WhatsApp Tests Fresh Chat Themes and Animated Wallpapers for Android

WhatsApp is preparing to make conversations on Android more colourful and personal. The messaging platform has reportedly started rolling out a redesigned theme and wallpaper experience to a limited group of Android beta testers. The update organises visual customisation options into clear categories, helping users find a suitable chat design without scrolling through a long, unstructured collection.

The feature is reportedly appearing in WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.26.37.6. Since the rollout is gradual, installing this version does not guarantee immediate access. Some beta testers may receive the redesigned theme menu before others, while WhatsApp has not announced when it will become available to every Android user. WABetaInfo

Five organised categories for chat themes

According to the beta report, WhatsApp’s updated theme picker divides its designs into five primary sections: Featured, Nature, Live, Minimal and Doodle.

The Featured section brings together selected designs from the other collections. It is intended to help users quickly discover some of the platform’s recommended or most distinctive options.

Nature focuses on outdoor scenery. Users may find backgrounds inspired by forests, mountains, deserts and coastal landscapes. This category could appeal to people who prefer natural colours and scenic images inside their conversations.

Live is one of the most noticeable additions. It contains animated wallpapers that move slowly in the background. The animations are deliberately subtle so that they do not distract users or make messages difficult to read. A small badge on the wallpaper thumbnail helps identify animated options before they are applied.

Minimal is designed for users who want a clean and uncluttered appearance. These themes avoid busy patterns and keep the conversation screen simple.

Doodle, meanwhile, draws on the familiar illustrated pattern long associated with WhatsApp’s default background. It offers a refreshed way to use the app’s recognisable visual style.

Wallpapers receive a separate section

WhatsApp is also separating wallpapers from complete chat themes. This means users may be able to replace only the conversation background without applying an entire theme or changing every visual element.

The standalone wallpaper menu reportedly includes collections similar to those offered for themes, along with additional Vibrant and Gradient categories. Vibrant backgrounds use bright and bold colours, while Gradient options blend different shades to create a smoother, modern appearance.

Users should also continue to have the option of selecting an image from their phone’s gallery. In supported regions and accounts, an AI-generated wallpaper option may be available as well. Gadgets 360

It is worth clarifying that Vibrant is being described as a wallpaper category, while the five principal chat-theme sections are Featured, Nature, Live, Minimal and Doodle.

Chat-bubble colours can match the background

The new design system can automatically select a chat-bubble colour that works with the chosen theme or wallpaper. This should help maintain readability even when users choose a colourful background.

Those who do not like the suggested colour may be able to select another option manually. As with WhatsApp’s existing chat customisation tools, a theme selected by one person changes the appearance on that person’s device; it does not force the same design onto the other participant’s phone.

WhatsApp previously introduced controls allowing themes to be applied across all conversations or only to individual chats. The global option can generally be found under Settings > Chats > Default chat theme. To personalise one conversation, users can open that chat, tap the contact or group name—or use the three-dot menu—and select Chat theme. Menu labels may differ slightly depending on the app version and device. The Verge

How Android users can check for the update

Android users interested in the new interface can open the Google Play Store, search for WhatsApp and check whether an update is available. People enrolled in the beta programme may receive the feature first, although access is still controlled through a phased rollout.

Users should avoid unofficial APK files or websites claiming to unlock the themes early. Downloading WhatsApp updates only through the Google Play Store or the company’s official channels reduces the risk of installing modified or malicious software.

For now, the redesigned theme and wallpaper menu remains a limited test rather than a confirmed global release. If feedback from beta users is positive, WhatsApp could distribute it more widely in a future stable update. Until an official announcement is made, however, Android users may need to wait before the new collections appear on their devices.