Meta Tests Paid 'WhatsApp Plus' Subscription in India at Rs. 79/Month; Check Exclusive Features

Meta has commenced testing a Rs. 79 monthly subscription service called 'WhatsApp Plus' in India, offering exclusive personalization features while maintaining standard end-to-end encryption.

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Uday Raj Singh
Last Updated : Thursday, 18 June 2026
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New Delhi: Meta has started testing a paid subscription service for WhatsApp in India. It is named as WhatsApp Plus. The trial is live for both mobile and web users. Now, users can get access to exclusive features that were not available on the regular free version. But for these exclusive features, you'll have to pay Rs. 79 a month. Meta is also offering a one month free trial to get people to try it out. The subscription auto-renews every month until you cancel it.

What features do you get?

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WhatsApp Plus comes with a set of features built around personalization. Users can change the WhatsApp app icon to something of their choice. The entire look and theme of the app can be changed. Exclusive stickers and ringtones are included that regular users will not have access to. There is also an upgraded chat list that makes managing conversations easier. Users can pin more chats to the top of their screen than the regular version allows.

But what about the security?

Meta has been clear on one thing. Paying for WhatsApp Plus does not change how your messages are protected. All chats and calls remain end-to-end encrypted. Nothing changes on the privacy and security front. However, if you were hoping the paid version would get rid of ads in Status updates, that is not the case. Ads in Status will still show up even after you subscribe.

How to activate it?

  • Open WhatsApp on your phone.
  • Tap the three-dot menu at the top right corner.
  • Go to Settings.
  • You will see a new Subscriptions option.
  • Tap on it.
  • Select WhatsApp Plus and start your one month free trial from there.

Why this step taken out by WhatsApp?

Simply the major factor of this decision is revenue strategy. Meta wants to earn beyond just advertisements. A paid subscription tier is their way of building a new income stream directly from users. The company believes many users will pay for these features. Especially creators and people who want more control over their privacy and reach.

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