You can then use it in chats to show your excitement, sadness or whatever else you’re feeling. Here’s how to create one. WhatsApp announced that the feature would start rolling out on 7 December 2022. This means, depending upon when you read this, you might not have avatars available yet on your device. You’ll know by opening the app, tapping the three dots in the top right corner and selecting Settings. Beneath the Account option you should see a new section called, strangely enough, Avatar.   If you don’t have the Avatar section, head to your phone’s app store and check if there are any updates available for WhatsApp. Hopefully it won’t be long until the feature is available to all users.

How to create an avatar in WhatsApp

How to set your avatar as your profile picture

Your avatar isn’t only for chats, as you can also use it for your profile picture too. This is easy to do, as you just have to go to Settings, tap your profile picture and select Edit > Edit then choose Use Avatar. Now your friends will see your cartoon self when you appear in their chats.

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Martyn has been involved with tech ever since the arrival of his ZX Spectrum back in the early 80s. He covers iOS, Android, Windows and macOS, writing tutorials, buying guides and reviews for Macworld and its sister site Tech Advisor.