3. Can You Add Custom Reactions

Currently, WhatsApp offers only six emojis as reactions. But Meta, which owns WhatsApp, has promised to include more emojis in the future.

4. Do Message Reactions Work in Group Chats

Yes, you can react to messages in both individual and group chats. In group chats, all members can add emoji reactions to a message.

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5. Can You React to Messages in Restricted Groups

Yes, you can add emojis reactions in restricted groups.

6. Does WhatsApp Business Support Emoji Reactions

Yes, both WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business allow users to react with emojis.

7. How Many Reactions Can You Add Per Message

A user can only add one reaction per message. You will have to remove your existing reaction to add another reaction.

8. How to React to WhatsApp Messages

You can react to WhatsApp messages on both Android and iOS as shown below.

1. Launch the WhatsApp app and open the chat where you want to react to a message.

2. Touch and hold the message. A pop-up will appear with the available emojis.

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3. Select the emoji that you want to react with. It will appear below the message.

9. Who Will Receive Reaction Notification

Only the sender of the message will receive a WhatsApp notification about the reactions. Other members in the group chat can see the reaction but will not receive a notification.

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10. How to Change a Message Reaction

If you accidentally reacted with a wrong emoji, you can easily change the reaction without removing it. Simply long touch the message to open the emoji panel. Tap on a different emoji to add it instead of the existing emoji reaction.

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11. Will the Receiver Be Notified When You Change a Reaction

Yes, the receiver will receive a general notification that you reacted to a message. The notification makes no mention of the fact that you changed the reaction. However, if they had already seen your previous reaction, they can guess that you changed the reaction.

12. How to Remove a Reaction

There are two ways to remove your reaction from a message. Note that you can only remove your own emoji reactions. Also, the sender of the message won’t be notified if you remove a reaction.

Method 1

1. Tap on the emoji reaction below the message. You will see the message reactions next to the sender’s names.

2. Press the option that says “You- Tap to remove”. Your reaction will be removed from the message.

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Method 2

1.Long press on the message you reacted to. The emoji panel will appear.

2. Tap on the emoji that you had reacted with earlier to remove it.

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13. Can You React to Multiple Messages

No. You can react to only one message at a time. If you select multiple messages, the emoji reaction panel will not show up.

14. Who Can See Message Reactions

In personal chats, both the sender and the receiver can see reactions to a message. Similarly, all members can view the reactions to any message in group chats.

15. How to View All WhatsApp Message Reactions

To view all the reactions to a message, tap on the reaction emojis below the message. You will see all of the reactions received from various users next to their names. You can also see the reactions organized by emoji. Tap on an emoji to see the contacts that reacted with that emoji.

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16. Can You React to Sent Messages?

Yes, surprisingly, you can react to your own sent messages as well.

17. What Happens to Reactions to Disappearing Messages

The reactions to disappearing messages will also vanish when the message disappears.

18. Can You Disable Reactions

No, you cannot turn off WhatsApp message reactions.

19. Can You Hide Reaction Count

No. You cannot disable reaction count from showing up on WhatsApp messages. However, you can turn off reaction notifications.

20. How to Turn off WhatsApp Message Reaction Notifications

If you don’t want to be notified about reactions to your messages, you can turn off the reaction notifications as shown below.

Turn off Reaction Notifications on Android

1. Launch WhatsApp on your Android phone.

2. Tap on the three-dot icon at the top and go to Settings.

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3. Go to Notifications. Now, turn off the toggles next to Reaction notifications for Messages (personal chats) and Groups.

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Turn off Reaction Notifications on iOS

1. Open WhatsApp on your iPhone.

2. Tap on the Settings tab at the bottom and go to Notifications.

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3. Turn off the toggles for Reaction notifications under Message notifications and Group notifications.

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21. How to Fix WhatsApp Message Reactions Not Working

If you are unable to react to WhatsApp messages, you must update the app to the latest version to be able to react to messages.

