WhatsApp recently introduced the ability for users to create personalized avatars and use them as profile pictures and stickers. While many people have been able to make use of this new feature, some users are finding that the option to create an avatar is missing from their WhatsApp account. There are a few potential reasons why you may not see the avatar maker on WhatsApp.
Requirements for the WhatsApp Avatar Maker
The avatar maker feature relies on some specific requirements in order to work properly:
- You must be using the latest version of WhatsApp
- Your phone needs to be running Android OS version 2.22.16.8 or iOS 3.22.1.73 or later
- Some older devices may not support the avatar feature even if on the latest OS version
If your device and app version meet these requirements, you should see the new avatar editor under Settings > Profile > Edit Profile Picture. If not, an outdated version is likely the issue. Make sure to update WhatsApp to see if that enables the avatar option.
The Feature May Not Have Reached You Yet
Even if you have the latest WhatsApp version and a supported device, the rollout of the avatar feature is still ongoing. It’s possible WhatsApp simply hasn’t activated the avatar maker for your account yet.
The feature is being slowly rolled out to users worldwide over the course of several weeks. There’s no specific order to the rollout, it’s randomized. So you may just have to wait patiently for WhatsApp to flip the switch on their end. Keep checking Settings periodically to see if the option appears.
Your Region May Not Support Avatars Yet
In addition to the gradual rollout, the WhatsApp avatar feature is also limited by region. It’s currently only available in certain countries at launch:
- India
- Mexico
- Brazil
- Indonesia
- United States
If you don’t see the avatar editor, you may be located in a country where the feature hasn’t launched yet. WhatsApp is expected to expand availability to more regions over time.
Solutions if Avatars Don’t Show Up
Here are a few things you can try if the WhatsApp avatar maker is nowhere to be found:
- Confirm your WhatsApp version is up to date (should be 2.22.16.8 or later on Android, 3.22.1.73 or later on iOS)
- Check if your phone meets the minimum OS requirements for avatars
- Try uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp
- Clear the app cache and data before reinstalling
- Wait a few more days for the feature to reach your account
- Use a VPN service to access WhatsApp from an enabled country like India or the US
If none of those help, you’ll unfortunately have to keep waiting for WhatsApp to launch avatars in your region. The rollout is expected to reach worldwide availability eventually.
When Will WhatsApp Avatars be Available Globally?
There is no firm timeline for when the avatar feature will finish rolling out worldwide. However, since its initial launch in October 2022, WhatsApp has been expanding availability at a steady pace.
They started with just a few countries at first. Within two weeks, access had expanded to the UK, Mexico, and more. By November 2022, WhatsApp avatars had launched across both North and South America.
At their current rate, WhatsApp could potentially enable avatars globally by early 2023. But the rollout pace may vary depending on how smoothly the feature launch goes in each region.
Rest assured that WhatsApp does intend to activate avatars for all users eventually. They even highlight that goal on the WhatsApp FAQ page about avatars. It’s just a matter of time until the worldwide launch.
WhatsApp Avatar Rollout Timeline
Here’s a rough timeline of the WhatsApp avatar rollout so far:
| October 2022 | Initial launch in India, Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia |
| October 2022 | Expanded to US, UK, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand |
| November 2022 | Launched across North America, South America, Central America |
| November 2022 | Partially enabled in Europe, Middle East, Africa |
| December 2022 | Expanded access in Europe, Middle East, Africa |
| January 2023 | Expected to reach Asia Pacific regions |
| Early 2023 | Potential full global launch if rollout stays on track |
This demonstrates how WhatsApp has been steadily expanding avatar access to more countries each month. The worldwide launch could certainly happen within the first half of 2023 at this rate.
Why is WhatsApp Rolling Out Avatars Slowly?
You may be wondering, why is WhatsApp taking so long to activate avatars universally? Why not launch the feature for all users at once?
There are a few key reasons WhatsApp is intentionally making the avatar rollout a gradual process:
- To monitor performance and fix any issues before expanding to more regions.
- To slowly scale up server capacity needed for additional avatar usage.
- To build anticipation and interest for the feature’s eventual launch in new countries.
- To translate the avatar interface into different languages before launching in each locale.
Essentially, a phased rollout allows WhatsApp to iron out any technical difficulties and optimize the avatar experience before going global. Rushing the full launch could overload WhatsApp’s systems if avatar usage spikes too fast.
It also generates buzz as people see friends in other countries get early access. This makes users more eager to try the feature themselves once it reaches their region.
So while a slow rollout can be frustrating, it’s ultimately helpful to ensure a smooth experience. Think of it as a necessary step before avatars become available globally.
Should I Use a VPN to Get WhatsApp Avatars?
If you simply can’t wait any longer for the avatar rollout to reach your country, using a VPN service is an option to access the feature ahead of time.
A VPN allows you to disguise your device’s location and route your internet connection through servers in another country. By connecting via a server in the US, UK, India, or another region where avatars are active, you can essentially trick WhatsApp into enabling the feature.
However, there are a few caveats to keep in mind:
- Using a VPN goes against WhatsApp’s terms of service and could get your account banned.
- It may be unreliable as WhatsApp works to detect and block VPN usage.
- You’ll need to keep the VPN connection active to actually use your avatar.
- Paid VPN services cost money monthly or yearly.
Due to the risks involved, using a VPN to unlock avatars is generally not recommended. It’s smarter to just wait for the official rollout in your country.
Fun Things To Do With WhatsApp Avatars
Once you do have access to avatars, there are plenty of creative ways to use your personalized character:
- Set your avatar as your profile photo so friends can easily see it.
- Create custom stickers with your avatar in different poses and looks.
- Use avatar stickers when chatting in place of generic emoji.
- Send an avatar video message announcing big news or events.
- Make an animated greeting card with your avatar for someone’s birthday.
- Design a cool WhatsApp avatar wallpaper as your chat background.
- Change your avatar’s outfit to match your real clothes that day.
The possibilities are endless when you have a mini character of yourself! Avatars make chatting much more visual, personal, and fun compared to plain text messages.
Conclusion
WhatsApp avatars offer an exciting new way for people to express themselves and get creative in chats. While the rollout has been gradual, the feature is making its way to more countries all the time.
Try keeping WhatsApp updated, and keep an eye on Settings to see if avatars become available for your account. With a little more patience, you’ll soon be able to make a personalized avatar to spice up your chats!