WhatsApp Hidden Secret Tricks
Pssive user base of over two billion people worldwide, is undeniably one of the most popular messaging platforms. While many users are familiar with the app’s basic features, there are a number of hidden tricks and features that can significantly enhance your WhatsApp experience. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best-kept secrets that can help you navigate the app more efficiently, customize your chats, and boost your overall usage.
1. Bold, Italic, Strikethrough, and Monospace Text Formatting
WhatsApp allows you to format your text messages in several ways, adding more flair to your conversations. To use these formats, simply use special characters before and after your text.
- Bold: Add an asterisk (*) before and after the word or sentence (e.g., bold).
- Italic: Use an underscore (_) before and after the text (e.g., italic).
- Strikethrough: Use a tilde (~) before and after the text (e.g.,
strikethrough). - Monospace: Place three backticks (
) before and after the text (e.g.,monospace“`).
This simple trick can help you highlight important messages or add a touch of personality to your chats.
2. Pin Chats for Easy Access
If you often find yourself looking for a particular conversation, WhatsApp lets you pin chats to the top of your chat list. This feature is perfect for keeping important conversations readily available. To pin a chat, simply swipe right on the conversation (on iOS) or tap and hold the chat (on Android), then select the pin icon. You can pin up to three chats, ensuring your most important discussions are always at your fingertips.
3. Mark Messages as Unread
Did you accidentally open a message but want to return to it later? WhatsApp lets you mark messages as unread so that you don’t forget to reply. To do this, on Android, long-press the chat, then tap the three dots in the top-right corner and select “Mark as unread.” On iOS, swipe right on the conversation and tap the “Unread” button. This can be especially helpful if you receive important messages and don’t want to forget to respond.
4. Hide Last Seen from Specific People
Your “Last Seen” status tells your contacts when you were last active on WhatsApp. If you don’t want everyone to see this information, you can customize who can view it. To do so, go to Settings > Privacy > Last Seen, and choose between “Everyone,” “My Contacts,” “My Contacts Except…” (for specific contacts), or “Nobody.” This feature ensures you can maintain your privacy while still using the app freely.
5. Send WhatsApp Messages Without Typing
Sometimes, typing out long messages can be a hassle. Luckily, WhatsApp allows you to send messages via voice commands using Google Assistant or Siri. Just say, “Hey Google, send a WhatsApp message to [contact name],” and the assistant will prompt you to dictate your message. It’s a handy trick for when you’re on the go or need to send a quick text without touching your phone.
6. Use WhatsApp Web and Desktop App
WhatsApp Web and the desktop app allow you to access your chats directly from your computer, making it more convenient to type long messages or multitask while staying connected. Simply visit the WhatsApp Web site (web.whatsapp.com) or download the desktop app, and scan the QR code with your phone’s WhatsApp app (found under Settings > WhatsApp Web/Desktop). This feature is great for those who spend a lot of time on their computer.
7. Custom Notifications for Contacts
Want to assign a unique notification sound for specific contacts? WhatsApp lets you set custom notifications so you can immediately identify who’s messaging you. To do this, open the chat, tap on the contact’s name, then tap Custom Notifications and choose your desired sound, vibration, and popup options. This is especially useful if you receive many messages throughout the day.
8. Hide Your Profile Picture from Specific Contacts
If you want to keep your profile picture private, WhatsApp allows you to control who can view it. Go to Settings > Privacy > Profile Photo, and choose between “Everyone,” “My Contacts,” or “My Contacts Except…” to hide your photo from specific individuals. This is a great way to protect your privacy while still using the app.
9. Send Large Files
WhatsApp allows users to send files, but there’s a size limit. The good news is that with a small workaround, you can send larger files. For photos, videos, or documents, you can compress the file size by using cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox and sharing the link through WhatsApp. This trick will allow you to send files larger than the app’s usual limit.
10. Create and Use WhatsApp Broadcast Lists
If you regularly send messages to the same group of people but don’t want to create a group, WhatsApp’s Broadcast List feature is perfect. A broadcast allows you to send a message to multiple recipients without them seeing each other’s responses. To create a broadcast, tap the three dots in the top-right corner, select New Broadcast, and add the contacts you want. Keep in mind that the recipients must have your number saved in their contacts to receive your broadcasted message.