Download the latest version from Play Store (Android) and App Store (iPhone). Tap on the Update button if available. Once updated, restart your phone.

Note: Reactions are available on the stable version of WhatsApp. You don’t need to be on a beta version.

Express Your Emotions

Emoji reactions are just another way to express your emotions on WhatsApp. Learn how to send stickers on WhatsApp in different ways. Also, check out the best sticker apps for WhatsApp. You might also like our guide on the meaning of various icons and symbols in WhatsApp.

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Mehvish

Mehvish is a tech lover from Kashmir. With a degree in computer engineering, she's always been happy to help anyone who finds technology challenging. She's been writing about technology for over six years, and her favorite topics include how-to guides, explainers, tips and tricks for Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows, social media, and web apps. You can also find her work on Make Tech Easier, Guiding Tech, and Nerds Chalk

FAQs

How does the new WhatsApp reaction work? ›

When you add a reaction, only the sender of the message being reacted to will receive a notification. Long press on a message. Tap to select one of the displayed emoji or tap to select any emoji from your keyboard.

What is the WhatsApp reaction notification? ›

The WhatsApp message reaction feature is helpful to give a quick reply or reaction to a particular message. When you react to a message with emoji, WhatsApp even sends notification of the reactions to your contact.

Can I see who reacted to my WhatsApp message? ›

Only the sender of the message will receive a WhatsApp notification about the reactions. Other members in the group chat can see the reaction but will not receive a notification.

How do you react to a text on WhatsApp? ›

How to use message reaction on WhatsApp Web and Desktop
  1. Hover over a message.
  2. Click on the emoji icon. You can also go to Menu > React to message.
  3. Now, select one of the displayed emoji. Like on the mobile app, there is a “+” sign that you can click on to select any emoji from your keyboard.
Dec 23, 2022

How many reactions are there on WhatsApp? ›

“With over 3,600 possible new emoji options, we're delighted to team up with WhatsApp today and use our expertise to address the hottest debates in emoji understanding,” he added. WhatsApp Reaction emojis are now rolling out for users.

Can everyone react on WhatsApp? ›

WhatsApp message reactions exited beta testing on May 5, 2022, becoming available to all users on Android, iOS, and desktop app versions. Android users on version 2.22. 10.74 and iOS users on version 22.9. 76 all have access to the emoji react feature.

What is double tap reaction in WhatsApp? ›

Long-press or double-tap on a message. Six emoji reactions will pop-up. Select from one of the reactions and tap on it. The emoji reaction will be sent to the user in the form of a notification. Reactions will be displayed below the messages, just like on Instagram.

What does thumbs up reaction mean on WhatsApp? ›

What does 👍 Thumbs Up emoji mean? The thumbs-up emoji is used to express assent, approval, or encouragement in digital communications, especially in Western cultures.

Can someone know I viewed their WhatsApp status? ›

Changes to your privacy settings won't affect status updates you've sent already. If you've disabled read receipts, you won't be able to see who's viewed your status updates. If a contact has disabled read receipts, you won't be able to see if they've viewed your status updates.

Can someone see if I read their WhatsApp status? ›

At the bottom, you will find an eye icon. When you check someone's WhatsApp status they get to know that you have seen their status. Tapping on the eye icon will reveal the people who have viewed Status. But if you don't want to appear on the list of status views, here's how you can do that.

Can we know who took screenshot on WhatsApp chat? ›

You won't be notified if someone tries to take a screenshot or screen recording. Bear in mind that there are other ways your media can be saved. For example, recipients can take a photo or video of your view once media with a camera or other device before it disappears, so only send to those you trust.

Can someone see if you remove a reaction on Imessage? ›

To undo a reaction, repeat the steps above and deselect the expression you selected. The person who sent the message will receive a notification that your reaction has been "removed."

How do you react on messages? ›

Add a reaction
  1. Tap and hold a message.
  2. Choose an emoji reaction.

