The WhatsApp bottom navigation bar allows quick access to the main sections of the app like Chats, Status, Calls and Settings. By default, WhatsApp uses a tabbed design at the bottom to switch between these sections. However, some users prefer having a bottom navigation bar instead of tabs. The good news is you can easily enable a bottom nav bar in WhatsApp by installing a simple APK mod.
What is the WhatsApp Bottom Navigation Bar?
The bottom navigation bar is a row of icons at the bottom of the screen that allows switching between the main sections of an app. Each icon represents a different section – for example, in WhatsApp the default icons are Chat, Status, Calls and Menu. Tapping on an icon takes you directly to that screen.
Having a bottom bar makes navigation faster compared to tabs, where you have to tap on the tab title itself. It also saves screen space taken up by tab titles. The navigation bar provides quick one-tap access to key sections from any screen in the app.
Advantages of the WhatsApp Bottom Navigation Bar
- Faster navigation between main app sections
- Requires less accuracy to tap on larger icons
- Takes up less screen space compared to tab titles
- Looks modern and creates a seamless experience
- Easy to reach at the bottom of screens for one-handed use
- Familiar navigation for users of other apps like Instagram
How to Get the Bottom Navigation Bar in WhatsApp
Unfortunately, WhatsApp does not natively support a bottom nav bar. The default UI uses a tabbed layout at the bottom. However, you can easily enable a navigation bar in WhatsApp by installing a simple APK mod.
Here are the steps to install the WhatsApp bottom bar APK on Android:
- Download the correct APK file for your WhatsApp version:
- For WhatsApp v2.22.8.79 – Download v8 APK
- For WhatsApp v2.22.7.77 – Download v7 APK
- For WhatsApp v2.21.24.22 – Download v6 APK
This simple APK mod is all you need to get a sleek bottom nav bar in the latest versions of WhatsApp. Make sure to download the correct APK file matching your current WhatsApp version for full compatibility.
How to Use the Bottom Navigation Bar
Using the bottom navigation bar in WhatsApp is very easy:
- Tap on the Chat icon to open your conversations list and send messages
- Tap on the Status icon to view status updates from your contacts
- Tap on the Calls icon to make voice and video calls
- Tap on the Menu icon to access settings and other options
The navigation bar remains visible on all screens allowing you to seamlessly switch between sections. Everything else works just like the regular WhatsApp.
Customizing the WhatsApp Bottom Navigation Bar
You can customize the icons shown in the WhatsApp bottom bar according to your preferences using a compatible launcher like Nova Launcher:
- Install Nova Launcher if you don’t already have it.
- Open Nova Launcher, go to App Drawer edit mode > WhatsApp > Edit
- Tap on the icons under Bottom Bar Shortcuts and change them to your preferred icons.
- The updated icon set will now be visible in the WhatsApp bottom bar.
This lets you have your most used WhatsApp sections within easy reach. You can also use icon packs to get new cool looking icons.
Troubleshooting WhatsApp Bottom Navigation Bar
Here are some common issues faced with the WhatsApp bottom bar APK and how to fix them:
WhatsApp Crashes on Launch
If WhatsApp crashes immediately on launch after installing the bottom bar APK, you likely have an incompatible version. Uninstall the mod and install the correct APK for your WhatsApp version.
Bottom Bar Icons Missing
If some bottom bar icons are missing, try updating to the latest bottom bar APK. Make sure WhatsApp is also updated to the newest version for full compatibility.
Can’t Uninstall Bottom Bar APK
If you are unable to uninstall the bottom bar mod, install the regular WhatsApp APK from the Play Store. This will automatically replace the mod and restore the default UI.
Revert Back to Default Tabs
To go back to the normal UI, uninstall the bottom bar APK if you have it installed. Or download the official WhatsApp APK which will overwrite any modded APK and restore tabs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the bottom navigation bar APK safe to install?
Yes, the bottom bar APK is completely safe to install and use. It simply enables a new UI option in WhatsApp and does not affect your data or privacy.
Will I still get WhatsApp updates with the bottom bar?
Yes, you will continue receiving normal WhatsApp updates from the Play Store. Just make sure to install the latest compatible bottom bar APK after updates.
How do I get the bottom bar back if I uninstall the APK?
If you uninstall the bottom bar APK, tabs will return in WhatsApp. To get back the bottom bar, simply reinstall the APK file again.
Can I use WhatsApp on multiple devices with the bottom bar?
WhatsApp’s multi-device feature works seamlessly even with the bottom navigation bar enabled through the APK mod.
Will my chats and data be deleted if I install the bottom bar APK?
No, the bottom bar APK simply modifies the UI. It does not affect your chats, media, settings or any data in WhatsApp.
Conclusion
The WhatsApp bottom navigation bar APK provides an easy way to enable faster bottom bar navigation in WhatsApp. It saves time compared to tapping through tabs and also gives your WhatsApp a more modern look. Make sure to download the correct APK version matching your WhatsApp build. The mod works flawlessly and you can keep getting normal app updates from the Play Store. Overall, it’s a simple mod that improves the WhatsApp user experience.