In 2021 year WhatsApp on Android i iOS still had noticeable differences in design: from fonts and icons to animations and arrangement of elements. Many users, switching from iPhone to Android, experienced discomfort from the familiar messenger interface. But even without official style support iOS in Androidversions, there were several working ways to bring the appearance and behavior of the application closer to the iPhone one.

This article is not about installing fake versions or hacked clients (which violates the rules WhatsApp and threatens account ban), but about legal methods of customization: from changing themes and fonts to using alternative launchers and modules Xposed/Magisk. We analyzed the current solutions for 2021, their pros and cons, as well as security risks. If you are looking for a way to make WhatsApp visually closer to iPhone without losing functionality, read on.

Why do WhatsApp on Android and iPhone look different?

The difference in interfaces is due to platform guidelines: Apple strictly controls the design of applications in App Store, while Google gives developers more freedom. In 2021, the key differences WhatsApp on Android included:

  • 📱 Chat icons: on iOS they are round, on Android they are square rounded corners.
  • 🔤 Fonts: San Francisco (iOS) vs Roboto (Android).
  • 🎨 Color palette: darker green in iOS, light green in Android.
  • ⚡ Animations: smooth transitions on iPhone vs sharp transitions on Android.
  • 📌 Arrangement of elements: "Back" button at the top left on iOS, bottom - on Android.

In addition, in 2021 Android-version WhatsApp did not support some features iOS, for example:

  • 🔍 Search by GIF directly in the chat (on Android it was necessary to open a separate menu).
  • 📎 Attaching media swipe up (on Android - only through the button).
  • 🎥 Video calls with effects (filters and stickers in real time).
⚠️ Attention: Some customization methods (for example, modified APKs) may break Whatsapp terms of use. This may result in your account being temporarily blocked. Before changing the interface, check the current rules in the official source.

Method 1: Using themes for WhatsApp (without root)

The safest method is to install themes through third-party applications. In 2021, several proven solutions worked:

  1. YOWhatsApp or GBWhatsApp —modified clients with theme support iOS. They allowed you to change fonts, colors and even add animations “like on an iPhone.” However, these versions were not tested Google Play Protect and required manual installation of the APK.
  2. WhatsApp Theme Changer (applications like WATtheme) - utilities for applying CSS themes on top of the standard client. They did not work on all devices and could cause lags.
  3. Substratum/Layer — themes for Androidthat change system fonts and icons (requires root or Magisk).

An example of installing a theme via GBWhatsApp:

  1. Download APK from the official site GBWhatsApp (check the file hash for viruses!).
  2. Install by allowing installation from unknown sources in the settings Android.
  3. In the menu GB Settings → Themes select a style iOS 14 or iPhone Dark.
  4. Restart the application.

Back up chats in Settings → Chat → Backup|

Disable Google Play Protect in security settings|

Download APK only from the official website of the modification|

Check application permissions after installation-->

Disadvantages of the method:

  • 🚫 Risk of account ban (especially when using unofficial clients).
  • 🔄 Regular manual updating is required.
  • 🛡️ There are no security guarantees - modified versions may contain malicious code.

Method 2: Launchers with iOS style for Android

If the goal is not only WhatsApp, but the entire interface Android do similar to iPhone, installing a launcher will help. In 2021, the best options were:

Launcher Support for iOS style Security Cost
Launcher iOS 14 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (icons, animations, gestures) No root, but collects data Free (premium $2.99)
X Launcher ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (iOS themes, widgets) No root, advertising Free
iLauncher ⭐⭐⭐ (basic iOS style) No root, little advertising Free
Nova Launcher + icon pack ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (flexible setup) Without root, safe $4.99 (Prime)

How to set up WhatsApp via the launcher:

  1. Install the selected launcher from Google Play.
  2. Download the icon pack iOS (for example, iOS 14 Icon Pack).
  3. In the launcher settings, select:
    4. Settings → Icon style → Select iOS pack

    Settings → Animations → Smooth transitions (like on iPhone)
    

    Settings → Gestures → Swipe up to go back (optional)

  4. For WhatsApp apply an icon from the pack manually (long press → "Change icon").
💡

To hide the name "WhatsApp" under the icon, in Nova Launcher disable signatures in the settings: Settings → Appearance → Application signatures → No.

Important: Launchers only change the appearance, but not the functionality of WhatsApp chat animations, fonts and internal ones. elements will remain standard for Android.

Method 3: Changing fonts systemically (requires root or Magisk)

One of the key features of the "iPhone" WhatsApp is the font San Francisco. on Android in two ways:

Method 1: Via Magisk (without full root)

  1. Install Magisk Manager and module FontManager.
  2. Download the font file San Francisco (available on the forums XDA Developers).
  3. In FontManager select the downloaded font and apply it.
  4. Reboot the device.

Method 2: Through recovery (for flashed devices)

If your Android has custom recovery installed (TWRP), you can flash the ZIP archive with fonts:

1. Download the archive from San Francisco (for example, SF-Pro-ZIP).

2. Reboot into TWRP.


3. Select "Install" → specify the path to the archive.


4. Flash and clear the cache (Wipe Cache/Dalvik).

After application, the font will change throughout the system, including WhatsApp. However, there are nuances:

  • 📱 On some devices (Samsung, Xiaomi) fonts may not be applied due to proprietary shells.
  • 🔄 After updating Android the font may be reset.
  • ⚠️ Not all characters San Francisco are displayed correctly in WhatsApp (for example, emoji).
What to do if the font has not changed?

