WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps worldwide, connecting billions of people every day. While most users are familiar with its basic functions like sending messages, images, and videos, WhatsApp has many hidden features that can make your chatting experience smoother, faster, and more fun. In this article, we will explore some of the most useful WhatsApp hidden features that you probably haven’t used yet.
1. Pin Important Chats
With multiple chats, it’s easy to lose track of important conversations. WhatsApp allows you to pin your favorite chats so that they always appear at the top of your chat list.
How to Pin a Chat:
- On Android: Long press the chat → Tap the Pin icon at the top.
- On iPhone: Swipe right on the chat → Tap Pin.
This feature is especially useful for business users or anyone who wants quick access to important contacts or groups without scrolling through their chat list.
2. Star Your Favorite Messages
WhatsApp lets you star messages to easily find them later. This is great for saving important information like addresses, phone numbers, or key points from a conversation.
How to Star a Message:
- Long press the message → Tap the Star icon.
- To view starred messages: Go to Settings → Starred Messages.
This feature helps you avoid scrolling endlessly to find that one important message.
3. Hide Last Seen, Profile Picture, and Status
Privacy is important, and WhatsApp lets you control who can see your last seen, profile photo, and status updates.
How to Hide Them:
- Go to Settings → Account → Privacy.
- You can choose Everyone, My Contacts, or Nobody for each option.
This feature is perfect for users who want more control over their personal information.
4. Use WhatsApp on Desktop
Did you know you can use WhatsApp on your computer? WhatsApp Web allows you to send messages, photos, and videos directly from your desktop, which is convenient for work or long typing sessions.
How to Use WhatsApp Web:
- Go to web.whatsapp.com on your browser.
- Open WhatsApp on your phone → Settings → Linked Devices → Scan the QR code on your computer.
Now you can access your WhatsApp chats on a bigger screen, which is ideal for multitasking.
5. Format Your Text Messages
WhatsApp supports text formatting to make your messages stand out. You can make text bold, italic, or strikethrough.
Formatting Options:
- Bold: Type your text between asterisks →
*bold*. - Italic: Type your text between underscores →
_italic_. - Strikethrough: Type your text between tilde signs →
~strikethrough~.
This is useful for emphasizing key points in your messages, especially in group chats or professional discussions.
6. Mute Annoying Groups
Group chats can sometimes be overwhelming. WhatsApp allows you to mute notifications from specific groups without leaving them.
How to Mute a Group:
- Open the group chat → Tap the group name → Select Mute notifications → Choose duration (8 hours, 1 week, or Always).
You will still receive messages, but your phone won’t notify you every time someone posts, reducing distractions.
7. Hide Chat from Main Screen
If you want to keep certain chats private, WhatsApp allows you to archive them. Archived chats are removed from the main chat screen but aren’t deleted.
How to Archive:
- Long press the chat → Tap Archive (on Android).
- Swipe left on iPhone → Tap Archive.
This is a simple way to organize your chat list and keep private conversations discreet.
8. Pin Group Descriptions
If you are managing a WhatsApp group, you can pin a description at the top for all members to see. This is useful for group rules, important announcements, or shared links.
How to Pin a Group Description:
- Open the group → Tap the group name → Add or edit the description → Pin it.
This ensures everyone in the group can easily access the most important information without scrolling through messages.
9. Search for Messages, Links, and Media
WhatsApp allows you to search through all your chats for specific messages, links, photos, and videos.
How to Search:
- On Android/iPhone: Go to a chat → Tap the Search icon → Type keywords.
- You can filter results by media type: photos, links, videos, documents, etc.
This feature is very helpful when looking for old messages or shared content quickly.
10. Send Live Location
WhatsApp allows you to share your live location with friends or family for a specific period. This is great for safety and convenience when traveling or meeting up.
How to Share Live Location:
- Open the chat → Tap Attachment → Location → Share live location → Choose duration.
Recipients can see your real-time movement, making meetups easier and safer.
11. Two-Step Verification
For enhanced security, WhatsApp offers two-step verification, which requires a PIN when registering your phone number.
How to Enable:
- Go to Settings → Account → Two-step verification → Enable.
- Set a 6-digit PIN and provide an email for recovery.
This feature helps prevent unauthorized access to your WhatsApp account.
12. Backup and Restore Chats
WhatsApp allows you to backup your chats to Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iPhone). In case you change your phone or uninstall WhatsApp, you can restore all your chats.
How to Backup:
- Go to Settings → Chats → Chat backup → Back Up.
This ensures that you never lose important conversations or media files.
13. Use WhatsApp Without Saving Contacts
WhatsApp now allows you to send messages without saving the number. This is useful when you want to message someone temporarily without cluttering your contacts.
How to Use:
- Open browser → Type:
https://wa.me/number→ Replace “number” with full phone number including country code.
This is a quick way to reach people without permanent contact storage.
14. Customize Notifications
You can set custom notifications for individual chats or groups to easily identify important messages.
How to Customize:
- Open chat → Tap contact/group name → Custom notifications → Set tone, vibration, and popup style.
This feature is helpful for distinguishing work messages from personal messages instantly.
15. Mark Messages as Unread
If you read a message but want to remember to reply later, you can mark it as unread.
How to Mark as Unread:
- On Android: Long press the chat → Tap Mark as unread.
- On iPhone: Swipe on chat → Tap Mark as Unread.
This works like a reminder to respond later without losing track of conversations.
Conclusion
WhatsApp is more than just a messaging app. With these hidden features, you can enhance your privacy, stay organized, and communicate more efficiently. From pinning chats, starring messages, and sharing live location to customizing notifications and using WhatsApp Web, these tools can significantly improve your messaging experience.
Explore these hidden features today and make your WhatsApp experience smarter, faster, and more enjoyable!