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Meta's new move! WhatsApp Plus launched in India; get these special features for ₹79..
Shikha Saxena | June 18, 2026 10:15 PM CST

If you use the instant messaging app WhatsApp, there is big news for you. WhatsApp users in India are now seeing a new change within the app. The company has started rolling out a new service called WhatsApp Plus. It is being made available for both mobile and web users.

This is a 'premium'—or paid—version of WhatsApp. However, there is no need to worry; opting for it is entirely up to you. If you do not wish to pay, your standard WhatsApp will continue to function for free, just as before. According to a TechCrunch report, the company is introducing this for users who want to make their chatting experience more fun and personalized.

How much does WhatsApp Plus cost in India?
WhatsApp Plus is priced at ₹79 per month. The company is also offering users a one-month free trial. Since the plan may auto-renew after the trial ends, you will need to cancel it in time if you do not wish to continue.

What do you get with WhatsApp Plus?
If you subscribe to WhatsApp Plus, you will get these special features:

Custom themes and icons: You will be able to change your WhatsApp theme and customize the appearance of the WhatsApp icon on your mobile screen.
Exclusive stickers and ringtones: You will get access to stickers and ringtones that are not available to free users.

Chat list upgrade: You will be able to manage your chat list more effectively.
Ability to pin more chats: The limit for pinning important friends or groups to the top of your chat list will be increased.

How do you activate WhatsApp Plus?
Getting started with WhatsApp Plus is very easy. Just follow these steps:
Open WhatsApp.
Tap on the three dots at the top.
Go to Settings.
Select the Subscriptions option.
Tap on WhatsApp Plus.
Start the free trial.

Why has WhatsApp suddenly started charging money?
Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, is currently focusing heavily on Artificial Intelligence (AI). You may have noticed that the blue Meta AI icon has started appearing in WhatsApp. Mark Zuckerberg needs funds to operate these massive AI servers. To cover these costs and create a new revenue stream, WhatsApp is now charging for premium features.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from News18 Hindi. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.


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