WhatsApp Tricks and Features to Enhance Your Experience
WhatsApp, the widely-used messaging platform, is more than just a tool for exchanging texts and media. It’s loaded with features and hidden tricks that can make your communication more efficient, private, and fun. Here are some of the best WhatsApp tricks that you should know about:
1. Pinning Chats for Easy Access
If you have frequent conversations with certain people or groups, pinning their chats to the top of your chat list can save you time. To pin a chat:
- On Android: Long-press the chat and tap the pin icon.
- On iPhone: Swipe right on the chat and tap “Pin.”
You can pin up to three chats for quick access.
2. Read Messages Without Letting Others Know
To avoid triggering the blue ticks (read receipts):
- Turn on Airplane Mode before opening the message.
- Read the message, then close the app and turn Airplane Mode off. Alternatively, you can disable read receipts entirely under Settings > Privacy > Read Receipts.
3. Hide Specific Chats with Archive
The Archive feature allows you to declutter your main chat screen by hiding less important conversations without deleting them. To archive a chat:
- Long-press the chat and tap the archive icon (on Android).
- Swipe left on the chat and tap “Archive” (on iPhone).
You can access archived chats by scrolling to the top of your chat list and selecting “Archived.”
4. Schedule Messages
While WhatsApp doesn’t natively allow scheduling messages, you can use third-party apps like SKEDit for Android or Siri Shortcuts on iOS to set up message scheduling. This is perfect for sending birthday greetings or reminders.
5. Search Messages Efficiently
Instead of scrolling endlessly, use the search bar to find specific messages. On the chat screen, tap the magnifying glass icon (Android) or pull down the screen (iPhone) and enter keywords.
6. Custom Notifications
To prioritize important contacts, set custom notification tones:
- Open the chat, tap the contact’s name, and select Custom Notifications.
- Choose a unique tone for that person.
This helps you recognize who’s messaging without even looking at your phone.
7. Star Important Messages
Highlight key messages for easy reference by starring them:
- Long-press the message and tap the star icon. Access starred messages via Settings > Starred Messages.
8. Use WhatsApp Web/Desktop
For faster typing and multitasking, connect WhatsApp to your computer:
- Visit on your browser.
- Open WhatsApp on your phone, go to Linked Devices, and scan the QR code displayed on the browser.
9. Format Text
Make your messages stand out by formatting text:
- Bold: Enclose the word/phrase in asterisks (example).
- Italic: Use underscores (example).
Strikethrough:Enclose with tildes (example).Monospace:Use backticks (example).
10. Send Disappearing Messages
Enhance privacy by enabling disappearing messages in a chat:
- Open the chat, tap the contact name, and select Disappearing Messages. Messages sent in this mode will vanish after a set time.
11. Multi-Device Support
WhatsApp now allows you to use the same account on multiple devices without needing the primary phone to stay online. This feature can be managed under Linked Devices in settings.
12. Broadcast Messages
Send a message to multiple contacts without creating a group using the Broadcast feature:
- Go to the chat list, tap the three dots, and select New Broadcast.
- Add recipients, and your message will reach them individually.
13. Backup Chats
Ensure you don’t lose important conversations by backing up chats:
- Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. You can choose to back up to Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone).
14. Hide Profile Picture and Last Seen
For more privacy, customize who can see your profile picture and last seen:
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Profile Photo/Last Seen.
- Choose from options like “Everyone,” “My Contacts,” or “Nobody.”
15. Create Stickers
Personalized stickers make chats more fun. Use apps like Sticker Maker to design custom stickers from your photos and import them into WhatsApp.
Conclusion
Mastering these WhatsApp tricks can significantly improve your messaging experience, making it faster, safer, and more engaging. Whether it’s for privacy, productivity, or fun, these features empower you to tailor the app to your unique needs. By exploring these options, you can unlock the full potential of WhatsApp and communicate like a pro.
