WhatsApp is phasing out avatars across iOS and Android

WhatsApp is phasing out its avatar feature across iOS and Android, with the removal now reaching a wider set of users.

The rollout is happening in phases. For some users, the avatar section has already disappeared from settings. Others are now seeing a notice stating that avatars can no longer be edited and will be removed soon.

Avatars are gradually disappearing from the app

The change has been underway for some time, but it has recently picked up pace. A growing number of users are reporting that the feature has either been disabled or removed entirely from their accounts. While WhatsApp has not shared a fixed timeline for complete removal, the broader rollout suggests the feature is nearing the end of its lifecycle across the platform.

Alongside removing avatars from settings and profile sections, WhatsApp is also eliminating direct access from the keyboard. This means users will no longer be able to create or send avatar stickers directly within chats.

Your Complete iOS 26 Playbook:

Get our exclusive Ultimate iOS 26 Guide 📚 — absolutely FREE when you sign up for our newsletter below.

However, previously used avatar stickers are not being deleted. They remain accessible in recent stickers and, in some cases, within the favorites section if they were saved earlier.

Likely reasons behind the removal

WhatsApp has not publicly explained the decision, but the move likely points to low user engagement. Features like avatars require ongoing updates and maintenance, and when usage remains limited, they tend to be deprioritized. It is likely that internal data showed fewer users creating or consistently using avatars, making it harder to justify continued investment in the feature.

Once the rollout is complete, users will no longer be able to create, edit, or manage avatars within the app. The feature is expected to disappear entirely over time as the phased removal continues.

This shift signals that WhatsApp is focusing more on features that see broader adoption, rather than maintaining tools that have not gained meaningful traction.

Did you ever use WhatsApp avatars? Let us know your thoughts.