How to Switch Your WhatsApp Status View Back to Vertical

Recently, WhatsApp rolled out a major update that introduces the ability to follow Channels for status updates. This added capability comes with a significant interface change—shifting your contacts‘ statuses from a vertical feed to Instagram-like horizontal stories.

If you prefer the old chronological status view, this guide will show you how to switch back to vertical for both iPhone and Android. I‘ll also explore the pros and cons of the updated WhatsApp design. Read on to customize WhatsApp and get the best experience for how you use messaging!

WhatsApp Status: The Big Horizontal View Change

The core WhatsApp experience has always been about private messaging with your friends and family. But statuses—short ephemeral photo and video updates—have become increasingly popular.

Statuses have traditionally displayed vertically in reverse chronological order under "Recent Updates." But in the summer of 2022, that suddenly changed.

The latest WhatsApp update introduces Channels—publicly discoverable broadcasts that you can follow for status updates from businesses, organizations, and public figures.

With this addition, your contacts‘ statuses now display horizontally like Instagram stories or Snapchat. It‘s a major visual change, especially if you‘re used to scrolling up and down through a vertical feed.

Some people like seeing statuses in a format similar to other social media apps. But if you prefer the old vertical view, you can switch WhatsApp back with just a couple taps.

Why You Might Want Vertical Statuses Back

There are a few reasons you may want to revert to a chronological vertical feed for WhatsApp statuses:

• Familiarity – The vertical status feed has been around since the feature launched. If you‘re used to scrolling up to view recent updates, the new horizontal layout may be jarring.

• Focus – With statuses now mixed in among Channels you follow, the updates from friends and family can get lost. A vertical feed dedicated just to your contacts‘ statuses may be less distracting.

• Story fatigue – If you already use Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook Stories, etc., more horizonal stories may feel overwhelming. A chronological vertical feed can be a nice change of pace.

• Accessibility – Some users find vertical feeds easier to navigate, especially those with visual impairments or motor difficulties. Horizontal swiping through stories can be challenging for these groups.

While the redesign brings WhatsApp status viewing more in line with other platforms, it‘s understandable to prefer the old vertical way. Luckily it only takes seconds to change it back!

How to Return to Vertical WhatsApp Statuses

WhatsApp has packaged the status overhaul and Channels feature together. So switching back to vertical statuses involves removing Channels from the mix.

Here are simple step-by-step directions:

On iPhone

1. Open WhatsApp and tap on the Status tab at the bottom.

2. You‘ll see horizontal stories from your contacts and any Channels you follow. Tap on "Channels" at the top.

3. This will display a list of the Channels you currently follow. Tap the three dots next to a Channel > Unfollow.

4. Repeat the process to unfollow each Channel you‘re subscribed to.

Once all Channels are unfollowed, your contacts‘ statuses will return to the old vertical feed!

On Android

1. Open WhatsApp and tap Status at the bottom of the app.

2. Tap the three line menu button in the top right corner.

3. Choose Channels followed from the menu.

4. You‘ll see a list of your followed Channels. Tap Unfollow on each one to stop getting updates.

5. Unfollow every Channel to remove them from your Status view.

After removing all Channels, your friends and family‘s status updates will revert back to the classic vertical feed!

And that‘s all it takes to get the old status layout back on both major mobile platforms.

The Pros and Cons of Horizontal vs. Vertical Statuses

WhatsApp‘s introduction of public Channels represents a bold expansion of its messaging capabilities. But should you embrace the new horizonal story format for statuses or stick to the original vertical feed?

Here are some key pros and cons of each approach:

Horizontal Status View

Pros

• Consistent with other social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat

• Integrates seamlessly with new ability to follow public Channels

• Creates more immersive full screen viewing

Cons

• Can be disruptive if you‘re used to vertical status scroll

• Makes it harder to focus just on friends and family‘s updates

• Additional swiping to view statuses may be annoying

Vertical Status View

Pros

• Maintains the classic chronological feed

• Dedicated space just for friends and family statuses

• Familiar vertical scrolling requires less effort

Cons

• Loses out on Channel integration experience

• Can feel outdated compared to other social platforms

• Less immersive than full screen horizontal view

There are solid arguments for both approaches. Integrating Channels with horizontal stories provides a more modern, engaging status experience. But sticking with the old vertical feed keeps things simple and focused on personal connections.

Ultimately, it comes down to your messaging preferences. The ability to change views means you can decide what works best!

Customize Your Ideal WhatsApp Setup

While switching your contacts‘ statuses back to vertical is easy, you may want to take a more balanced approach. Here are a few ways to customize WhatsApp:

• Follow select Channels for occasional horizontal stories mixed in with your friends and family‘s vertical feed.

• Rotate between horizontal and vertical views depending on what you feel like at the moment.

• Follow Channels but disable your contacts‘ status updates entirely for a broadcast-only feed.

• Turn off Channels and statuses completely if you just want simple messaging.

The choice is yours! I recommend tapping around in the app and playing with the new features. See what setup you like best.

You can find channels to follow under Discover > Categories in the app. Take a look at what publishers, companies, organizations, and influencers are available to follow in your country and globally.

Key WhatsApp Status Privacy Settings

Regardless of how you display status updates, it‘s important to understand the privacy controls. Here are key settings to check:

• My Contacts – Default. Only people in your contacts can see status updates.

• My Contacts Except – Block specific contacts from seeing your status.

• Only Share With – Limit status visibility to certain contacts only.

Configure this under Account > Privacy. You can also make your status invisible completely.

Additionally, go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Status to set when your statuses expire. The default is 24 hours but you can change to 7 or 90 days.

So while the look of statuses has evolved with WhatsApp‘s latest update, your privacy controls remain the same. Choose settings that match your comfort level.

Enjoy WhatsApp Your Way

The introduction of public Channels represents the beginning of a new direction for WhatsApp messaging. But for personal use, you may want to keep things simple and focus just on friends and family.

Thankfully, reverting back to the classic vertical status feed only takes seconds. Just unfollow all Channels to remove the new horizontal view.

Take some time to explore Channels if you want, but don‘t feel obligated to make them a permanent part of your Status experience. Set up WhatsApp to match your preferences.

Messaging should feel like a private, personal space to connect with loved ones. Take control over your WhatsApp and make sure it fits your needs!