WhatsApp Plus: what is it, how it works, and is it worth it

2026-06-05 · 6 min de leitura · Bruno Vieira

The app you've been using for free for over 15 years just asked you a question nobody expected. In May 2026, Meta started testing WhatsApp Plus, an optional monthly subscription that promises a more personalized and organized experience. It's not fake or a scam. It's official, and it will probably reach you soon. Before deciding whether to subscribe, it's worth understanding exactly what this new feature changes and what it definitely doesn't.

The app that was free for 15 years is asking you: how much is your WhatsApp worth?

What Is WhatsApp Plus (Official) and How Does It Work

WhatsApp Plus is Meta's voluntary subscription plan for WhatsApp, officially announced in May 2026 and initially available as a testing phase. Unlike what many imagine, it doesn't replace the free WhatsApp. It's an optional add-on for those who want more personalization.

• Confirmed by Meta in May 2026 as a voluntary subscription plan
• Does not change messages, calls, or end-to-end encryption. The core app remains free forever
• Only available through official versions downloaded from Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone)
• How to activate: Settings → Subscriptions → WhatsApp Plus → start free month
• First month free; after that, monthly billing with automatic renewal

What you get with the subscription: feature by feature

With the monthly subscription, Meta offers a package of features focused on personalization and organization. This is what changes in practice:

• Exclusive stickers: animated sticker packs available only to subscribers
• Custom app icon: choose between different visual versions of the WhatsApp icon on your phone's home screen
• Exclusive ringtones: new sound tones for audio and video calls
• Up to 20 pinned chats: versus the current limit of only 3. A significant practical change for those managing many important contacts
• Advanced visual themes: color and background customization beyond the standard options
• More features coming: Meta promised to expand the package with no set deadline

What doesn't change (and why that matters)

The subscription is optional and doesn't remove any existing functionality. The WhatsApp you know continues exactly the same for those who don't subscribe.

• Messages, groups, and broadcasts remain 100% free
• End-to-end encryption remains the same for all users
• Voice and video calls continue with no additional cost
• Those who don't subscribe lose no current functionality. Zero degradation of the free version

Official WhatsApp Plus vs. pirate "WhatsApp Plus": beware the confusion

The name "WhatsApp Plus" isn't new. For years, it was used by unofficial modified APKs that promised extra features but violated Meta's Terms of Service and put accounts at risk. Now that the name is official, the confusion is even greater.

• Origin: The name "WhatsApp Plus" was used for years by unofficial mods that violate Meta's Terms of Service
• Ban risk: Unofficial mods can result in permanent account ban
• Official version: Only works within the original app downloaded from Play Store or App Store. Never as an external download
• How to spot a scam: Be suspicious of external links, APK downloads, and promises of extra features outside the official app

FAQ: what everyone wants to know

• If I cancel my subscription, do I lose access to stickers I've used?Yes. Exclusive stickers are only available during the active subscription period. When you cancel, the sticker pack is removed from your library.
• Can I subscribe on iPhone?Yes. WhatsApp Plus is available on both Android and iOS, following the same activation process in Settings → Subscriptions.
• Is the subscription price final?Not yet. The value is in the testing phase and may change when the full launch reaches all users.
• Why did WhatsApp never charge before and now wants money?Meta states the subscription is optional and aims to offer extra personalization features. The free WhatsApp remains complete with no loss of functionality.

To subscribe or not is a personal choice, and the subscription cost won't break the bank for daily WhatsApp users. The point is knowing what you're paying for before clicking. And if what you're after is using WhatsApp more professionally, start with the basics: create your free service link on ZapToMe and turn the app into a real business tool without spending anything.