Writing a status update on WhatsApp for Android is easy and allows you to share text, photos, videos and GIFs that disappear after 24 hours. Your contacts will be able to view your status updates at the top of their chats page.
Types of Status Updates
There are a few different types of status updates you can post on WhatsApp for Android:
- Text-only status – Write a short text update up to 139 characters.
- Photo status – Share a photo from your gallery or take one directly in WhatsApp.
- Video status – Record a video up to 30 seconds or share an existing video.
- GIF status – Search for a GIF or upload your own animated GIF.
How to Write a Text Status
Writing a text-only status update is easy:
- Open WhatsApp and tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Tap “Status” > “My status” at the top.
- Tap the text field that says “Tap to add status update…”
- Type your status update in the text field. You have up to 139 characters.
- You can change the background color and font style if desired.
- Tap “Send” when you are done typing to post your text status.
Your text status will now display at the top of your contacts’ chat lists for 24 hours. You can tap on your own status at any time to view, delete or change it.
Posting a Photo Status
Uploading a photo as your status is also easy on WhatsApp for Android:
- Open WhatsApp and tap on your profile picture.
- Tap “Status” > “My status”.
- Tap the camera icon to take a photo directly or tap the gallery icon to select an existing photo.
- Crop or edit the photo as desired.
- Tap “Send” to post the photo status.
The photo will display fullscreen to your contacts for 24 hours. You can tap on it at any time to remove it or add a caption.
Sharing a Video Status
Sharing a short video clip as your status is a fun way to give your contacts a glimpse into your day. Here’s how:
- Open WhatsApp and tap your profile picture.
- Tap “Status” > “My status”.
- Tap the video camera icon to record a new video up to 30 seconds long.
- You can also tap the gallery icon to share an existing video from your phone.
- Preview the video and tap “Send” to post it as your status when ready.
The video will loop automatically and disappear after 24 hours. You can remove it sooner by opening your status tab.
Adding a GIF Status
GIFFs are a fun and expressive way to share your mood or react to something. Here’s how to post one:
- Open WhatsApp and tap your profile picture.
- Tap “Status” > “My status”.
- Tap the GIF icon to browse trending GIFs or search for one.
- Tap on a GIF to preview it.
- Adjust the length if needed, then tap “Send” to post it.
The GIF will play on loop for your contacts. You can delete it by opening your status tab.
Viewing Status Updates
To view status updates from your WhatsApp contacts:
- Open any chat in WhatsApp.
- Your contacts’ status updates will display at the top of the chat list.
- Tap on a status preview to view the full status.
- Swipe vertically to view multiple status updates.
Status updates automatically disappear after 24 hours. You can also manually delete your own status at any time.
Changing Privacy Settings
You can control who can view your WhatsApp status updates:
- Open WhatsApp Settings.
- Tap Account > Privacy.
- Tap “Status”.
- Choose who can view status updates:
- Everyone
- My Contacts
- My Contacts Except…
- Only Share With…
Adjust these settings at any time to control status visibility. You can hide your status from specific contacts for more privacy.
Status Update Tips
Here are some tips for using WhatsApp Status effectively:
- Keep text updates short and use emojis to express yourself.
- Time photo and video posts well – updates from occasions work best.
- Use GIFs sparingly – they can get annoying if overused.
- Don’t overshare – status updates disappear after 24 hours anyway.
- Check settings to ensure your status visibility is controlled.
- View friend’s updates to stay connected to what’s happening in their lives.
- Have fun expressing yourself creatively!
Troubleshooting
Here are some common issues and fixes for WhatsApp statuses:
- Can’t post status – Check your internet connection. Force close and reopen WhatsApp if needed.
- Status not visible to contacts – Verify your privacy settings allow contacts to view status.
- Status disappears – Statuses expire after 24 hours. Take a screenshot to save something permanently.
- Can’t see someone’s status – They may have settings blocking you, or have not shared a recent update.
- Status is blurry – Recrop/edit the photo or video before posting for best quality.
If issues persist, check WhatsApp support for help troubleshooting status problems.
Conclusion
Posting status updates on WhatsApp for Android is easy and fun. You can share text, photos, videos and GIFs that give your contacts a glimpse into your day. Adjust your privacy settings to control who sees your updates. View your contacts’ statuses to see what they’re up to as well. WhatsApp status is a great way to visually interact with your connections.