WhatsApp has started global distribution of a completely redesigned version of the old “About” function, now renamed to “Information”. The feature allows the publication of short text messages or emojis that are visible on the user’s profile and, prominently, just below the name in all conversations. The update, which began rolling out at the end of last year, now reaches a larger user base on Android and iOS devices.
The main new feature is the ability to define an expiration date for the message, with options of 24 hours, 7 days or 30 days, offering a dynamism similar to that of statuses. Caso the user prefers, the information can remain fixed until it is changed manually. Privacy controls have been aligned with those already in place for profile photo and last seen, ensuring full control over who can see the update.
Meta, the application’s parent company, confirmed that the implementation continues gradually, with the aim of making the functionality available to all users of the stable version in the coming weeks. The change represents another step for the platform to enrich the communication experience, offering more versatile tools to express availability or mood.
What changes with the new function
The fundamental difference compared to the old “About” field is flexibility and visibility. The previous version was limited to static text, without temporality options or advanced audience settings, serving only as a brief biography on the profile. Agora, the function has been transformed into an active communication tool.
With the timer, users can share contextual information, such as “In a meeting” or “Travelling”, which automatically clears after the selected period. When it expires, the field returns to the default message “Hey, I’m using WhatsApp”, eliminating the need for manual updating and making communication more efficient.
Guide to setting up your new profile
Activating and customizing the new Informações function is a simple and intuitive process, integrated directly into the application’s profile settings. Users can find the option by going to the WhatsApp main screen and tapping their name or photo at the top to open their profile settings.
When accessing the profile area, the “Information” field will be visible, replacing the old “About”. Basta tap it to type a new message of up to 139 characters, choose an emoji or select one of the pre-defined options. The next step is to define the desired duration for the message, choosing between the timer options or keeping it permanently.
The last step is to adjust privacy. The user can define who will have access to that information, selecting between “Everyone”, “My Contatos”, “My Contatos, except…” or “Share only with…”. Once saved, the changes are applied instantly and the message appears in all conversation windows.
Enhanced Privacy Controls
One of the pillars of the new functionality is alignment with the robust privacy options already known on WhatsApp. Meta ensured users had granular control over the visibility of their temporary information by offering four distinct audience levels.
The “Everyone” option allows anyone with the user’s number, even if they are not in the contact list, to view the message. The “My Contatos” setting restricts viewing only to numbers saved in the phone’s address book.
For even more specific control, the option “My Contatos, except…” allows the creation of a list of exceptions, ideal for hiding information from specific contacts without removing them from the phonebook. Finally, the “Share only with…” option works like a whitelist, showing the update only to a selected group of people.
It is important to highlight that this setting is completely independent of other privacy settings. Desse mode, a user can choose to show their profile photo to everyone, but limit the viewing of their Informação to nearby contacts only, completely personalizing the experience.
Meta’s strategy behind the update
The relaunch of the Informações feature with new capabilities is part of a broader strategy by Meta to evolve WhatsApp, incorporating social media elements without compromising its core as a private and secure communications platform. The company identified recurring behavior from users, who frequently used status or automatic messages to communicate short-term information, such as professional availability or quick notices. The new tool offers a more direct and integrated solution to this need, freeing up status for media sharing, such as photos and videos.
Furthermore, the functionality adds significant value in group environments, both family and corporate. In a large workgroup, for example, a member can signal that they are in an important meeting directly on their profile, which is visible to all chat participants. Isso reduces the need to send individual messages or notices in the group, optimizing communication and avoiding unnecessary interruptions. Immediate visibility below the contact’s name in any conversation makes the information much more accessible than a status, which requires active user action to view.
Availability and what to expect in the future
The rollout of the revamped Informações feature has been taking place in phases since the end of 2025 and remains ongoing in 2026, with the goal of reaching the entire user base globally. Activation of the feature is not linked to a specific version of the application, but the recommendation is to keep WhatsApp always updated through Google Play Store or Apple App Store to ensure you receive the news as soon as it is released to the account. Meta has not released an exact schedule, but the process is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Olhando going forward, although the company has not made official announcements, the evolution of similar features on other platforms suggests possible paths. Especula Future updates may include text formatting options, such as bold and italics, or even the ability to add clickable links in the information field. Tais additions could transform the function into an even more powerful tool for professionals and content creators who use WhatsApp as a communication channel. However, for now, the company focuses on ensuring the stability and wide adoption of the current version.
Positioning against competitors such as Telegram
With this update, WhatsApp approaches features present in competitors such as Telegram, which has long offered a “Bio” field in the profile. However, the Meta implementation differentiates itself by direct visual integration into the chat windows, making the information more prominent and dynamic, especially with the addition of the timer, something that does not exist natively in the Telegram bio.