After a wave of user feedback, the Facebook-owned WhatsApp has brought back the beloved text-only status feature for Android users. In the latest update, the classic persistent text status has been reintroduced, not as “Status,” but under a new name and location. This change comes shortly after the company replaced the original feature with a 24-hour multimedia story function, similar to Snapchat, which was met with widespread disapproval from its user base.
What Happened to the Original Status Feature
On its eighth birthday, WhatsApp rolled out one of its biggest updates, completely overhauling the classic status feature. The simple, text-only line that users had for years was replaced with a new “Status” tab. This new feature allowed users to share photos, short videos, and GIFs that would automatically disappear after 24 hours.
The company intended for this to be a more visual and engaging way for users to share moments from their day. Users could also add stickers, text, and drawings to their multimedia statuses, mirroring features found on other popular social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram Stories.
While innovative, the move alienated a large portion of the user base who preferred the simplicity and permanence of the old text-based status.
User Feedback Prompts a Reversal
The removal of the text status did not go over well with many long-time users. A significant number of people took to social media and app store reviews to voice their disappointment, demanding the return of the old feature. Users missed the ability to set a simple, persistent message to inform their contacts of their availability or mood, such as “At work” or “Battery about to die.”
WhatsApp acknowledged the feedback and decided to act on it. A spokesperson for the company stated, “We heard from our users that people missed the ability to set a persistent text-only update in their profile, so we’ve integrated this feature into the about section in profile settings.” This shows a direct response to community demand.
How to Find and Set Your New Text-Only ‘About’ Status
The classic text status is now back, but it’s been rebranded as “About” and moved to a different section within the app. It is available in WhatsApp version 2.17.111 and newer for Android. Here is how you can find and edit it:
- Open WhatsApp on your Android device.
- Tap the three-dot options button in the top right corner of the CHATS screen.
- Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
- Tap on your profile name and picture at the very top.
- You will see a section called “About and phone number.” Tap on it to edit your text status.
This new “About” text will now appear next to your profile name whenever someone views your contact details, for instance, when starting a new chat or looking at the member list in a group. Unlike the 24-hour multimedia Status, this text-only update is persistent and does not disappear.
Availability for Android and iOS Users
Currently, this much-requested feature has only been rolled out to Android users. If you are on Android, you can get the feature by updating your WhatsApp to the latest version available in the Google Play Store.
For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, the feature is not yet available. However, the company has confirmed that iOS users will be receiving the update soon, though a specific date has not been announced. iPhone users will have to wait a little longer to get their classic text status back.
Frequently Asked Questions about WhatsApp’s Text Status
What is the old WhatsApp text status called now?
The old text-only status has been brought back under a new name. It is now called the “About” feature and can be found within your profile settings.
Where did my old WhatsApp status go?
The original text status was moved from the main screen and integrated into your profile. You can access it by going to Settings, tapping your profile name, and then editing the “About” section.
Why did WhatsApp bring back the text status?
WhatsApp decided to reintroduce the feature directly because of strong user feedback. Many users expressed that they missed having a simple, permanent text update in their profile, prompting the company to bring it back.
Does the new ‘About’ status disappear after 24 hours?
No, it does not. The “About” text is a persistent update that remains on your profile until you decide to change it. It works just like the old text status and is separate from the 24-hour multimedia “Status” feature.
Is the text-only status feature available for iPhone users?
As of the initial re-release, the “About” feature is only available for Android users. WhatsApp has stated that the update will be coming to iOS devices soon.
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