What is the meaning of red heart in WhatsApp? ›

The red heart emoji is used in warm emotional contexts. It can be used to express gratitude, love, happiness, hope, or even flirtatiousness.

What does the heart emoji mean on WhatsApp? ›

Red heart: its meaning expresses love or romance. Orange heart: related to the love that can exist between two friends. Yellow heart: a pure and sincere love linked to friendship. Green heart: related to health, hope and nature. Blue heart: signifies trust and security.

When did WhatsApp start having reactions? ›

Instant messaging platform WhatsApp started rolling out a quick reactions feature for all users on 5 May. Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg made the announcement on Facebook.

What are the new WhatsApp emojis? ›

New Emojis Coming in 2022-2023

A shaking face, a goose, a hyacinth, and a plain pink heart are among the latest emojis approved for release. These are emojis were recommended in September 2022 in the emoji release versioned Emoji 15.0. Support for Emoji 15.0 is expected to come to major platforms throughout 2023.

What are the rules of WhatsApp? ›

How to use WhatsApp responsibly
  • Communicate with known contacts: Only send messages to those who have contacted you first or have requested you contact them on WhatsApp. ...
  • Ask for permission and respect boundaries: You should get permission from contacts before you add them to a group.

Is it okay not to reply on WhatsApp? ›

This isn't the case here, and by not replying, the sender can't tell if you're angry, bored, busy, or even just satisfied with their message. This can lead to misunderstanding for the sender, and that's the rude point. If you want to think more about it, think about real life.

What does double GREY arrow mean on WhatsApp? ›

A second grey check mark means that your message has been delivered, received on the recipients' device, and isn't just floating around on the network. If the recipient has read receipts turned on, two grey check marks indicate that the recipient has received but not yet read the message.

What does two white arrows mean on WhatsApp? ›

WhatsApp Will Display Double Arrows Next To Messages That Have Been Forwarded Too Many Times.

Is someone tapping my WhatsApp? ›

Search your messages by typing WhatsApp in the search bar at the top on iPhone or using the magnifying glass on Android. Look for messages about account changes or access. Check for New Friends. Review your contacts on WhatsApp by opening the app and tapping on the Chat icon in the lower right-hand corner.

What does 👍 mean from a girl reply? ›

The thumbs up emoji usually just means “OK.”

The person you're texting is giving you their approval, so take it and leave it! Their 👍 is most likely a good sign and they are just agreeing with what you're saying. Say you asked a friend if they wanted to meet for lunch. Your friend may say “yes” by sending you a 👍 .

What is the meaning of the emoji 👎? ›

A thumbs-down gesture indicating disapproval.

What does the double thumbs up mean? ›

(idiomatic) Strong approval. (dated) A hand gesture indicating strong approval. quotations ▼

Does WhatsApp have incognito mode? ›

Change your last seen to “nobody” under the Privacy tab. Nobody will now be able to know when you were last seen on WhatsApp. This feature is available both in iOS as well as Android users.

How long does a WhatsApp status last? ›

Status allows you to share text, photo, video, and GIF updates that disappear after 24 hours, and that is also end-to-end encrypted. In order to send and receive status updates to and from your contacts, you and your contacts must have each other's phone numbers saved in your phones' address books.

What happens if you turn on read receipts after you read a message WhatsApp? ›

If you view someone's status update with Read receipts off, they won't get to know that you have seen the status. But, when you turn on the Read receipts after viewing the status, WhatsApp will automatically send the Read receipts to that contact even if you don't open the status update after enabling it.

Is WhatsApp safe for sending private photos? ›

Is WhatsApp safe for sending private photos? WhatsApp encrypts your data while in transit, which makes the app a good option for sending private photos. While images and videos are moving between users, they are encrypted and cannot be decrypted until they reach their intended recipient.

