WhatsApp uses various symbols to indicate message statuses, notifications, and other functions. If you’ve ever wondered what each icon means, this guide will help you understand them all, including the clock symbol, mute icon, and the latest updates.
Symbols on WhatsApp Meaning
1. Message Status Symbols
WhatsApp uses different checkmarks to indicate the status of messages you send:
- Single Gray Tick (
) – Message sent but not yet delivered. - Double Gray Ticks () – Message delivered to the recipient’s phone but not read.
- Double Blue Ticks () – Message read by the recipient.
- Clock Symbol (
) – This means your message is not yet sent and is waiting in the queue. It usually appears due to network issues or when your phone is offline. Once the message is successfully sent, the clock icon will change to a single gray tick ().
2. Call Symbols
When making voice or video calls, you’ll see different icons:
- Phone with an arrow (
) – Outgoing call (successful). - Phone with a red cross (
) – Outgoing call failed. - Phone with a broken line (
) – Poor network connection or dropped call. - Video camera (
) – Indicates a video call.
3. Mute Symbol (
)
A mute icon appears next to a chat when notifications for that chat are turned off. You won’t receive alerts for new messages from that conversation unless you open WhatsApp.
4. Encryption Lock Symbol (
)
This lock icon appears in chat details, confirming that your conversation is end-to-end encrypted, meaning only you and the recipient can read the messages.
5. Status and Story Symbols
- Eye Icon (
) – Shows who has viewed your WhatsApp status update. - Muted Status () – Indicates that you have muted someone’s status updates.
- Circle with Dotted Line (
⭘) – Unviewed status from a contact. - Circle with Solid Line (
) – Status already viewed.
6. Group Chat Symbols
- Speaker with a Slash () – Group notifications are muted.
- Admin Badge (
or 
) – Indicates the group admin. - @ Symbol (@) – Someone mentioned you in a group message.
7. Storage and Media Symbols
- Download Symbol (
) – Media needs to be downloaded. - Play Button (
) – A playable voice note or video. - Broken Image Icon (
) – Media file missing or deleted.
8. New Symbols and Features
WhatsApp regularly updates its interface with new symbols. Some recent additions include:
- Message Reaction Emojis – Allow users to react to messages with emojis instead of replying.
- Green Verified Badge (
) – Appears next to business accounts verified by WhatsApp. - Disappearing Message Icon (
) – Messages in this chat will automatically disappear after a set time.
Conclusion
WhatsApp icons help users navigate chats, calls, statuses, and settings more efficiently. Whether it’s the clock symbol indicating a delayed message, the mute icon for silenced chats, or the new message reactions, understanding these symbols enhances your messaging experience.
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