Is there a way to get rid of WhatsApp Channels? Although the new feature just launched, many users already find the prominent display of the channel feed annoying. For some users it's possible, and then there are a few hacks to make them take up less space on your screen. We'll show you how to remove Channels from WhatsApp.
When WhatsApp first launched Channels in September 2023, users, influencers, and companies alike took to the new feature either to connect with their audience or to follow their favorite brands and celebrities.
WhatsApp Channels basically work like a broadcast feature. Users can subscribe to channels from influencers or companies and receive regular updates in the "Updates" tab.
Fast forward a few months: it's exactly these updates that increasingly annoy WhatsApp users. A look at the search engine behavior of shows this: thousands of people each month search on Google how to remove Channels from WhatsApp.
The reasons are fairly simple. Many people find it annoying how much space the channels take up on the screen next to their friends' status messages that used to have their own tab. Another point of contention is that some users simply aren't interested in these updates, but don't get the option to remove WhatsApp Channels. So, is there a way to get rid of WhatsApp channels?
Unfortunately, no, the channels can't be turned off completely. At least not officially. However, there's one way to remove Channels on Android phones, and we'll show you two hacks that can at least make the channels less conspicuous on your screen. And then, there's some hope for future changes.
How to remove Channels from WhatsApp: Install older WhatsApp version
If you go back to an older version of WhatsApp, before Channels were launched, you can, in fact, bypass the feature completely. However, this trick only works for Android smartphones and is also associated with some risks.
Older WhatsApp versions are not available in regular app stores, so you'll need to download an APK installation of an older version from alternative app stores, such as APKPure or APK Mirror.
Important: Before you delete your current WhatsApp version, you should create a backup. You'll need this for the installation afterward. Also make sure to activate APK installations on your cell phone.
Be careful! The alternative app stores aren't official app platforms, so there's a risk of installing malware. However, if you still want to go ahead and install an earlier WhatsApp version, you can follow the steps below.
1. Download an August 2023 version of APK Mirror
For us, APK Mirror was the most intuitive site to use, so we'll explain this process.
Go to APK Mirror and enter "WhatsApp" in the search bar. Then, click through the pages until you find an August version (before the September launch of Channels).
2. Select suitable version
After you click on an option, you'll find more detailed information about the selected version.
Then, select the version that's compatible with your smartphone. This is usually the "arch" version. If you aren't sure which CPU version you need, you can normally find this information in your phone settings.
3. Download older version
Now, click on "download" and confirm the warning message. You'll then have to confirm your phone number again and restore your saved backup.
With this, you can use WhatsApp without Channels. However, keep in mind that this is only a temporary solution, as the older versions will also be updated by WhatsApp at some point.
💡How to create a WhatsApp Channel: Step by step
Unfollow WhatsApp Channels
If you no longer want to see updates from certain channels or simply want to make more space for status messages on your screen, you can simply unsubscribe from Channels.
To do this, go to the "Updates" tab and select the channel you want to unfollow.
Then select the "unfollow" option from the menu. The channel will then no longer appear in your overview.
You can also do this with all the channels you're subscribed to. If you remove all WhatsApp channel subscriptions, you won't see updates anymore, only the channels suggestions from WhatsApp. These cannot be hidden, but at least they don't take up as much space.
Show status messages larger
If your main concern with Channels is that you can't see the status messages as well anymore, there's a way to enlarge the status messages.
Go to the "Updates" tab, and open the menu of your status messages. Then select "see all statuses".
You can now view all status messages without channels on the screen.
How to remove Channels from WhatsApp: Wait for an update
The last option for removing WhatsApp Channels is relatively simple: wait for a WhatsApp update.
According to some tech blogs, WhatsApp is planning an upgrade with a drop-down arrow that will allow you to simply hide Channels in the future.
Follow our WhatsApp updates feed to never miss important news around WhatsApp anymore.
Tips for companies with WhatsApp Channels
From a company perspective, it's obviously not ideal if users find your updates on the Channels annoying.
So, think carefully about whether you want to start a channel at all (is it worth the effort if users don't end up seeing your news at all?) and what kind of content you want to post.
In fact, WhatsApp Channels can be a good addition for companies when it comes to pure broadcasting. However, if you want to make sure you're reaching the right audience, targeting users and your messages aren't being hidden, the WhatsApp marketing notifications are a much better option.
Unlock the power of WhatsApp marketing and learn how businesses around the world are using WhatsApp successfully.