How do I stop someone from Screenshotting on WhatsApp? ›

3 Ways to Prevent Screenshots on WhatsApp Status
  1. Disable Privacy Status Visibility on WhatsApp.
  2. Block Someone Before You Posting The New WhatsApp Status.
  3. Alternative to Other Apps to Prevent Screenshots on WhatsApp Status.
Feb 9, 2023

Can I screenshot disappearing photos on WhatsApp? ›

Using the screenshot feature on your computer or a third-party screenshot tool, you can take a screenshot of a “View Once” message on WhatsApp Web. Please keep in mind, however, that “View Once” messages are intended to disappear after being viewed only once, so you must take a screenshot before the message does.

What does the 💜 mean from a girl? ›

Who uses 💜 Purple Heart emoji? Like the many other heart emoji such as Red Heart ❤️ and Blue Heart 💙, the Purple Heart emoji 💜 is generally used to convey love and other strong, affectionate, positive feelings.

What is the danger symbol in WhatsApp? ›

The Skull and Crossbones emoji ☠️ is used to mean death or danger, both literally and figuratively.

What does 💞 mean from a girl? ›

Revolving hearts emoji 💞 is used to reflect overwhelming, dizzying feelings of love, joy, or affection.

When someone likes a message but doesn t reply? ›

Soft ghosting is essentially when someone “likes” your last message but never actually says anything. Technically, they did respond so they can maintain plausible deniability that they've ghosted you.

Can you remove a heart from a message? ›

Tap the highlighted emoji, which will be the one that is already selected. This will deselect the emoji, and the reaction will disappear from the text.

Do people get notified when you react to your own message? ›

No, they won't get notified you removed or changed a reaction. It just will be gone from the chat. Odds are they won't even notice.

What do WhatsApp reactions mean? ›

You can react to messages in your individual and group chats with emoji. You can view all reactions to a message by tapping the reactions emoji below the message. Note: You can only add one reaction per message. Reactions to disappearing messages will disappear when the message disappears.

What is the I love You emoji on WhatsApp? ›

❤️ (Red Heart) Emoji

It's the universal text symbol for love. If he finishes a text with a ❤️, he's saying, “I love you.” Send a ❤️ emoji back if you love him too. If you're not ready to send a ❤️ emoji just yet, reply with a 💛 emoji.

Why can't I react to messages on WhatsApp? ›

It might be due to WhatsApp not updating correctly. If not working, then restart the smartphone or clear the app cache. Are WhatsApp reactions not working with android? If you have an Android, but WhatsApp reaction is not working, restart your device, clear the cache, or update the App from both sides.

Can someone see if I'm checking their WhatsApp status? ›

Changes to your privacy settings won't affect status updates you've sent already. If you've disabled read receipts, you won't be able to see who's viewed your status updates. If a contact has disabled read receipts, you won't be able to see if they've viewed your status updates.

Can someone see that I viewed their WhatsApp status without them knowing? ›

No, you cannot see WhatsApp status without the sender knowing. WhatsApp has a feature that lets the sender see who has viewed their status. You can only hide your view from the sender if you disable read receipts in your privacy settings.

How can you tell if someone has read your WhatsApp without blue ticks? ›

If you want to know whether someone has read messages on WhatsApp without a blue tick, a simple method is to send a voice message. When you send a voice clip-over, you will see the gray tick turn blue after the receiver hears it.

What does the 😘 emoji mean? ›

😘 Face Throwing a Kiss emoji

Mwah! The winky-kissy face throwing a kiss emoji, or kissing face, is mostly used to express romantic affection or appreciation for someone or something.

What is the most used WhatsApp emoji? ›

Emoji Popularity: Unicode
  • 😂 Face with Tears of Joy.
  • ❤️ Red Heart.
  • 🤣 Rolling on the Floor Laughing.
  • 👍 Thumbs Up.
  • 😭 Loudly Crying Face.
  • 🙏 Folded Hands.
  • 😘 Face Blowing a Kiss.
  • Smiling Face with Hearts.

What does the meh emoji mean? ›

Emoji Meaning A yellow face with flat, closed eyes and mouth. May convey a sense of frustration or annoyance more intense than suggested…

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