What Do Various Icons and Symbols Mean on WhatsApp

In the fast-paced world of WhatsApp, navigating through the myriad of symbols and icons can sometimes feel like deciphering a secret code. Fear not! We’re here to demystify the enigmatic symbols scattered across WhatsApp’s home screen, chat threads, status, calls, and delivery notifications.

1. WhatsApp Home Screen Symbols

Floating Chat Bubble Icon (Android)

This icon initiates a new conversation thread on Android. Navigate seamlessly to select a contact, create a new contact, or form a group. Bonus: Discover the QR code feature for easy number sharing.

Pencil Icon (iPhone)

Situated in the Chats tab, this icon on iPhone mirrors the Android chat bubble. Launch new threads, add contacts, or create groups effortlessly.

Camera Icon

Quickly capture and share photos or videos directly from WhatsApp. Elevate your status game with this nifty feature.

Green Checkmark Next to Name

Spot a green checkmark or tick next to a business name? It’s the verification badge, signifying a Meta-verified business profile.

@ Symbol

Encounter the @ symbol on the home screen? Someone has mentioned or tagged you in a chat. Stay in the loop!

Three-Person Icon (Android)

Explore WhatsApp communities through the three-person icon. Create, join, and manage communities effortlessly.

Icon	Meaning
Floating Chat	Initiates new conversation threads on Android.
Pencil (iPhone)	Mirrors the Android chat bubble on iPhone.
Camera	Capture and share photos or videos directly.
Green Checkmark	Indicates a Meta-verified business profile.
@ Symbol	Someone mentioned or tagged you in a chat.
Three-Person Icon	Navigate WhatsApp communities effortlessly.

2. Chat Thread Icons (Android)

When diving into chat threads, understand the icons at the top:

Pin

Pin essential chats to stay atop the thread, even as new messages flood in.

Trash

Delete unnecessary chat threads with the trash can icon.

Speaker with Bar

Mute selected chats effortlessly. Unmute with a simple tap.

Box with Down Arrow

Archive chats to keep them hidden without permanent deletion.

Icon	Meaning
Pin	Keeps important chats at the top of the list.
Trash	Deletes unwanted chat threads.
Speaker with Bar	Mutes selected chats. Unmute with a tap.
Box with Down Arrow	Archives chats, hiding them without deletion.

3. WhatsApp Status Symbols

On the Status screen, discover the Pencil and Camera icons:

Pencil Icon

Create text-based statuses with options for emojis, font styles, colors, and easy publishing.

Icon	Meaning
Pencil	Craft text-based statuses with emojis, fonts, and colors. Publish with ease.

4. WhatsApp Camera Icons

The Camera icon opens a realm of possibilities:

Crop

Crop images to perfection and rotate with ease.

Emoji

Add expressions to your photos with a variety of emojis.

Text

Incorporate text seamlessly into your images.

Pencil

Draw and doodle on your images for a personalized touch.

Gallery

Select and upload multiple images to your status.

(1) Icon

Enable View Once mode for media files, ensuring they vanish after viewing.

Icon	Meaning
Crop	Perfectly crop and rotate your images.
Emoji	Express yourself with a range of emojis.
Text	Seamlessly integrate text into your images.
Pencil	Unleash your creativity with doodling.
Gallery	Select and upload multiple images to your status.
(1) Icon	Activate View Once mode for media files.

5. WhatsApp Call Tab Symbols

Explore the icons under the Calls tab:

Phone Icon With Plus Sign

Initiate audio or video calls effortlessly. Learn to create and share WhatsApp call links for added convenience.

Video Camera

Identify video calls in your call history with the video camera icon.

Phone

Recognize regular audio calls with the classic phone icon.

Icon	Meaning
Phone with Plus	Effortlessly initiate audio or video calls.
Video Camera	Indicates video calls in the call history.
Phone	Represents regular audio calls.

6. WhatsApp Video Call Screen Icons

During video calls, acquaint yourself with these icons:

Camera

Switch between front and rear cameras effortlessly.

Videocamera

Toggle the video on or off with this handy icon.

Microphone

Control your microphone status during calls.

Red Phone

End calls promptly with the red phone icon.

Person With a Plus Sign

Add more participants to ongoing calls, transforming them into group calls.

Icon	Meaning
Camera	Switch between front and rear cameras.
Videocamera	Toggle video on or off.
Microphone	Control microphone status.
Red Phone	End calls promptly.
Person with Plus	Add more participants to ongoing calls.

7. WhatsApp Audio Call Icons

Audio calls share similar icons with video calls:

Speakerphone

Toggle between speakerphone and regular mode during audio calls.

Video Icon (During Audio Call)

Activate video during audio calls with this icon.

Icon	Meaning
Speakerphone	Toggle between speakerphone and regular mode.
Video Icon (Audio)	Activate video during audio calls.

8. WhatsApp Chat Symbols

Explore various symbols and icons within chats:

Clock Symbol Next to Profile Picture

Indicates disappearing messages for that chat.

Audio and Video Call Icons

Identify the camera and phone icons for initiating calls.

Catalog

Represents a business catalog. Explore the offerings by tapping on it.

Paper Clip Icon (Android)

Attach and send documents, images, audio, location, or contacts seamlessly.

Payment Icon

Send money through WhatsApp in supported countries.

Camera

Capture and send new photos or videos directly.

Microphone

Send voice notes effortlessly.

Right Arrow

Forward media files to more contacts with a simple tap.

Star Icon

Bookmark or favorite important messages for quick access.

Double Arrow

Beware of forwarded messages marked with a double arrow.

Icon	Meaning
Clock Symbol	Disappearing messages are enabled for that chat.
Audio/Video Call	Initiate calls with the camera and phone icons.
Catalog	Explore business offerings through the catalog icon.
Paper Clip (Android)	Attach and send documents, images, audio, location, or contacts.
Payment Icon	Send money through WhatsApp in supported countries.
Camera	Capture and send new photos or videos directly.
Microphone	Send voice notes effortlessly.
Right Arrow	Forward media files to more contacts with a simple tap.
Star Icon	Bookmark or favorite important messages for quick access.
Double Arrow	Beware of forwarded messages marked with a double arrow.

9. WhatsApp Voice Note Icons

Sending voice notes? Pay attention to these icons:

Grey Circle

The initial grey circle turns blue when the recipient listens to the voice note.

Green Dot

A green dot indicates that the voice note hasn’t been played yet on the recipient’s end.

1x Symbol

Adjust the speed of WhatsApp voice messages with the 1x symbol.

Icon	Meaning
Grey Circle	Turns blue when the recipient listens to the voice note.
Green Dot	Indicates that the voice note hasn’t been played yet.
1x Symbol	Adjust the speed of WhatsApp voice messages.

10. Delivery Symbols

Finally, understand the checkmarks on WhatsApp:

Single Grey Tick

Message sent but not yet delivered to the recipient.

Two Grey Ticks

Message delivered but not yet seen by the recipient.

Two Blue Ticks

Message seen by the recipient. Approach with caution!

Clock Symbol

Message hasn’t left your device; check for network issues.

Icon	Meaning
Single Grey Tick	Message sent but not yet delivered.
Two Grey Ticks	Message delivered but not yet seen.
Two Blue Ticks	Message seen by the recipient. Approach with caution!
Clock Symbol	Message hasn’t left your device; check for network issues.

Conclusion

Navigating WhatsApp’s symbolic landscape can now be an enlightening experience. Arm yourself with the knowledge of these icons, and enhance your messaging prowess. May your WhatsApp journey be filled with clarity and communication bliss!