WhatsApp New Update: Set Profile Photo from Facebook or Instagram

WhatsApp, one of the world’s most popular messaging apps, is said to be testing a convenient new feature for Android users. In a move aimed at tighter integration across Meta’s platforms, users may soon be able to directly import their profile pictures from Facebook and Instagram to WhatsApp. This feature is currently spotted in the beta testing phase, and early indications show it could make managing social profiles much simpler for users.

Here’s everything you need to know:

1. New Integration Across Meta Platforms

Meta seems to be working on making its family of apps — Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp — function more smoothly together. A new feature being tested in WhatsApp’s Android beta version allows users to pull their profile photo directly from Facebook or Instagram, saving time and effort.

2. Feature Spotted in Beta Version 2.25.21.23

This feature was first spotted by WABetaInfo, a popular platform known for tracking upcoming WhatsApp changes. The new profile photo option was found in beta version 2.25.21.23 of WhatsApp for Android. While not yet available for all users, it can be seen by those registered in the Google Play Beta program.

3. Where the Feature Appears

To access this feature, users need to go into their WhatsApp settings and tap on their profile photo. Normally, users can change their profile picture by taking a photo, uploading from the gallery, creating an avatar, or using Meta AI. With this update, two additional options appear — Facebook and Instagram.

4. How It Works

When a user taps on either the Facebook or Instagram option, WhatsApp is expected to fetch the same profile photo from the selected platform. This allows the user to skip the usual process of downloading the photo and uploading it manually into WhatsApp.

5. Linking with Meta Accounts Centre

To make this feature work, users may be required to link their WhatsApp account to the Meta Accounts Centre. This hub allows users to manage connections between various Meta platforms. Linking accounts here enables smoother integration but is completely optional.

6. Optional and Privacy-Respecting

Meta is reportedly keeping user privacy at the core of this rollout. According to the beta tracker, this feature is turned off by default, giving users full control. Linking accounts is not mandatory, and even if accounts are linked, WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption remains intact.

7. Why This Feature Matters

Earlier, if someone wanted to use the same display picture from their Facebook or Instagram on WhatsApp, they had to manually download it or take a screenshot and upload it again. This new shortcut eliminates those steps, making the process seamless and user-friendly.

8. Part of Meta’s Bigger Strategy

This update aligns with Meta’s broader plan of offering single sign-on experiences and unified avatar management across its apps. Earlier, Meta also introduced cross-platform features like sharing stories and reels across apps. The profile photo integration is a small but significant step in that direction.

9. Still Under Development

The feature is still being tested and not yet available to the general public. Only selected beta testers who are part of the Google Play Beta programme currently have access to this option. A wider rollout will likely depend on testing results and user feedback.

10. What to Expect in Future Updates

While there is no official release date, if testing goes well, the feature is expected to be included in future stable versions of WhatsApp. Users who like keeping a uniform presence across platforms or frequently update their profile photos will likely benefit the most from this enhancement.

Conclusion
WhatsApp’s potential feature to import profile photos directly from Facebook and Instagram could save users time and effort. With privacy controls still intact and full user control over linking accounts, the update is another step toward a more connected Meta ecosystem. If successfully rolled out, it might just be the beginning of deeper integrations across Meta apps in the coming months.

Stay tuned for more updates as the feature progresses beyond beta testing.