WhatsApp recently introduced a new chat icon in an update to the popular messaging app. The new icon features a speech bubble rather than the older telephone icon. This change signifies WhatsApp’s evolution beyond just a messaging app into a platform for communication and expression.
The update has led many users to ask – where is the new chat icon on WhatsApp? This article will provide a quick answer to that question, explain the reasoning behind the icon change, and walk through how to locate the new chat icon on both iOS and Android devices.
Where is the New Chat Icon on WhatsApp?
The new WhatsApp chat icon is located in the same place as the old telephone icon when you want to start a new chat. On iOS devices, you’ll find it in the top right corner of the Chats tab. On Android, it’s in the top right of the main WhatsApp screen.
Tapping the speech bubble icon will bring up your contacts list and allow you to start a new chat just like before. The icon has simply been updated from a telephone to a speech bubble or chat icon.
Why Did WhatsApp Change the Icon?
WhatsApp likely changed icons for a few key reasons:
- Reflect how WhatsApp is now used – While WhatsApp started as an alternative to SMS texting, it has evolved into a multipurpose app for free messaging, video and voice calls, payments, business messaging, and more. The chat bubble better represents WhatsApp as a digital communication platform.
- Distinguish WhatsApp from traditional messaging – With similarities to SMS texting fading, WhatsApp needed a unique icon that set it apart from standard green message icons.
- Align with Facebook branding – Since Facebook acquired WhatsApp in 2014, they have slowly aligned branding elements. Facebook Messenger uses a chat bubble icon and blue color scheme similar to WhatsApp’s new icon.
The chat bubble better encapsulates WhatsApp’s current messaging functions versus the outdated telephone icon. This change brings WhatsApp’s branding up to date reflecting its evolution over the past decade.
How to Locate the New Chat Icon on iOS
If you’re an iPhone user, here are step-by-step instructions to find the new WhatsApp chat icon to start conversations:
- Open the WhatsApp app on your iPhone. This will take you to the Chats tab by default.
- Look in the top right corner of the screen. Do you see a telephone icon or a speech bubble icon?
- The speech bubble is the new WhatsApp chat icon. Tap it to start a new chat.
- Select a contact to start chatting. The process is the same as before – just with an updated icon.
The chat icon will be in the right corner of the Chats tab. Tapping it will bring up your contacts list to choose who you want to message.
| Platform | Location of New Chat Icon |
|---|---|
| iPhone | Top right of Chats tab |
| Android | Top right of WhatsApp home screen |
As you can see in the table, the new chat bubble icon is in the top right but its exact location depends on whether you use iOS or Android.
How to Locate the New Chat Icon on Android
If you use WhatsApp on an Android device, here is how to find the updated chat icon:
- Open the WhatsApp app on your Android phone. This will take you to the main WhatsApp screen.
- Look in the top right corner. Do you see an older telephone icon or a new speech bubble icon?
- The speech bubble is the new chat icon. Tap it to start a new conversation.
- Select a contact and start messaging them. The process remains the same.
On Android, the new WhatsApp chat icon will be in the top right corner of the main WhatsApp screen instead of within the Chats tab. Tapping it will let you choose a contact to message.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you aren’t seeing the new chat icon, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure WhatsApp is updated to the latest version on your device.
- Force close and reopen the WhatsApp app if the icon hasn’t updated.
- Check within WhatsApp Settings > Chats that your theme is set to Default, not Dark.
- If all else fails, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp to refresh the app.
Following these tips should trigger the new chat icon to appear in the top right corner as expected. If not, reach out to WhatsApp Support for further assistance.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s new chat bubble icon replaces the old telephone icon as the app evolves beyond simple messaging. The speech bubble can be found in the top right corner of the Chats tab on iPhone or the main WhatsApp screen on Android.
Tapping the icon will let you start a new chat just like before. This icon change mirrors WhatsApp’s growth into a broader communications platform aligned with Facebook’s branding. Overall, the chat bubble icon better reflects the modern digital communications experience WhatsApp now provides.