WhatsApp keeps testing new features almost every other week, and once again, it has dropped a fresh beta update for Android users. This time, the update comes as version 2.25.23.17 through the Google Play Beta Program. The change might look small, but it makes status updates feel a lot more personal. Let’s break down what this update is all about, how it works, and why people are talking about it. In this article, we are going to discuss what new feature comes with this version, how it works, and why users are excited about it.
The new WhatsApp beta update
The latest WhatsApp beta for Android is now version 2.25.23.17. Like most updates, it is rolling out slowly, so not everyone will see the new feature immediately. Some users might even spot it on the older 2.25.23.16 build. If you’ve updated and can’t find it yet, don’t worry—it just means WhatsApp hasn’t enabled it for your account yet. These rollouts usually take a few weeks before everyone gets them.
Recently used emojis in status.
The headline change is pretty straightforward: WhatsApp now lets you react to status updates with your recently used emojis. Earlier, reactions were limited to a fixed list of eight emojis. You had no choice but to pick from that small set every single time. With this update, things get more flexible and personal.
When you swipe up on someone’s status, you’ll now see emojis that you use in your regular chats. So if you often send a green heart to friends, or a laughing face, those same emojis will appear when you react to a status. It feels more natural and saves you from scrolling through options that don’t match how you usually reply.
Goodbye to four default emojis
To make space for these recent emojis, WhatsApp has trimmed the default list. Four emojis—Folded Hands, Clapping Hands, Party Popper, and Hundred Points—have been removed from the permanent set. But don’t panic. If you’ve been using them in chats, they’ll still show up in your reactions because they’ll now be part of your recent emoji list.
The first four emojis in the list will stay the same for everyone, though. WhatsApp has kept them fixed because they represent emotions that almost anyone can use. The rest will keep changing based on your activity.
Always adapting to you
What makes this feature interesting is that it isn’t static. The list of recently used emojis keeps updating automatically depending on what you’re using in your chats. If you start sending different emojis to friends, those will also show up when reacting to statuses.
So, your status reactions won’t look generic anymore—they’ll reflect your habits. The app basically learns from the emojis you use the most, and keeps them handy across both chats and status updates.
Why this feature matters
At first, this might sound like a small tweak, but it makes a lot of sense. Reactions are supposed to be quick and effortless. By showing emojis you already use often, WhatsApp is cutting down the extra step of searching or sticking to a boring fixed list.
It feels more personal, too. Status updates are meant to be casual and expressive, and now you can respond with the same emojis you rely on every day. This makes the whole process faster, more natural, and let’s be honest—more fun.
Who can try it right now
The feature is still rolling out, so only some beta testers will see it at the moment. If you don’t have it yet, just be patient—it’ll show up in the coming weeks. To try it as early as possible, you need to be part of the WhatsApp beta program on the Google Play Store. Right now, version 2.25.23.17 is the build officially marked as compatible.
