Meta Launches Paid WhatsApp Plus Subscription Service in India

Meta has officially introduced a paid subscription service, WhatsApp Plus, in India. The service is priced at ₹79 per month and offers users optional aesthetic and convenience-focused upgrades. These include exclusive colour themes, app icons, ringtones, and stickers. The subscription is designed to allow for deeper app customization, though it does not change or limit the free, core messaging and privacy features that remain standard for all users.

A key functional addition for subscribers is the increased pinned chat limit. While standard users have a lower cap on pinned conversations, WhatsApp Plus subscribers can pin up to 20 chats. This improvement aims to provide better organizational flexibility for power users who manage numerous ongoing threads. The update also allows users to replace the traditional green WhatsApp icon with alternative designs, further distancing the experience from the standard app version.

The launch in India aligns with Meta’s broader global strategy to integrate paid subscription tiers across its platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook. Meta has explicitly clarified that end-to-end encryption, voice calling, video calling, and Status features are completely unaffected by the subscription. The offering is purely additive for those seeking a more personalized interface. Users can access the subscription option through the app settings, with automatic monthly renewals for those who choose to opt in.