While using WhatsApp, you might see certain icons whose meaning you don’t know. And you don’t want to take the risk of tapping on them without knowing what they do. Even though there is no symbol on WhatsApp that would pose any risk, it’s better to be familiar with the meaning of WhatsApp symbols and icons. Let’s check what do the various symbols and icons mean on WhatsApp home screen, chat, status, calls, delivery, and more.
List of WhatsApp Symbols and Icons
1. WhatsApp Home Screen Symbols Meaning
Floating Chat Bubble Icon (Android)
This icon is present on Android phones and it lets you start a new conversation thread. You will be taken to the screen where you can select a contact, create new contact or group.
The QR code icon next to New contact lets you generate a QR code for your number and as well as scan QR codes. On iPhone, you will find the QR icon next to your name in Settings.
Pencil Icon (iPhone)
The Pencil icon at the top-right corner inside the Chats tab offers the same capabilities as the floating chat bubble icon on Android. That is, it lets you start a new thread, add new contacts, or create a new group.
Pin
If you see a pin icon next to the chats, it means the chat has been pinned to the top. It will stay atop even when you scroll.
Loudspeaker With Bar
This icon indicates that you have muted the chat and you won’t receive notifications from it. To unmute a chat, touch and hold it and select Unmute (iPhone) or press the Speaker icon (Android).
2. Chat Thread Icons Meaning (Android)
When you long-press a chat on the chat list, you will see the following icons at the top.
Pin: This icon lets you pin a chat. When a chat is pinned, it will stay at the top of the chat thread even if new messages arrive in other chats. You can pin only 3 chats.
Trash: Use the Trash can icon to delete the chat thread.
Speaker with bar: This icon lets you mute the selected chat. And when a chat is muted, this icon will appear without the bar. Tap on it to unmute the chat.
Box with Down Arrow: Use this icon to archive a chat. Archive lets you hide chats without deleting them.
3. WhatsApp Status Symbols
On the Status screen, you will find the Pencil and Camera icons. On Android, these two icons are floating and present at the bottom-right corner whereas you will find them next to My status option on iPhone.
Pencil Icon
The Pencil icon lets you create a text-based status. You will find the following icons for text-based status:
Emoji (Android): Use this icon to add emojis to your status.
T: Tap on this icon to change the font style of your status.
Color palette: This icon helps in changing the background color of the status.
Paper Icon: Use this icon to publish/send the status.
Tip: Find out how to download WhatsApp status.
4. WhatsApp Camera Icons Meaning
The Camera icon lets you capture a photo or video that you can upload to your status from the status screen or send to a chat when you use it in a chat. The following icons will remain the same.
Crop
This icon lets you crop your image to the desired size. On the cropping screen, press the Rotate icon to rotate your image.
Emoji
The Emoji icon lets you add emojis and stickers to your photo.
Tip: Learn how to react to WhatsApp messages with emoji reactions.
Text
Use the T icon to add text to your image.
Pencil
Press the pencil icon to go into drawing mode. Use your finger to draw on the image.
Gallery
The Gallery icon next to the Add a caption box lets you select more images that you can upload to your status in one go.
(1)
The (1) icon will appear in the Add a caption box when you are sending a photo or video to some person. This icon lets you set the media file in View once mode, where the file will vanish automatically after the person sees it.
5. WhatsApp Call Tab Symbols
Under the Calls tab on the home screen, you have the following icons:
Phone Icon With Plus Sign
Use this icon to create a new audio or video call with the contact that you can select on the next screen. This icon is present as a floating bubble on Android and at the top-right corner on iPhone.
Video Camera
The video camera icon next to the items in the call history indicates that it was a video call.
Phone
The phone icon means that the call was a regular audio call.
6. WhatsApp Video Call Screen Icons
When you are on a WhatsApp video call, you will be greeted by the following icons:
Camera
The camera with a refresh icon lets you switch the camera between front and rear.
Videocamera
Use this icon to turn the video on or off. When it has a bar over it, that means the video is off.
Microphone
The microphone icon lets you turn the microphone on or off.
Red Phone
Use the red phone icon to hang up or disconnect the call.
Person With a Plus Sign
This icon lets you add more people to the ongoing call. Basically, it lets you create a group call.
7. WhatsApp Audio Call Icons
The audio call screen has similar icons as that of video calls. The only difference is that you will see a speakerphone icon instead of the camera switch icon. Furthermore, the video icon lets you turn on video while you are in an audio call.
8. WhatsApp Chat Symbols Meaning
Clock Symbol Next to Profile Picture
You will see a clock icon next to the contact or group’s picture when Disappearing messages are enabled for that chat. The Disappearing messages will vanish automatically after the set time.
Audio and Video Call
Right next to the person’s name, you will find the camera and phone icons. Use the camera icon to start a video call with the person and the phone icon to initiate an audio call.
Phone Icon With Plus Sign
For unsaved or business numbers, you will see a phone icon with a plus sign right next to their name. This icon lets you make an audio or video call. Tap on it to choose between audio or video call.
Catalog
The house or shop icon appears for business profiles and it represents the catalog. Tap on it to view the products offered by the business.
Paper Clip Icon (Android)
The paper clip icon next to the typing area lets you attach and send a document, image, audio, location, or contact to the person.
On iPhone, you will find these two options under the + icon.
Payment Icon
The money icon lets you send money through WhatsApp in supported countries.
Camera
Use the camera icon to capture a new photo or video and send it.
Microphone
The microphone icon lets you send voice notes. Press and hold it to start recording. Release the finger to send the audio note. Slightly swipe your finger up towards the lock icon while recording to reveal more options.
Right Arrow
This icon appears next to the media files in a chat. Tap on it to forward the media to more WhatsApp contacts.
Star Icon
The star icon means that you have bookmarked or favorited a message in order to access it quickly. To star or unstar a message, touch and hold it and press the Star icon.
To view starred messages on Android, tap on the three-dot icon on the chat list screen and select Starred messages. On iPhone, open Settings > Starred messages.
Double Arrow
When you receive a message with a double arrow icon on it, that means the message has been forwarded many times. You shouldn’t trust such messages blindly.
9. WhatsApp Voice Note Icons
When you send voice notes, the tiny circle on the voice note slider will initially appear grey. It will turn blue when the other person listens to the voice note.
On the receiving end, the green dot on the voice note indicates that it hasn’t been played yet. When you play a voice note, the circle will turn blue.
1x Symbol
The 1x symbol next to WhatsApp voice messages lets you increase their speed. Press on 1x to hear voice note in 1.5x or 2x speed.
10. Delivery Symbols Meaning
Here are the meanings of checkmarks on WhatsApp:
Single Grey Tick
A grey tick means that the message has been sent from your end but it’s yet to be delivered to the recipient.
Two Grey Ticks
It means the message has been delivered but it hasn’t been seen yet.
Two Blue Ticks
The dreadful blue ticks mean that the message has been seen by the recipient.
Clock Symbol
The clock symbol next to your message indicates that the message hasn’t left your device. It could be due to a network issue on your phone.
Secure WhatsApp
I hope all your queries regarding WhatsApp symbols and icons meanings were covered in this post. Now that you have become a pro in using WhatsApp, learn about the important WhatsApp privacy settings to secure your WhatsApp.
Mehvish
Mehvish is a technology enthusiast from Kashmir. A computer engineer by degree, she's always been keen to help when someone finds technology challenging. Her favorite verticals include how-to guides, explainers, tips and tricks for Android, iOS/iPadOS, Windows, social media, and web apps.
