WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, with over 2 billion active users. While many people use it daily for basic messaging, WhatsApp actually has numerous hidden features and tricks that can significantly improve your experience. Let’s explore some of the most useful WhatsApp features you may not know about.
Star Important Messages for Easy Access
Ever struggle to find that crucial message buried in a long chat history? WhatsApp’s star feature lets you bookmark important messages for quick retrieval later.
Step 1: Long press on the message you want to star.
Step 2: Tap the star icon that appears in the top menu bar.
Step 3: To view starred messages, tap the three-dot menu and select “Starred messages”.
This simple trick can save you tons of time scrolling through conversations to find key information.
Format Text for Emphasis
Make your messages stand out by using WhatsApp’s built-in text formatting options:
- Bold: Add asterisks before and after text
*bold text* - Italic: Use underscores
_italic text_ Strikethrough: Use tildes
~strikethrough~Monospace: Use three backticks```monospace```
These formatting tricks work on both mobile and desktop versions of WhatsApp.
Send Disappearing Messages
For sensitive conversations, WhatsApp offers disappearing messages that automatically delete after a set time period.
Step 1: Open a chat and tap the contact’s name at the top.
Step 2: Select “Disappearing messages”.
Step 3: Choose a duration - 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days.
All new messages in that chat will now disappear after the selected timeframe. This feature adds an extra layer of privacy to your conversations.
Create Custom Chat Wallpapers
Personalize your WhatsApp experience by setting unique wallpapers for individual chats or all conversations.
Step 1: Open a chat and tap the three-dot menu.
Step 2: Select “Wallpaper”.
Step 3: Choose from preset options or select a photo from your gallery.
Custom wallpapers make it easier to visually distinguish between different chats at a glance.
Use WhatsApp on Multiple Devices
WhatsApp now supports using your account on up to four linked devices simultaneously, without needing your phone to be connected.
Step 1: On your phone, go to WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices.
Step 2: Tap “Link a Device”.
Step 3: On the new device, visit web.whatsapp.com or open the WhatsApp desktop app.
Step 4: Scan the QR code with your phone.
This feature allows seamless messaging across your phone, tablet, and computer.
Lock WhatsApp with Biometrics
Add an extra layer of security to your WhatsApp by enabling biometric authentication.
Step 1: Go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy.
Step 2: Scroll down and enable “Fingerprint lock” (Android) or “Face ID” (iPhone).
Step 3: Choose how quickly the lock should activate when WhatsApp is closed.
This prevents unauthorized access to your chats even if someone gains access to your unlocked phone.
Create and Use Broadcast Lists
Broadcast lists allow you to send a message to multiple contacts at once, without creating a group chat.
Step 1: Tap the three-dot menu and select “New broadcast”.
Step 2: Choose the contacts you want to include.
Step 3: Compose and send your message.
Each recipient receives the message individually, as if you sent it to them personally. This is great for announcements or updates to multiple people.
Enable Two-Step Verification
Two-step verification adds an extra PIN to protect your WhatsApp account from unauthorized access.
Step 1: Go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Two-step verification.
Step 2: Tap “Enable”.
Step 3: Create a 6-digit PIN and optionally add an email address for recovery.
This PIN will be required when registering your phone number with WhatsApp on a new device.
Customize Privacy Settings
WhatsApp offers granular privacy controls to manage who can see your information.
Step 1: Go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Privacy.
Step 2: Customize settings for:
- Last Seen
- Profile Photo
- About
- Status
- Read Receipts
Adjusting these settings gives you more control over your personal information and online presence.
Use WhatsApp Pay for Money Transfers
In select countries, WhatsApp offers a built-in payment feature for easy money transfers.
Step 1: Open a chat and tap the attachment icon.
Step 2: Select “Payment”.
Step 3: Follow the prompts to set up your payment method.
Step 4: Enter the amount and send.
This feature integrates seamlessly with your chats, making it convenient to split bills or send money to friends and family.
Create and Share Your Own Stickers
Express yourself with custom stickers created from your own images.
Step 1: Download a third-party sticker maker app compatible with WhatsApp.
Step 2: Use the app to create stickers from your photos.
Step 3: Add the sticker pack to WhatsApp.
Step 4: Share your custom stickers in chats.
Personal stickers add a unique touch to your conversations and can be a fun way to communicate.
Use Voice Messages Hands-Free
WhatsApp’s hands-free voice message feature lets you record longer messages without holding down the microphone button.
Step 1: Tap the microphone icon in a chat.
Step 2: Swipe up to lock the recording.
Step 3: Speak your message.
Step 4: Tap the send button when finished.
This is particularly useful for longer voice messages or when you need your hands free while recording.
Archive Chats for a Cleaner Interface
Keep your chat list organized by archiving less active conversations.
Step 1: Long press on a chat.
Step 2: Tap the archive icon (box with down arrow).
Step 3: To view archived chats, scroll to the bottom of your chat list and tap “Archived”.
Archiving helps declutter your main chat list without deleting conversations.
Use Chat Filters in WhatsApp Web
The desktop version of WhatsApp offers powerful chat filtering options to quickly find specific types of messages.
Step 1: Open WhatsApp Web on your computer.
Step 2: Click the search icon at the top of the chat list.
Step 3: Use filters like “Photos”, “Videos”, “Documents”, or “Links”.
These filters make it much easier to locate specific content in your chats, especially in busy group conversations.
WhatsApp continues to evolve with new features and improvements. By exploring these hidden gems, you can take full advantage of the app’s capabilities and streamline your messaging experience. Remember to keep your app updated to access the latest features and security enhancements.