WhatsApp allows users to set a profile picture and a status message that is visible to their contacts. The profile picture is known as the DP (Display Picture), while the status message allows users to share text, photos, videos and GIFs that expire after 24 hours. There have been requests from users to be able to set their profile picture as their status as well. Unfortunately, WhatsApp does not have a built-in feature that allows setting your DP as your status directly. However, there are some workaround methods that can be used to achieve this effect.
Setting a Static DP as Status
The easiest way to set your DP as your status is to take a screenshot of your profile picture and then set that screenshot as your status update. Here are the steps to do this:
- Open your WhatsApp profile and take a screenshot of your current DP. Make sure to capture the entire profile picture.
- Crop the screenshot if needed so only the DP is visible.
- Open WhatsApp and tap on the Status tab.
- Tap on the camera icon and select the screenshot of your DP from your gallery.
- You can add text or emojis over the DP screenshot here if you want.
- Tap send to post the DP screenshot as your status.
This will set your exact DP photo as your current WhatsApp status. Keep in mind that since it is a photo, it will not update automatically if you change your profile photo. You will have to retake the screenshot and set it again.
Automatically Updating DP as Status
While the screenshot method works to set a static DP photo as status, there are third-party apps that let you automatically sync your DP with your status. So whenever you change your profile photo, the status will update as well with the new DP. Some popular apps for this include:
- DP as Status
- DP Status Maker
- Profile Picture for Status
- DP Status Saver
These apps require access to your storage and WhatsApp to be able to automatically set your DP as status when changed. The steps are simple:
- Download and install any DP as Status app from the Play Store.
- Open the app and grant the required permissions.
- The app will automatically take your current DP and set it as status.
- Now whenever you update your DP, your status will also change.
Using such an app gives you the flexibility to change your DP whenever you want without having to manually update your status each time.
Setting a GIF DP as Status
While the apps mentioned above work for static photo DPs, they cannot automatically set an animated GIF DP as your WhatsApp status. For GIF DPs, you will need to manually convert it to a video file and then set that as status. Here is how to do it:
- Install a GIF to video converter app on your phone.
- Open the app and import your GIF DP.
- Convert the GIF to MP4 or any other video format supported by WhatsApp.
- Open WhatsApp Status and upload the converted GIF video.
- Trim the video if needed so it is only as long as the GIF loop.
- Post the GIF video as your status.
You will need to redo these steps each time you want to update your GIF DP status. Some good GIF converter apps include Video Converter, Video Maker, Insta Video Converter, etc.
Using Third-Party WhatsApp Mods
There are some modified or modded versions of WhatsApp like GBWhatsApp and WhatsApp Plus that allow directly setting your DP as status. These mods provide extra features and customization options for WhatsApp that are not available officially. However, using such mods can lead to a ban of your WhatsApp account. Use mods at your own risk.
Limitations
While the methods discussed above can help you mimic your DP as status, there are some limitations:
- It will not automatically update when you change DP on WhatsApp Web or Desktop app.
- GIF DPs require manual updating each time which can be tedious.
- Third party mods have risks of account bans.
- Screenshot images will not have same resolution quality as original DP.
Hopefully, WhatsApp may consider adding a built-in option to use your DP as status directly in a future update. This is a commonly requested feature by users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to set a video as DP and status?
No, WhatsApp does not allow setting videos as profile picture or status directly. Your DP and status on WhatsApp can only be photos. However, you can convert a video into a GIF and set the GIF as your DP.
Can I set different DPs for different WhatsApp contacts?
WhatsApp does not have an option to set separate profile photos for individual chats. Your DP is globally visible to all your contacts on WhatsApp.
What happens if I get banned using WhatsApp mods?
Your account can be permanently banned from WhatsApp for violating their terms of service. You will lose access to your account and chat history. It is best to avoid mods and third-party WhatsApp clients.
Is auto-updating DP status available on iPhone?
Yes, apps like Automatic Status and Profile Status for WA offer this feature for iPhones. The concept remains the same but you need to download the iOS versions of such apps.
Can I crop or zoom my DP before setting as status?
Yes, when you take the screenshot you can edit it with image editors to apply crops, zooms or other effects before posting it as your status update. This allows you to highlight specific parts of your DP if needed.
Conclusion
Although WhatsApp does not have native support for using your profile picture as status, there are some easy workarounds like taking a screenshot or using third-party apps. These methods allow mimicking your current DP photo or GIF as your status which updates automatically when you change your profile picture. Do keep in mind limitations like manual updating for GIFs and risks of account bans with some modded apps. Hopefully, WhatsApp will add this as an official feature soon based on user demand.