WhatsApp has released a cluster of new tools aimed at the holiday period, with the most striking being a change to what happens when a call is missed. Instead of the call simply ending, the person on the other side can now leave a short message, spoken or recorded on video, for the recipient to find later. According to WhatsApp, this may push the familiar voicemail into obsolescence, since the message need not be limited to sound alone. The update also carries several smaller additions, including reactions within voice chats, a spotlight for speakers in group calls, and other minor refinements.
How WhatsApp’s Missed Call Message System Works in Practice
The new option, known as “missed call messages,” works in a simple and practical way. It allows a caller to leave something behind when a call is not answered, instead of letting the moment disappear. The feature is being released gradually across different regions, so some users may see it later than others.
How to Send a Message after a Missed WhatsApp Call
Step 1: Open WhatsApp and enter the chat of the person you wish to call.
Step 2: Select the phone or video icon in the top corner and place the call.
Step 3: If the call is not taken, the call screen remains, but an extra choice appears beneath it, inviting you to record a message.
Step 4: Tap this option and begin speaking. Your words are recorded at once, without any further complication.
Step 5: When you have finished, send the message by pressing the arrow button. The recipient will find it waiting the next time they open WhatsApp.
Step 6: If the missed call was a video call, the same steps allow you to leave a short video message instead of a voice one.
Because the rollout is taking place in stages, the feature may not yet be visible to everyone. Making sure the app is updated through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store is the simplest way to receive it when it becomes available.
Additional WhatsApp Updates Rolling Out Alongside Missed Call Messages
WhatsApp has, alongside its headline changes, introduced a number of smaller additions as part of its holiday update for 2025. None of them is dramatic on its own, but together they aim to smooth the daily habits of people who spend a good part of their time inside the app.
One change affects voice chats, where users can now respond with simple reactions, offering a quick sign of approval or agreement without breaking the flow of speech. Group video calls have also been adjusted so that the person currently speaking is given clear prominence on screen, making it easier for others to follow the conversation, in much the same way as similar tools elsewhere.
There are further alterations to how media is handled. A revised image-generation system provides more room for creativity, while still photos can be turned into brief animated clips. On desktop, media has been gathered into a separate tab, reducing clutter. Link previews, too, have been redesigned to display long web addresses in a cleaner and more readable form. Status updates now come with additional sticker options, including the ability to add song lyrics or pose questions. Finally, Channels have gained a question feature, allowing administrators to invite responses and encourage more active participation.
Final Words
The missed call messages in WhatsApp come as an unwanted guest that proves to be very handy. The timing is intentional and comes at a time when the holiday mayhem is at its peak and missed connections are increasing. It is yet to be seen whether these video voicemails will in fact supplant their audio counterparts, but the possibility of waving wildly at the camera in the process of explaining why you are late is admittedly dramatic. Together with the other supporting cast of minor updates, WhatsApp is still on a quest to become the everything app.
