If you’re a long-time WhatsApp user, you might have noticed a significant change in the way the Status feature is displayed. WhatsApp recently updated the layout from a vertical to a horizontal format, and some users prefer the older design. If you’re among those who miss the classic vertical layout, here’s a guide to get back the old status layout on WhatsApp.
This has happened with the introduction of the new “Channels” feature. After following a channel in WhatsApp you might have noticed a shift from the traditional vertical layout to a horizontal one, which can feel a bit disorienting. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to change the WhatsApp Status layout from a horizontal to a vertical view.
What Changed in WhatsApp’s Status Layout?
The recent changes to WhatsApp’s interface came with the introduction of Channels. Channels are a new feature on WhatsApp that allows users to follow public figures, organizations, or any topic of interest. These channels are different from regular chats and groups because they allow one-way communication where admins can send updates, but followers cannot reply.
However, for users who follow channels, WhatsApp automatically switches the Status updates layout from vertical to horizontal. The horizontal layout displays each Status update in a carousel format, which some users find less intuitive compared to the vertical scroll they are accustomed to.
How to Get Back the Old Status Layout on WhatsApp
If you prefer the old vertical layout for WhatsApp Status updates, you can easily switch back by unfollowing the channels. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open WhatsApp: Start by opening your WhatsApp app.
- Access Channels: Navigate to the Channels tab. You can do this by going to the “Updates” section at the bottom of the screen.
- Unfollow Channels: In the Channels tab, you’ll see the list of channels you’re following. To revert to the vertical WhatsApp Status layout, you’ll need to unfollow all of these channels. To do so:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the ‘Updates’ tab.
- Scroll down to find the ‘Channels’ section.
- Tap on each channel you’re following.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select ‘Unfollow.’
- Restart WhatsApp: After you have unfollowed all the channels, close WhatsApp completely and then reopen it. This refreshes the app’s interface, and your Status updates should now return to the vertical layout.
Conclusion: Reverting to the old WhatsApp Status layout
The shift from a vertical to a horizontal layout for WhatsApp Status updates after following channels may not appeal to everyone. Fortunately, reverting to the old layout is straightforward by simply unfollowing all channels. While this does mean you’ll lose out on the new Channel feature, it’s a small price to pay for a more comfortable user experience.




