WhatsApp Hidden Settings and Tools to Use in 2024
 May 29, 2024
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WhatsApp Hidden Settings and Tools to Use in 2024

WhatsApp has evolved from a simple messaging app to a multifaceted communication platform, integrating features that cater to personal, professional, and group communications. While many users are familiar with the basic functionalities, there are numerous hidden settings and tools that can significantly enhance your experience. Here are some of the best-hidden settings and tools to use on WhatsApp in 2024.

  1. Disappearing Messages

WhatsApp now offers disappearing messages, which automatically delete messages after a set period. This feature is excellent for maintaining privacy and keeping your chat history clean.

  • How to Enable: Open a chat, tap on the contact’s name, scroll to “Disappearing Messages,” and select the time frame (24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days) after which messages will disappear.
  1. View Once Media

For added privacy, WhatsApp introduced the “View Once” feature for media. Photos and videos sent with this option can be viewed only once by the recipient.

  • How to Use: When sending a photo or video, tap the “1” icon next to the send button. The media will disappear after being viewed once.
  1. Custom Notifications

Customize notifications for different contacts or groups to prioritize your messages effectively.

  • How to Set Up: Go to the contact or group chat, tap on the name, and select “Custom Notifications.” You can choose unique tones, vibration patterns, and notification light colors.
  1. Pin Important Chats

Pinning chats helps you keep important conversations at the top of your chat list, ensuring you don’t miss crucial messages.

  • How to Pin a Chat: On Android, long-press the chat and tap the pin icon at the top. On iPhone, swipe right on the chat and tap “Pin.”
  1. Star Messages

Starred messages allow you to mark and quickly find essential messages later.

  • How to Star a Message: Long-press the message and tap the star icon. To view starred messages, go to the chat menu and select “Starred Messages.”
  1. Archive Chats

Keep your chat list organized by archiving less important conversations without deleting them.

  • How to Archive: Swipe left on the chat on iPhone or long-press the chat and select the archive icon on Android. Archived chats can be accessed by scrolling to the bottom of the chat list.
  1. Hidden Chats

In addition to archiving, you can hide chats from the main list for more privacy.

  • How to Hide Chats: Use the “Archive” feature and then select the chat, tap on the three dots (menu), and choose “Hide Chat.”
  1. Advanced Search Filters

WhatsApp’s search functionality has been enhanced with advanced filters. You can now search by contact, group, media type, and date.

  • How to Use: Tap the search icon and enter your keyword. Then, use the filter options that appear below the search bar.
  1. Two-Step Verification

Enhance your account security by enabling two-step verification. This feature adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a PIN when registering your phone number with WhatsApp again.

  • How to Enable: Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable. Follow the prompts to set up a six-digit PIN and an optional email address for recovery.
  1. QR Code for Contacts

Easily share your contact information using a QR code. This is particularly useful for quickly adding new contacts without typing in phone numbers.

  • How to Use: Go to Settings and tap on the QR code icon next to your name. Share your QR code or scan others’ QR codes to add contacts instantly.
  1. WhatsApp Web and Desktop

WhatsApp Web and Desktop versions allow you to use WhatsApp on your computer, making it easier to type and manage conversations.

  • How to Set Up: Open WhatsApp on your phone, go to Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device. Scan the QR code on your computer screen at web.whatsapp.com.
  1. Dark Mode

Protection of  Eyes and save battery life by enabling Dark Mode.

  • How to Enable: Go to Settings > Chats > Theme. Select “Dark” to switch to Dark Mode.
  1. Mute Conversations

Mute notifications for specific chats to avoid distractions without leaving the conversation.

  • How to Mute: Open the chat, tap the contact’s or group’s name, and select “Mute Notifications.” Choose the duration you want to mute the notifications.
  1. Broadcast Lists

Broadcast lists allow you to send the same message to several people individually.

  • How to Create a Broadcast List: Go to the Chats screen, tap the three dots (menu) on Android or “Broadcast Lists” on iPhone, then “New List.” Add the contacts.
  1. Manage Storage

WhatsApp can consume significant storage space with media files. Use the storage management tool to clear unnecessary data.

  • How to Manage Storage: Go to Settings > Storage and Data > Manage Storage. You can see which chats are using the most space and delete unnecessary files.
  1. Fingerprint Lock

For added security, you can enable fingerprint lock to access WhatsApp.

  • How to Enable: Go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Fingerprint lock. Turn on the toggle and follow the prompts to set it up.
  1. Message Reactions

React to messages with emojis, similar to other social media platforms. This feature allows for quick and expressive responses.

  • How to Use: Long-press the message you want to react to and select one of the emoji reactions.
  1. Scheduled Messages

Use third-party apps to schedule messages for future delivery. This can be useful for reminders, birthday wishes, or professional communications.

  • How to Use: Download a scheduling app like SKEDit from the app store, link it with WhatsApp, and set your message schedule.
  1. Chat Shortcuts

Create shortcuts for frequently contacted chats directly on your home screen.

  • How to Create Shortcuts: On Android, long-press the chat, tap the three dots (menu), and select “Add Chat Shortcut.” This places an icon on your home screen for quick access.
  1. Multi-Device Support

Use your WhatsApp account on multiple devices simultaneously without needing your phone to be connected.

  • How to Set Up: Go to Settings > Linked Devices > Multi-Device Beta (if available).
  1. Custom Wallpapers

Personalize your chats by setting custom wallpapers for different conversations.

  • How to Customize: Open the chat, tap on the contact’s or group’s name, select “Wallpaper & Sound,” and choose your desired wallpaper.
  1. Live Location Sharing

Share your live location with contacts for a specified period. This feature is useful for meetings and safety purposes.

  • How to Share: Open the chat, tap the attachment icon, select “Location,” and choose “Share Live Location.” Set the duration for which you want to share your location.

Conclusion

WhatsApp in 2024 is packed with hidden settings and tools that can significantly enhance your messaging experience. By leveraging these features, you can improve your privacy, streamline communications, and personalize your app usage. From disappearing messages to advanced search filters and custom notifications, these tips will help you make the most out of WhatsApp. So, dive into these settings and discover how you can optimize your WhatsApp experience this year.

 

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