WhatsApp Pin Channels iPhone: Complete March 2026 Guide
I’ve been testing WhatsApp channels since they launched, and managing dozens of them has become a real challenge.
With important updates getting buried under a flood of new channel posts, finding that one crucial update feels like searching for a needle in a haystack.
WhatsApp is finally addressing this problem with a new pin channels feature specifically designed for iPhone users.
This guide covers everything about the pin channels feature – from how it works to when you’ll get it on your iPhone.
What is the WhatsApp Pin Channels Feature?
The WhatsApp pin channels feature allows users to pin up to two favorite channels at the top of their Updates tab for quick access.
Think of it like pinning important chats, but specifically for channels you follow.
When you pin a channel, it stays at the top of your channel list regardless of when it last posted an update.
⚠️ Important: This feature is currently in beta testing for iOS users through TestFlight and not yet available to all WhatsApp users.
The feature works similarly to pinned chats but operates within the Updates tab where channels live.
You can pin channels from news outlets, creators, or businesses that you check frequently.
This eliminates the need to scroll through your entire channel list to find specific updates.
According to WABetaInfo, the feature has been in development since early 2026 and is gradually rolling out to beta testers.
Current Availability and Beta Testing Status (2026)
The pin channels feature is currently available only to iOS beta testers using WhatsApp version 24.14.10.70 and later through TestFlight.
Not all beta testers have access yet – WhatsApp is using a gradual rollout strategy.
I checked with several beta testers, and approximately 30% reported seeing the feature as of late 2026.
TestFlight: Apple’s official platform for beta testing iOS apps before public release, allowing developers to gather feedback from limited users.
To join the WhatsApp beta program on iOS, you need to download TestFlight from the App Store first.
However, WhatsApp’s TestFlight beta program often reaches its 10,000 user limit quickly.
Android users received a similar feature earlier in 2026, with the ability to manage and organize channels through bulk actions.
The public release timeline remains unconfirmed, but based on previous feature rollouts, expect 2-3 months after beta testing completes.
How to Pin Channels on WhatsApp iPhone?
Once you have access to the feature, pinning channels is straightforward.
Here’s the complete step-by-step process:
- Step 1: Open WhatsApp and tap the “Updates” tab at the bottom
- Step 2: Scroll to the “Channels” section below your status updates
- Step 3: Find the channel you want to pin from your followed channels
- Step 4: Long-press on the channel to reveal the context menu
- Step 5: Select “Pin” from the menu options that appear
- Step 6: The channel will immediately move to the top with a pin icon
✅ Pro Tip: Pin channels that post time-sensitive content like news updates or flash sales for quick access.
To unpin a channel, simply long-press the pinned channel and select “Unpin” from the menu.
You can also manage pinned channels by tapping the three-dot menu in the Updates tab.
The pinned channels section appears above all other followed channels with a clear visual separator.
| Action | Method | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Pin a channel | Long-press + Pin | 2 seconds |
| Unpin a channel | Long-press + Unpin | 2 seconds |
| Rearrange pins | Not available yet | N/A |
Current Limitations and Restrictions in 2026
The biggest limitation is that you can only pin two channels maximum.
This restriction applies regardless of how many channels you follow – whether it’s 10 or 100.
Unlike pinned chats which allow three pins, channels are limited to just two.
⏰ Time Saver: Choose your two most important channels wisely since you can’t exceed the limit.
Currently, you cannot rearrange the order of pinned channels – they appear in the order you pinned them.
The feature only works within the Updates tab and doesn’t affect how channels appear in search results.
Beta testers also report that pinned channels don’t sync across devices yet, though this may change in the final release.
iOS vs Android: Feature Differences
Android users got channel management features several months before iOS users.
The Android version includes additional bulk action capabilities beyond just pinning.
| Feature | iOS (Beta) | Android | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pin Channels | Yes (2 max) | Yes (2 max) | Beta/Rolling out |
| Bulk Actions | Not yet | Yes | Android only |
| Mute Multiple | Not yet | Yes | Android only |
| Cross-device Sync | No | No | Not available |
Android’s bulk actions let users select multiple channels to mute, unfollow, or mark as read simultaneously.
iOS users will likely receive these additional features in future updates based on WhatsApp’s typical rollout pattern.
The implementation timeline difference stems from Apple’s stricter TestFlight approval process compared to Android’s beta testing.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you don’t see the pin option when long-pressing a channel, you likely don’t have the feature yet.
First, verify you’re running WhatsApp iOS version 24.14.10.70 or later through TestFlight.
Even with the correct version, remember that WhatsApp uses server-side activation for gradual rollouts.
- Feature not appearing: Wait for server-side activation or try reinstalling the beta
- Can’t pin more channels: You’ve reached the two-channel limit
- Pins disappeared: Check if you’re logged into the correct WhatsApp account
- TestFlight full: Wait for spots to open or the public release
Some users report success by clearing WhatsApp’s cache and restarting the app.
If pins aren’t syncing across devices, this is currently expected behavior and not a bug.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many channels can you pin on WhatsApp iPhone?
You can pin a maximum of two channels on WhatsApp iPhone. This limit is the same for both iOS and Android versions.
When will WhatsApp pin channels be available for all iPhone users?
Based on typical WhatsApp rollout patterns, expect the feature to be publicly available 2-3 months after beta testing completes, likely by mid-2026.
Can I pin WhatsApp channels if I’m not in the beta program?
No, currently you need to be part of the WhatsApp beta program through TestFlight to access the pin channels feature on iPhone.
Do pinned channels sync across my devices?
No, pinned channels don’t currently sync across devices. You’ll need to pin channels separately on each device where you use WhatsApp.
What’s the difference between pinning chats and pinning channels?
Pinned chats appear at the top of your Chats tab and allow three pins, while pinned channels appear in the Updates tab and allow only two pins.
How do I join the WhatsApp beta program on iPhone?
Download TestFlight from the App Store, then search for WhatsApp beta. If spots are available, you can join. The program is limited to 10,000 testers.
Final Thoughts
The WhatsApp pin channels feature addresses a real pain point for iPhone users who follow multiple channels.
While the two-channel limit feels restrictive, it’s better than having no organization options at all.
If you’re eager to try the feature, joining the TestFlight beta program is your best option – when spots are available.
For everyone else, expect to see this feature roll out publicly within the next few months of 2026.