Major Change Coming to WhatsApp: Company Quietly Removing This One Feature

WhatsApp is quietly preparing to remove its Avatar feature. This option is gradually disappearing from the app, making it impossible to create new avatars or edit existing ones going forward. However, existing avatar stickers will continue to work.

WhatsApp is set to discontinue one of its features. According to reports, the popular messaging app is gradually phasing out the Avatar feature on both Android and iOS platforms. Following this change, users will no longer be able to create new avatars, edit existing ones, or use them on their profiles. The option is being removed from Settings, Chat Info screens, and even the keyboard interface. Previously, this feature allowed users to create a digital avatar resembling themselves; users could customize their virtual likeness by selecting facial features, hairstyles, clothing, and more.

Avatar Section Disappearing from Settings

Screenshots shared by WABetaInfo provide clear indications that the Avatar feature is gradually vanishing from WhatsApp. According to the report, some users have already started seeing alerts within the app regarding this change. These alerts state that the option to edit avatars is no longer available. In many instances, the entire Avatar section has been removed from the Settings menu.

This clearly suggests that the company is preparing to discontinue this feature entirely. However, this change is not being rolled out to all users simultaneously; instead, it is being implemented gradually. Consequently, many users may not yet see this change reflected in their apps.

Existing Avatar Stickers Will Remain

According to reports, there is one small silver lining. If you have previously used avatar stickers in your chats, there is no need to worry, as they are not going anywhere. These stickers will continue to be available in your “Recent” or “Favorites” sections, meaning you can continue to use them just as you did before. However, there is a catch: you will no longer be able to create new avatar stickers, nor will you be able to access avatars directly from the keyboard.

Why is the Avatar Feature Being Removed?

WhatsApp has not yet explicitly stated why it is removing the Avatar feature. However, the reason is not particularly difficult to grasp. In reality, this feature simply failed to gain significant popularity among users. Most users still prefer to use their profile photos, emojis, and stickers. Consequently, the Avatar feature failed to make any significant impact. This is likely the reason why the company has now decided to remove it.