20 Hidden WhatsApp Features Nobody Knows About
20 Hidden WhatsApp Features Nobody Knows About
WhatsApp has become an essential part of our daily communication, with over 2 billion users worldwide. While most of us use it for basic messaging, the app is packed with clever features that remain hidden in plain sight. Whether you’re looking to boost your productivity, enhance your privacy, or simply make your chats more enjoyable, these lesser-known WhatsApp tricks will transform how you use the app.
1. Schedule Messages for Later
Ever wanted to send a birthday wish at midnight but knew you’d be asleep? While WhatsApp doesn’t have a built-in scheduler, you can use the app’s integration with third-party automation tools on Android. Alternatively, you can draft your message, save it in a note, and set a regular phone alarm to remind you to send it at the perfect time.
2. Create Custom Notification Sounds for Specific Contacts
Tired of checking your phone for every WhatsApp notification? You can assign unique notification sounds to individual contacts or groups. Simply open a chat, tap the contact or group name at the top, select “Custom Notifications,” and choose a distinctive sound. Now you’ll instantly know who’s messaging you without looking at your screen.
3. Search Messages by Date
Finding that one important message from months ago can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Here’s a shortcut: in any chat, tap the contact or group name, select “Search,” and use the calendar icon to jump to messages from specific dates. This feature saves countless minutes of scrolling.
4. Read Messages Without Blue Ticks
Want to read a message without letting the sender know? Enable Airplane Mode before opening WhatsApp, read your messages, then force-close the app before turning off Airplane Mode. When you reconnect, the blue ticks won’t appear. Just remember that this also prevents you from sending messages until you’re back online.
5. Use WhatsApp on Multiple Devices Simultaneously
WhatsApp now supports multi-device functionality, allowing you to use the app on up to four linked devices without keeping your phone connected to the internet. Go to Settings, tap “Linked Devices,” and scan the QR code on your computer or tablet. Your chats sync seamlessly across all devices.
6. Pin Important Chats to the Top
Never lose track of your most important conversations again. You can pin up to three chats to the top of your chat list. Simply long-press on any conversation and tap the pin icon. Pinned chats stay at the top regardless of new messages in other conversations.
7. Send Messages to Yourself
Your own WhatsApp number makes for an excellent personal notepad. Save your own number as a contact, start a chat with yourself, and use it to store reminders, links, photos, or quick notes that sync across all your devices. It’s like having a private cloud storage space within WhatsApp.
8. Use Secret Formatting Tricks
Beyond the basic bold, italic, and strikethrough options, WhatsApp supports monospace formatting. Type text between three backticks (like this) to create a monospace effect, perfect for sharing code or making text stand out differently. You can also combine formatting styles for creative emphasis.
9. Mute Chats Forever
Some group chats are necessary but noisy. Instead of leaving and causing awkwardness, you can mute them indefinitely. Long-press the chat, tap the mute icon, and select “Always.” You’ll stay in the group but won’t receive any notifications. Check in when it’s convenient for you.
10. Create Polls in Group Chats
Making group decisions just got easier. In any group chat, tap the attachment icon and select “Poll.” You can add your question and up to twelve options. This feature is perfect for planning events, choosing restaurants, or getting quick feedback from your team.
11. React to Messages with Any Emoji
You’re not limited to the six default reaction emojis. Long-press any message to bring up the reaction options, then tap the plus icon to access your full emoji keyboard. Express yourself with hundreds of additional reactions that better capture your feelings.
12. View Status Updates Without Being Seen
Curious about someone’s status but want to remain incognito? Turn off your read receipts in Settings under Privacy before viewing. However, remember this is a two-way street—you also won’t be able to see who viewed your status updates.
13. Export Important Chats
Need to save a conversation for legal, sentimental, or backup purposes? Open any chat, tap the three dots menu, select “More,” then “Export chat.” You can save the entire conversation as a text file with or without media attachments.
14. Use Disappearing Messages on a Timer
Beyond the standard 24-hour, 7-day, and 90-day options, you can set custom disappearing message timers. This privacy feature ensures your messages automatically delete after your chosen timeframe, keeping your chats clutter-free and private.
15. Search Within Conversations
When you need to find specific information in a lengthy chat, use the in-chat search function. Tap the three dots menu in any conversation and select “Search.” This lets you find keywords, phrases, or specific topics without endless scrolling.
16. Silence Unknown Callers
Spam calls on WhatsApp can be annoying. Navigate to Settings, then Privacy, and enable “Silence Unknown Callers.” Calls from numbers not in your contacts will be silenced and appear in your call list without ringing your phone.
17. Use WhatsApp as a Walkie-Talkie
The voice message feature can function like a walkie-talkie for continuous conversations. Swipe up while recording a voice message to lock it in recording mode, freeing your hands. You can even continue browsing WhatsApp while recording.
18. Mark Messages as Unread
Saw a message but need to respond later? Long-press the chat from your main chat list and tap “Mark as unread.” The conversation will appear with a green dot, reminding you to respond when you have time.
19. Control Who Can Add You to Groups
Protect yourself from unwanted group additions by adjusting your privacy settings. Go to Settings, select Privacy, then Groups, and choose who can add you to groups: everyone, your contacts, or your contacts except specific people.
20. Draw and Write on Photos Before Sending
Before sending a photo, tap the image preview to access editing tools. Beyond filters and cropping, you can use your finger to draw, add text in different colors, or include emojis. This feature is perfect for highlighting important details or adding a personal touch to your photos.
Wrapping Up
These hidden WhatsApp features demonstrate that there’s much more to the app than meets the eye. By incorporating even a few of these tricks into your daily routine, you can communicate more efficiently, protect your privacy better, and enjoy a more personalized messaging experience.
The beauty of these features is that they’re already built into WhatsApp—you just need to know where to find them. Take some time to explore these options and discover which ones make your life easier. Once you start using these hidden gems, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them.
Which of these features surprised you the most? Start experimenting today and unlock the full potential of your favorite messaging app.
