WhatsApp is introducing a new feature that will allow Android users to make their personal profiles more attractive with cover photos. This update gives users another way to customise their accounts and express their personality. Until now, WhatsApp users could only add a profile picture, name, and short About information to their personal accounts. However, the new feature will bring an additional cover photo option, similar to the one already available on Facebook and LinkedIn.
The new feature is particularly interesting because WhatsApp has mainly focused on keeping its messaging experience simple. However, the platform is now adding more personalisation options to improve the way users present themselves. With profile cover photos, users will be able to add a wide background image above their existing profile picture.
According to the latest information, WhatsApp has started rolling out this feature to selected Android beta users. It was spotted in WhatsApp beta version 2.26.43.11, which is available through the Google Play Store. The rollout is gradual, meaning that not every Android beta user will receive the feature immediately.
WhatsApp Brings Cover Photos to Personal Profiles
The new cover photo feature will make WhatsApp profiles look more complete and personalised. Users will be able to select a landscape image and display it at the top of their profiles.
Previously, this option was mainly available to WhatsApp Business users. Businesses could upload a large banner image to display their brand, products, services, or other important information. Regular WhatsApp users did not have the same option.
Now, WhatsApp is bringing a similar experience to personal accounts. This means users will no longer need a business account to enjoy this additional profile customisation feature.
The cover image will appear above the traditional round profile picture. Both images will remain visible, so users will not have to replace their existing profile photos to use the new option.
This is an important change for people who want to make their WhatsApp accounts look different. For example, users can select a picture of nature, a favourite place, a family moment, or any other image they want to display.
The feature will also make profiles more visually appealing when someone opens their contact information.
Where Will the WhatsApp Cover Photo Appear?
WhatsApp is planning to display cover photos in different parts of the application. This will help users see their selected image easily and allow other people to view it when checking their profiles.
The cover photo will appear at the top of the user’s profile page. It will be displayed as a wide banner above the existing profile picture, name, and other profile information.
It will also appear in the upper section of WhatsApp settings. This means users will be able to see their selected cover image when they open the app settings.
Another important place where the cover photo will be visible is the chat information screen. When someone opens a conversation and checks the contact details, the cover image may appear above the profile picture, name, and phone number.
However, visibility will depend on the privacy settings selected by the account owner. If a user does not allow a particular person or group of people to see the cover photo, WhatsApp will hide it from them.
If someone has not selected a personal cover image, WhatsApp will display a default background image until the user uploads one.
How to Set a WhatsApp Profile Cover Photo on Android
Setting up a cover photo is expected to be simple. WhatsApp has designed the feature in a way that allows users to select an image without going through complicated settings.
If the feature is available on your Android phone, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your Android smartphone.
- Tap the three-dot menu and open Settings.
- Tap your profile name or profile picture.
- Open the profile editing section.
- Look for the new cover photo area.
- Tap the Edit option.
- Choose whether you want to take a new picture or select one from your phone gallery.
- You may also get an option to create an image using Meta AI.
- Select your preferred image.
- Adjust the image if needed and save your changes.
After completing these steps, WhatsApp will display the selected picture as your profile cover photo.
The application will automatically crop the selected image to fit the required landscape layout. This means users will not need to manually create a banner with special measurements.
The process is designed to be easy for everyone, including people who do not have much experience with photo editing.
Please remember that these steps apply when the feature is available on your WhatsApp account. Users who have not received the update may not see the cover photo editing option yet.
Users Can Choose Photos From Their Gallery
One of the useful parts of this update is the freedom to choose personal pictures.
Users will be able to select images directly from their smartphone gallery. This means there will be no need to download a separate application or use an online photo editor just to create a WhatsApp cover.
For example, someone who enjoys travelling can upload a beautiful picture of a mountain, beach, or favourite destination. Similarly, people can choose family pictures, nature photography, artwork, or other images that represent their interests.
Users will also have the option to take a new picture using their phone’s camera.
This flexibility makes the feature useful for different types of people. Some may prefer personal photographs, while others may want a simple background or a creative design.
Meta AI may also provide another way to create a suitable cover image. Users who do not have a preferred picture can use this option to generate a new image, where available.
WhatsApp Introduces New Privacy Controls for Cover Photos
Privacy is an important part of WhatsApp, and the company is also providing dedicated controls for cover photos.
Not everyone wants their personal pictures to be visible to every WhatsApp user. Therefore, the new feature will allow people to decide who can see their selected cover image.
Users will have four main privacy options.
1. Everyone
This option allows all WhatsApp users to view the cover photo, including people who are not saved in the user’s contact list.
It is suitable for people who do not mind sharing their profile image publicly.
2. My Contacts
With this setting, only people saved in the user’s phone contacts will be able to see the cover photo.
It is a useful choice for people who want to share their pictures with friends, family members, and other known contacts.
