WhatsApp Tests New Categorized Chat Themes and Animated Wallpapers on Android
WhatsApp developers are building a redesigned chat theme selector for Android devices. The new layout organizes themes into three distinct categories and introduces animated backgrounds for individual conversations.
Tech tracking platform WABetaInfo discovered the feature in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.31.2 on the Google Play Store.
"WhatsApp will finally expand chat themes with new categories and styles on Android." — WABetaInfo
The update divides chat customization options into three sections: Featured, Doodle, and Minimal. Each category offers a distinct visual style for personal and group messaging.
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| Credit: WABetaInfo |
The Featured section contains animated wallpapers that shift across the screen. The animation speed remains slow to prevent distraction and maintain readable text during active messaging.
"Featured is the most important category, which lets users set animated wallpapers that move slowly in the background." — WABetaInfo
The Doodle section provides standard WhatsApp line-art graphics. App users can select these classic background patterns to match the traditional WhatsApp identity.
The Minimal section removes background patterns entirely. Users on light mode receive a plain white background, and users on dark mode receive a solid dark background.
"The Minimal category keeps chat themes simple. Instead of showing animation or patterns, it applies a plain background to the chat." — WABetaInfo
WhatsApp automatically pairs message bubble colors with chosen background themes. The application adjusts visual contrast levels to keep message text visible across different lighting setups.
"WhatsApp will still adjust the bubble color automatically to ensure consistency and accessibility." — WABetaInfo
Users can manually select alternate bubble colors if they prefer custom combinations. Settings apply across all conversations or to specific individual chats.
Theme choices remain private to the device owner. Message recipients continue to see their own selected background settings regardless of incoming message choices.
Overview of New Android Theme Categories
| Category | Background Type | Visual Design |
| Featured | Animated Wallpaper | Slow-moving background motion |
| Doodle | Static Pattern | Official WhatsApp line art |
| Minimal | Solid Color | Plain white or dark screen |
The mobile testing follows earlier developments on the desktop platform. Meta previously tested 39 chat themes on WhatsApp Web before bringing category options to mobile testing builds.
Meta has not enabled the category picker for public beta testers. The feature remains hidden inside the Android codebase while developers complete internal tests.
WhatsApp has not announced an official launch date for the updated theme picker. Android users will receive the options through standard updates on the Google Play Store after testing ends.
The theme expansion accompanies several other Android feature tests. WhatsApp added an AI content label for channel posts to assist creators with regional disclosure laws.
Another recent Android beta added a home screen widget for audio messages. The widget lets users record, pause, and send voice notes without opening the main app interface.
WhatsApp also deployed new group management tools. Group administrators can edit poll questions, set poll expiration timers, and tag all participants in group conversations.
