Top Hidden WhatsApp Features You Should Know to Enhance Your Messaging Experience
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WhatsApp has evolved far beyond a simple messaging app. With over two billion users globally, it’s packed with features that many people are still unaware of. While most users rely on it for daily chats, calls, and media sharing, WhatsApp also includes hidden tools that can enhance privacy, productivity, and user experience. Whether you’re a casual user or a power communicator, these hidden WhatsApp features are worth exploring.
Read Messages Without Opening the App
If you want to read a message without triggering blue ticks or last seen status, use the preview feature. On Android, you can pull down the notification bar to read full messages. iPhone users can long-press the notification to preview the message. This way, you stay informed without sending read receipts.
Pin Important Chats to the Top
WhatsApp allows you to pin up to three chats at the top of your conversation list. This is especially helpful if you regularly message certain contacts or need quick access to business chats. Simply long-press a chat and tap the pin icon to keep it visible above all others.
Use WhatsApp on Multiple Devices
With the multi-device feature, you can now use WhatsApp on up to four linked devices even if your phone is offline. Go to Settings > Linked Devices and follow the steps to connect other devices like your desktop browser or laptop.
Custom Notifications for Different Contacts
You can assign custom notification tones to specific contacts or groups. This helps you instantly identify who messaged you without looking at your screen. Open the chat, tap the contact’s name, and choose Custom Notifications to personalize tones, vibrations, and popup alerts.
Mark Chats as Unread
If you’ve opened a chat but want to return to it later, you can mark it as unread. On Android, long-press the chat and tap Mark as Unread. This doesn’t remove the blue ticks but acts as a reminder that the conversation needs your attention.
Send Messages to Yourself
WhatsApp now supports sending messages to your own number. This is useful for taking notes, saving links, or forwarding important files. Simply open a new chat and select your own contact or number from the list. It becomes a private notepad inside the app.
Star Messages for Quick Reference
If you receive important information in a chat, you can star that message for easy access later. Long-press the message and tap the star icon. Then go to Menu > Starred Messages to view all your saved content in one place.
Disappearing Messages for Privacy
You can enable disappearing messages in individual or group chats. Messages will automatically delete after a selected duration, such as 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days. This helps keep your conversations private and clutter-free. Turn it on from the chat settings.
Control Who Can See Your Profile Info
WhatsApp now gives more control over who can view your last seen, profile photo, about, and status updates. Go to Settings > Privacy and choose between everyone, contacts, selected contacts, or nobody. This is helpful for avoiding unwanted attention or maintaining boundaries.
Hide Online Status and Typing Indicator
In the latest updates, WhatsApp lets you hide your online presence and typing status. You can now browse and reply to messages without others knowing when you're online or typing. These options are available under Privacy Settings for better control of your activity visibility.
Lock WhatsApp with Fingerprint or Face ID
To enhance security, you can enable fingerprint or face recognition to unlock WhatsApp. Go to Settings > Privacy > Fingerprint Lock (or Face ID for iPhones). This prevents unauthorized access to your messages if someone else has your phone.
WhatsApp continues to roll out features that can improve both user experience and privacy, many of which are hidden within its settings. By exploring these lesser-known tools, you can communicate more efficiently, safeguard your information, and make better use of the app’s full potential. Take some time to dive into your settings—you might discover tools that completely change how you use WhatsApp.
Read Messages Without Opening the App
If you want to read a message without triggering blue ticks or last seen status, use the preview feature. On Android, you can pull down the notification bar to read full messages. iPhone users can long-press the notification to preview the message. This way, you stay informed without sending read receipts. Pin Important Chats to the Top
WhatsApp allows you to pin up to three chats at the top of your conversation list. This is especially helpful if you regularly message certain contacts or need quick access to business chats. Simply long-press a chat and tap the pin icon to keep it visible above all others.Use WhatsApp on Multiple Devices
With the multi-device feature, you can now use WhatsApp on up to four linked devices even if your phone is offline. Go to Settings > Linked Devices and follow the steps to connect other devices like your desktop browser or laptop. Custom Notifications for Different Contacts
You can assign custom notification tones to specific contacts or groups. This helps you instantly identify who messaged you without looking at your screen. Open the chat, tap the contact’s name, and choose Custom Notifications to personalize tones, vibrations, and popup alerts.You may also like
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Mark Chats as Unread
If you’ve opened a chat but want to return to it later, you can mark it as unread. On Android, long-press the chat and tap Mark as Unread. This doesn’t remove the blue ticks but acts as a reminder that the conversation needs your attention. Send Messages to Yourself
WhatsApp now supports sending messages to your own number. This is useful for taking notes, saving links, or forwarding important files. Simply open a new chat and select your own contact or number from the list. It becomes a private notepad inside the app. Star Messages for Quick Reference
If you receive important information in a chat, you can star that message for easy access later. Long-press the message and tap the star icon. Then go to Menu > Starred Messages to view all your saved content in one place. Disappearing Messages for Privacy
You can enable disappearing messages in individual or group chats. Messages will automatically delete after a selected duration, such as 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days. This helps keep your conversations private and clutter-free. Turn it on from the chat settings.Control Who Can See Your Profile Info
WhatsApp now gives more control over who can view your last seen, profile photo, about, and status updates. Go to Settings > Privacy and choose between everyone, contacts, selected contacts, or nobody. This is helpful for avoiding unwanted attention or maintaining boundaries. Hide Online Status and Typing Indicator
In the latest updates, WhatsApp lets you hide your online presence and typing status. You can now browse and reply to messages without others knowing when you're online or typing. These options are available under Privacy Settings for better control of your activity visibility. Lock WhatsApp with Fingerprint or Face ID
To enhance security, you can enable fingerprint or face recognition to unlock WhatsApp. Go to Settings > Privacy > Fingerprint Lock (or Face ID for iPhones). This prevents unauthorized access to your messages if someone else has your phone. WhatsApp continues to roll out features that can improve both user experience and privacy, many of which are hidden within its settings. By exploring these lesser-known tools, you can communicate more efficiently, safeguard your information, and make better use of the app’s full potential. Take some time to dive into your settings—you might discover tools that completely change how you use WhatsApp.
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