WhatsApp Beta Adds New Call Features: Mute Shortcut, Video Toggle, and Emoji Reactions

by Sacheen · April 5, 2025

WhatsApp Beta adds useful new calling features, including mute from the notification shade, a video toggle before answering, and fun emoji reactions during video calls.

Last month, we talked about WhatsApp working on letting iPhone users set the app as their default calling option. While that’s still in the pipeline, WhatsApp is now focusing on improving the overall calling experience, starting with a few small but super handy features.

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According to WABetaInfo, the latest WhatsApp Beta (version 2.25.10.16 for Android) introduces three new features aimed at making calls more user-friendly:

🔇 Mute from the Notification Shade

Until now, if you were on a WhatsApp call and wanted to mute yourself, you had to open the app. But with the new update, a Mute button will appear directly in the notification panel during a call—right next to the End Call button. It’s a small change, but it adds a lot of convenience.

🎥 Turn Off Camera Before Answering

One of the most requested features is finally here: the ability to disable your video before picking up a video call. This means if you’re not camera-ready, you don’t have to scramble to turn it off after answering. Now, you’ll have the option right on the incoming call screen—problem solved.

😄 Emoji Reactions During Video Calls

WhatsApp is also adding a touch of fun with emoji reactions during video calls. You’ll be able to choose from six different emojis to react in real time—perfect for group calls when you want to give someone a quick thumbs-up or a laugh without interrupting the conversation.

These new features are currently rolling out to a limited group of beta testers, but they’re expected to reach more users in the coming months. While they might seem like minor upgrades, they really go a long way in making WhatsApp calls smoother and more enjoyable.

It’s great to see WhatsApp paying attention to these small, quality-of-life improvements—and there’s more to look forward to.

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