As one of the most widely used messaging apps in the world, WhatsApp continues to change the way we communicate with our friends, family, and colleagues. However, beneath its simple and intuitive interface, WhatsApp offers numerous hidden features that can enhance our user experience. In this article, we will discuss 10 hidden WhatsApp features you may not be aware of.
- Send Messages to Yourself
WhatsApp allows you to send messages to yourself. This could be seen as unusual, but it can actually be a useful feature for storing information such as notes and reminders. To do this, simply type in the recipient's number, which is your own phone number.
- Archive Chats
Archiving chats keeps them out of sight without deleting them. This can be particularly helpful that you don't want to see every time you open WhatsApp, but wish to access later. To archive a chat, go to the chat list, long-press on the chat you wish to hide, and tap on "Archive Chat."
- Use the 'Nametag' Feature
WhatsApp's unique Nametag feature allows you to create a unique QR code that can be used to quickly add new contacts. To use this feature, go to Settings, then tap on "Data and Storage," and next tap on "Storage Usage." From there, tap on "Back up and chat history" and select "Use Local Backup." This will creating a personal QR code that can be automatically recognized by other WhatsApp users to add you as a contact.
- Mute Chats Indefinitely
If you're fed up with notifications from a particular chat, you can mute that chat indefinitely. To do this, go to the chat list, tap and hold on the chat you wish to silence, and tap on "Mute." From there, tap on the amount of time you want to mute the chat for, or select "Mute forever" to mute the chat indefinitely.
- Use WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp Web allows you to use WhatsApp on your computer, just like you do on your mobile device. To use this feature, go to web.whatsapp.com on your computer, then automatically recognize the QR code that appears on the screen with your phone's WhatsApp app. This will allowing you to access WhatsApp on your computer and send messages, make calls, and share files.
- Create a 'Quick Shortcut' to Start a group Chat
If you frequently start group chats with the same group, you can create a quick shortcut to start a group chat. To do this, go to the chat list, long-press on the chat you want to add to the group, and select "Add to group." From there, select "New group" and create a new group. You can then include the shortcut to your phone's home screen.
- Change the Font Size of WhatsApp
If you're having trouble reading WhatsApp messages due to a tiny screen or poor eyesight, you can adjust the text size of WhatsApp. To do this, go to Settings, then tap on "Chats," and next tap on "Font Size." From there, tap on the font size you prefer to have.
- Use the 'Blast' Feature
The powerful blast feature allows you to broadcast a message to all of your contacts at once. To use this feature, go to the chat list, tap and hold on a contact, and select "Broadcast List." From there, add contacts to the list and compose the text you want to send.
- Transfer WhatsApp Chats to a New Phone
If you're changing phones and wish to move your WhatsApp chats to the new phone, you are able to do so by backing up your chats on the old phone and reinstating them on the new phone. To do this, go to Settings, then tap on "Chats," and then tap on "Chat backup." From there, select "Back up" and follow the on-screen prompts to back up your chats. On the new phone, go to Settings, then select "Chats," and then tap on "Restore Chat Backup."
- Use the 'View Once' Feature
The convenient view once feature allows you to share a message that can be viewed only once by the recipient. This can be particularly helpful feature for sharing sensitive information, such as sensitive details or personal financial information. To use this feature, go to the photo or video you want to send, long-press on it, and tap on "View Once." This results in allowing the recipient to view the file only once before it disappears.
