WhatsApp may soon let users set cover photos on their profiles: Here’s what’s changing

WhatsApp is working on a new profile update that will allow users to add cover photos, just like on Facebook.

WhatsApp is preparing to introduce a new profile feature that could change how users present themselves on the messaging platform. The company is working on an option that would allow users to add a cover photo to their profile, a feature long available on Facebook. Reports suggest the feature is under development for both iOS and Android versions of the app and remains in the testing stage.

New Layout for Profile Pages

WhatsApp is working on new profile and group features that may change how users share information. (REUTERS)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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If launched, the update will add a separate space within the profile section where users can place a wide image above their existing profile information. This image will sit above the profile photo, name, and About section, offering users another way to share visual content on their account. Users will be able to select an image directly from their phone’s gallery. They will also have the option to remove the cover photo at any time.

Alongside the design update, WhatsApp is also building tools that allow users to control who can view their cover photos. These privacy controls will follow the same structure already used for profile photos, status updates, and last seen information. Users will be able to choose from multiple visibility options based on their preferences.

The available choices will include allowing everyone to see the cover photo, restricting access to saved contacts only, or hiding the image from all users. WhatsApp is also working on an option that lets users exclude specific contacts while keeping the cover photo visible to others. This approach gives users more control over how their profile appears to different people.

At present, the cover photo feature has not reached beta testers. WhatsApp continues to develop and refine the tool before making it available for testing. Once the company releases it to beta users, it is expected to reach the wider user base through a gradual rollout.

Recent Updates Focused on Group Chats

One of the new tools allows group members to assign labels to themselves that reflect their role in a specific group. For example, a user can appear under one name in a family group and under a different label in a sports or work group. This change helps participants understand each other’s context within a conversation.

WhatsApp has also introduced a feature that turns typed text into stickers using the sticker search function. Users can save these text-based stickers directly into sticker packs without first sending them in a chat.

In addition, the platform now supports early reminders for events created in group chats. Event creators can schedule alerts ahead of time to notify participants before meetings, calls, or gatherings.