WhatsApp Plus lets you customise emoji reactions on Android

You know the drill: thumbs up, heart, laughing face, surprised face, sad face, and folded hands, the same six reactions on every message, whether they fit or not. WhatsApp is finally changing that, but only for people paying for it.

The customisable reaction tray, first spotted in testing back in the 2.26.29.3 beta, is now rolling out to some Plus subscribers on Android.

With WhatsApp beta 2.26.38.4, available now on the Google Play Store, subscribers can swap out any or all of the six default reaction emoji for whatever they'd rather use. There's no limit on how many slots you can change; you can replace one or replace all six.

You can dig into Settings, tap Chats, then head to the Default Reactions section to make changes there. Or skip the settings entirely: open the emoji keyboard from any chat, tap Edit on the reactions row, and adjust your tray without leaving the conversation. Changes apply instantly either way.

That is what the problem is; everybody sees the Default Reactions tab in settings, whether you are a subscriber or not. However, it is only available for those who are Plus subscribers to use. For those who are using the app freely, this tab will serve as a preview of the app.

Customising is something that WhatsApp Plus has offered to its subscribers for some time now. The features include custom themes, a custom app icon, premium stickers, and the option to pin up to 20 chats. Custom reactions fall under this category as well.

Right now, only some beta testers have access, and WhatsApp hasn't said when the feature reaches everyone.