If after the firmware the font in WhatsApp remains the same, check:

1. Does your version of Android support font replacement (there may be restrictions on Android 10+).

2. Does the launcher theme overlap system fonts (disable the theme temporarily).

3. Update WhatsApp - sometimes the application caches old styles.

Method 4: Xposed Framework for deep customization

For advanced users in 2021, remained relevant Xposed Framework (or its analogue for Android 10+ — LSPosed). With its help, it was possible to change even internal elements WhatsAppsuch as:

  • 🎨 Colors buttons, headings, background.
  • 📏 Dimensions avatars, message bubbles.
  • ⚡ Animations When sending messages.

Instructions for LSPosed (works on Android 10-12):

  1. Install Magisk and module LSPosed.
  2. Download the module WhatsApp Tweaks (available on GitHub).
  3. In the module settings, activate options:
    4. [Appearance]

    - Enable iOS Style
    

    - Round Avatars
    

    - Dark mode like on iPhone (iOS Dark Mode)
    


    [Animations]
    

    - Smooth Message Pop
    

    - Bounce effect when sending (iOS Send Bounce)

  4. Restart WhatsApp.
⚠️ Attention: Modules Xposed/LSPosed may conflict with some banking applications and security systems (for example, SafetyNetIf you use Google Pay or Netflix, check the functionality after installation.

Method 5: Alternative messengers with iOS style

If all of the above methods seem complicated, consider switching to alternative messengers that natively support the style iOS on Android:

  • 💬 Telegram —has themes iOS v settings (Settings → Appearance → iOS Style). Supports round avatars, animations and even notification sounds as in iPhone.
  • 🔵 Signal - minimalistic design, close to iOS, but without deep customization.
  • 📱 iMessage for Android (via Beeper or AirMessage) - a complete analogue of the messenger Apple, but requires Mac or iCloud for synchronization.

Advantages of alternatives:

  • ✅ No risk of account ban (unlike modified versions WhatsApp).
  • ✅ Regular updates and support.
  • ✅ Ability to synchronize with iPhone (for example, Telegram cross-platform).

Disadvantages:

  • 🚫 Your contacts must also use an alternative messenger.
  • 🔄 Transferring chat history from WhatsApp may be difficult.

Use themes without root|

Install a launcher from iOS style|

Change fonts systemically|

Use Xposed/Magisk|

Go to Telegram/Signal|

Leave as is-->

Risks and problems when customizing WhatsApp

Before changing the standard interface WhatsAppread the possible consequences:

Method Risks How to minimize?
Modified APK (GBWhatsApp, YOWhatsApp) Account ban, data leakage, viruses Use only trusted sources, do not enter passwords
Xposed/Magisk modules Conflicts with other applications, unstable operation Make a backup before installation, check compatibility
System replacement of fonts Interface failure, "bricking" of the device Use only compatible fonts for your version of Android
Launchers Slowdown, data collection Choose open source launchers (for example, Lawnchair)

The most common problems after customization:

  • 🚨 WhatsApp stops sending messages - usually associated with modified clients Solution: return to the official version.
  • 🔄 Animations are slow — disable unnecessary effects in the launcher or Xposed settings.
  • 📵 Notifications do not arrive —check the permissions for the messenger and disable battery optimization.
💡

If after customization WhatsApp began to behave unstable, first of all, clear the application cache in the Android settings: Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Memory → Clear cache.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about WhatsApp in iOS style on Android

❓ Is it possible to make WhatsApp on Android completely identical to the iOS version?

No, a completely identical interface is impossible without deep modification of system files Android. The maximum that can be achieved is:

  • Changing fonts to San Francisco.
  • Round chat icons.
  • Color scheme close to iOS.

Functional differences (for example, searching for GIFs or attaching media) will remain.

❓ Will I be banned for using GBWhatsApp?

There is a risk, but it is not 100%. WhatsApp blocks accounts for:

  • Using unofficial clients with malicious code.
  • Mass spamming.
  • Excessive load on servers (for example, automatic sending of messages).

If you use GBWhatsApp only to change topics and do not break the rules, the chance of a ban is minimal. However WhatsApp may tighten the policy at any time.

❓ How to return standard WhatsApp after experiments?

To roll back to the official version:

  1. Delete the modified client.
  2. Download official. WhatsApp from Google Play.
  3. When starting for the first time, restore the backup from Google Drive (if there is one).
  4. If used Xposed or Magisk, disable the corresponding modules.

If after this WhatsApp does not work, clear the application data in the settings Android.

❓ Why do some characters appear as squares after changing fonts in WhatsApp?

This happens due to: Incomplete support (for example,

  • Incomplete support San Francisco V Android.
  • Missing certain glyphs (for example, emoji or special characters).

Solutions:

  • Install an additional font pack (for example, iFont).
  • Return to the standard font Roboto for WhatsApp.
❓ Is it possible to make animations in WhatsApp smooth, like on an iPhone, without root?

Without superuser rights (root) full animations iOS are not available. However, you can:

  • Use a launcher with smooth transitions (for example, Nova Launcher with the setting Animation → Smooth).
  • Enable the "Animation" option windows" in developer settings Android (Settings → For developers → Window animation scale → 1x).

This will not make the animations identical iOS, but it will improve smoothness.