3. My Contacts Except
This option provides more control. Users can allow their contacts to see the cover image while excluding specific people.
For example, if someone does not want a particular contact to view their cover photo, they can add that person to the excluded list.
4. Nobody
Users who want maximum privacy can select this option.
It will hide the cover photo from everyone without requiring them to remove the selected image from their account.
According to the reported feature details, Everyone is the default privacy option. Therefore, users who prefer to keep their cover images private should check their settings after receiving the update.
These privacy controls are important because a cover photo can sometimes reveal personal information about someone’s life, location, family, or interests.
Cover Photos Will Not Replace Existing Profile Pictures
Some users may think that adding a cover photo will replace their current WhatsApp profile picture. However, that is not how the new feature works.
The traditional profile picture will remain available. The new cover image will simply provide additional space above it.
Both images will have different purposes. The profile picture will continue to help contacts recognise the account owner, while the cover photo will offer more room for personal expression.
For example, a user can keep their own photograph as the main profile picture and add a landscape image as the cover photo.
This design is similar to profile layouts on Facebook and LinkedIn, where users can display a small profile image along with a larger background banner.
WhatsApp wants to provide a similar experience without changing the basic messaging system.
When Will the Feature Be Available to Everyone?
WhatsApp has started testing and gradually rolling out profile cover photos through its Android beta programme.
The feature has been spotted in WhatsApp beta version 2.26.43.11. However, installing the latest beta version does not guarantee that every user will receive it immediately.
WhatsApp often releases new features in stages. A small group of users receives the update first, while the company checks its performance and collects feedback before making it available to more accounts.
The same approach appears to be in use for profile cover photos.
More Android beta users are expected to receive the option over the coming weeks. However, WhatsApp has not announced an official date for the general release.
Users with the regular WhatsApp application may have to wait until the company completes its testing.
It is also important to understand that beta features can change before their final release. WhatsApp may improve the design, adjust privacy settings, or make other changes based on user feedback.
How to Check Whether Your WhatsApp Has Received the Update
If you want to try the new feature, you should first check whether your WhatsApp application is running the latest available version.
Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone and search for WhatsApp. If an update is available, install it.
After updating, open WhatsApp and visit your profile settings. Look for the cover photo editing option.
If you cannot find it, there is no need to worry. The feature is being released gradually, so it may not be available for your account yet.
You can also check whether the Android beta programme has available slots. However, joining the beta programme does not guarantee immediate access to every new feature.
Users should always download WhatsApp from trusted sources, such as the official Google Play Store. Installing modified or unofficial applications can create privacy and security risks.
Why Is WhatsApp Adding Profile Cover Photos?
WhatsApp has become more than just a basic messaging application. Millions of people use it every day to communicate with friends, family, colleagues, customers, and businesses.
The platform is gradually adding new tools to make user profiles more useful and attractive.
Profile cover photos are one example of this development. They give users more control over how their accounts appear when other people view their information.
The feature may also help WhatsApp create a more complete profile experience as it continues to introduce other changes.
For example, usernames could make it easier for people to connect without sharing their phone numbers in every situation. Additional profile customisation options could also make it easier to recognise different users.
However, the main purpose of cover photos is personalisation. Users can choose an image that reflects their personality without changing the way they send messages or make calls.
The feature is also likely to be useful for people who use WhatsApp regularly for personal communication and social connections.
What Does This Update Mean for WhatsApp Users in Pakistan?
WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging applications in Pakistan. People use it for daily conversations, family groups, office communication, education, shopping, and business activities.
The new cover photo option could be a welcome addition for Pakistani users who want to make their profiles more attractive.
For example, users may select pictures of their favourite places, family moments, nature, or personal interests. Students, professionals, and everyday users can all benefit from the additional customisation option.
Small business owners who use regular WhatsApp accounts may also find the feature useful for personal branding, although dedicated business tools remain available through WhatsApp Business.
However, users should pay attention to privacy settings before uploading personal pictures. Selecting the correct visibility option can help prevent unwanted people from viewing their cover photos.
The feature’s availability in Pakistan will depend on WhatsApp’s rollout schedule. Users may receive it at different times, even if they have installed the same application version.
Final Words
WhatsApp’s new profile cover photo feature is a useful addition for Android users who want more control over the appearance of their accounts.
It allows people to add a wide banner image above their existing profile picture, making their profiles look more personal and attractive. Users can choose pictures from their phone gallery, take new photographs, or use Meta AI where available.
The feature also includes separate privacy controls, allowing users to decide whether everyone, their contacts, selected contacts, or nobody can view the cover image.
Currently, WhatsApp is gradually rolling out the feature to selected Android beta testers through version 2.26.43.11. A wider release is expected, but the company has not confirmed an official date for all Android users.
For now, Android users should keep their WhatsApp application updated and check their profile settings regularly to see whether the new option has arrived.
