How to Restore the Classic Vertical Status Style on WhatsApp Post-Update

If you’ve recently updated WhatsApp and found yourself facing the new horizontal status display, you’re not alone. The 2025 update has brought a significant change in how statuses are viewed, leaving many users longing for the familiar vertical layout. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to revert back to the traditional vertical style, ensuring that your WhatsApp experience remains user-friendly and convenient. By following these instructions, you can customize your app to suit your preferences while navigating statuses with ease.

Before diving into the steps, ensure that you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed on your device. This guide applies to both Android and iOS systems, so no matter which platform you use, you’ll be able to follow along seamlessly.

Step 1: Access Your WhatsApp Application

Begin by opening the WhatsApp app on your device. Make sure you are signed in to your account. Once inside, navigate to the status update section where the new design is displayed. You will notice that the statuses are now arranged in a square format instead of the previous vertical list.

Step 2: Follow a WhatsApp Channel

To revert to the vertical status view, you need to follow a WhatsApp Channel. Tap on the Channels tab, typically located at the bottom of your screen. Here, you can search for a channel to follow. If you’re unsure which channel to choose, you could start by following a popular one. Simply click on the channel name and then tap on Follow in the top right corner.

Step 3: Unfollow the Channel to Switch Styles

After successfully following a channel, the next step is to unfollow it. This action will revert the status layout back to its old vertical format. To do this, return to the channel profile you just followed, tap on the profile name at the top right corner, and select Unfollow. When you do this, you should notice the status display shifting back to vertical.

Step 4: Confirm the Change

Once you have unfollowed the channel, go back to the Status section. Here, you should see the statuses displayed in a vertical format once again. This allows for easier browsing and a more familiar user experience.

Step 5: Re-follow the Channel (Optional)

If you would like to continue following the channel for updates while maintaining the vertical status style, you can re-follow it. Go back to the Channels section, find the channel, and tap on Follow again. This step is optional but can keep you updated without sacrificing the status layout you prefer.

Extra Tips & Common Issues

If you encounter any issues during this process, ensure that your WhatsApp app is updated to the latest version. Sometimes, app glitches may cause the status layout to not revert as expected. Restarting your device can also resolve minor issues. Additionally, if the vertical layout does not revert immediately, wait a few moments and check back again.

Conclusion

By following these straightforward steps, you can effortlessly switch back to the classic vertical status style on WhatsApp. This not only enhances your user experience but also helps you navigate through statuses more comfortably. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring additional tips and tricks to optimize your WhatsApp experience further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still see statuses from channels if I unfollow them?

Unfollowing a channel will remove its updates from your feed, but you can still view their statuses if you navigate to the channel directly.

What if the status layout doesn’t change after unfollowing?

Ensure that your app is updated to the latest version. If the issue persists, try restarting your device or reinstalling WhatsApp.

Is it possible to revert back to the new style after switching?

Yes, you can always follow the channel again to switch back to the new style whenever you wish.