A secret setting for WhatsApp Plus subscribers

Parental control in a separate section

WhatsApp is adding a dedicated “Parental controls” section to iOS settings, making it easier to access the child account management feature.

How it works
A new “Parental controls” option now appears in the iPhone app settings. When opened, the parent scans a QR code or accepts an invitation on their device to link accounts. During setup, the parent is asked to enter the child’s date of birth — this is used to manage available features and automatically remove restrictions when the child turns 18. Parents still cannot see message content — only account-level activity.

Why it’s needed
The feature has existed for several months, but many families never set it up because they didn’t know it existed. A dedicated entry point in settings makes it visible and accessible to parents on both platforms.

Status
The feature is available to some iOS users in the App Store version. Gradual rollout.

New In-Chat Search Button 

WhatsApp is developing a faster way to activate search directly from within a chat, without navigating to the contact info screen.

How it works
A new search button appears at the bottom of the screen when scrolling up through a chat (similar to the button that jumps to the latest message). Tapping it opens search mode within the chat. The button disappears when the user returns to the latest messages. This replaces the current method, which requires opening the chat info screen and tapping the search button.

Why it’s needed
In long chats, finding a specific message can take time. The current method requires extra steps — leaving the chat, opening info, and searching. The new button allows starting a search in one tap without leaving the conversation.

Status
The feature is in development for iOS. A release is expected in a future update.

Username Field When Creating Contacts

WhatsApp is adding a new field for entering a username when creating a new contact in the app.

How it works
In the new contact screen (“+” → “New contact”), a field for entering a username has appeared. Contacts saved with a username automatically receive the status of being saved in the address book. This allows users to share statuses with such contacts and see their updates (with mutual saving and appropriate privacy settings). The field is already available on iOS and Android.

Why it’s needed
Allows users to save contact usernames in advance, even if they don’t have their phone number. When the username feature becomes fully available, users can start communicating immediately without needing to ask for a phone number.

Status
The feature is available to some users on iOS and Android. Gradual rollout.

Welcome Greetings in Groups 

WhatsApp is developing an automatic welcome message feature for new group members on iOS.

How it works
A “Welcome greeting” option will appear in the group permissions screen. When enabled, new members automatically receive a welcome message labeled “Automated greeting.” The message is only visible to the new member. Only one greeting message exists per group (shared by all admins). The feature is disabled by default — admins must turn it on manually. New members can reply to the greeting.

Why it’s needed
Helps new members immediately understand the group’s purpose and rules, making them feel welcome. A greeting that invites a response encourages new members to introduce themselves and engage more quickly.

Status
The feature is in development for iOS. A release is expected in a future update.

New Chat Theme Categories 

WhatsApp is bringing its new chat theme expansion to iOS, with three categories: Featured, Doodle, and Minimal.

How it works
The “Featured” category includes animated wallpapers with slow, smooth movement — enough to create a dynamic effect without distracting from messages. “Doodle” brings back the classic WhatsApp doodle wallpapers. “Minimal” offers a plain background (white for light mode, dark for dark mode). Bubble colors are automatically selected to ensure readability and accessibility. The design is consistent across iOS and Android.

Why it’s needed
Provides more variety for chat theme personalization. Animated wallpapers offer a fresh experience, classic Doodle themes provide a familiar style, and the Minimal option keeps the focus on the conversation.

Status
The feature is in development for iOS. A release is expected in a future update.

Customizable Reaction Tray for WhatsApp Plus 

WhatsApp is developing the ability for WhatsApp Plus subscribers to replace the default emojis in the reaction tray with their own.

How it works
A section for managing the reaction tray will appear in settings. Users can replace any of the six default emojis with any emoji from the full keyboard. The default set can be restored at any time. The feature will be part of the second set of WhatsApp Plus features (the first included themes, icons, premium stickers, and pinning up to 20 chats).

Why it’s needed
The default reactions don’t always fit a user’s communication style. Customization speeds up responses and makes the interface more personalized. For active reaction users, this turns the tray from a limitation into a convenient tool.

Status
The feature is in development for iOS. A release is expected in a future update.

Conclusion

This week, WhatsApp focused on improving accessibility and personalization: parental controls became more visible on iOS, in-chat search became faster, and usernames are being integrated into contact creation. Welcome greetings in groups and new theme categories simplify onboarding for new members and interface customization. The customizable reaction tray for WhatsApp Plus continues to expand the premium subscription’s capabilities.

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