WhatsApp has become an omnipresent tool In our daily lives, whether it's to keep in touch with friends or family or for work or personal matters. However, many users, despite using it daily, are unaware of the vast number of features, tricks, and possibilities this app offers beyond simply sending messages.
Learn all the hidden tools of WhatsApp in depth Not only can it improve your user experience, but it can also help you better manage your privacy, personalize your interactions, and even save space on your phone.
Access and use WhatsApp from your computer
You don't need to look at your phone constantly If you work from a computer, WhatsApp has two versions designed for this: WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop. Both allow you to conveniently manage your conversations from your browser or a desktop app.
To use them, scan the QR code that appears on your computer using the "Linked Devices" feature on your phone. Unlike other apps like Telegram, this option requires your mobile device to be nearby and connected.
Activate dark mode
Less shine, less fatigue, better aesthetics. WhatsApp offers dark mode in its mobile, web, and desktop versions. Activate it from the settings:
- On mobile, go to Settings → Chats → Theme → Dark.
- On Web or Desktop, go to Settings → Theme → Dark.
Once active, the entire interface will change to black or gray tones.
Control who can see your personal information
WhatsApp lets you decide who sees your profile picture, last seen, information and statuses.It's a simple way to protect your privacy.
- Go to Settings → Account → Privacy.
- Choose options to determine whether everyone, your contacts, or specific contacts can see it.
You can also hide your photo from specific people, or allow only certain contacts to see your statuses.
Deactivate the double blue check
The famous blue double check indicates that you have read a message. If you prefer more discretion, you can disable it:
- Settings → Account → Privacy → Read Receipts.
- Deactivate this option and neither you nor they will see who has read your messages, nor will they see yours.
However, confirmations will remain active in group conversations.
Read messages without appearing “Online” or without reading notifications
There are several ways to read messages without leaving a trace.:
- Turn on airplane mode and then open WhatsApp. Turning it off will prevent you from being logged.
- Use widgets on Android to view messages without opening the app.
- Read from floating notifications or in the notification center.
Another advanced option is to forward messages to a chat with yourself and read them from there.
Listen to voice notes without them knowing
An ideal trick to maintain your privacy. Share the audio with another chat (preferably yourself) and play it from there. This way, the blue double check won't be triggered in the original chat.
You can also hold your phone to your ear after pressing play. The proximity sensor will switch the audio to the earpiece, just like during a call.
Lock WhatsApp with fingerprint or facial recognition
Don't rely solely on phone lockProtect WhatsApp with a biometric lock:
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Fingerprint Lock or App Lock.
- Activate it and add your fingerprint or face depending on the device.
From then on, to access WhatsApp you will need to identify yourself.
Avoid being put in groups without permission
WhatsApp allows you to limit who can add you to groupsA little-known but very useful feature:
- Go to Settings → Account → Privacy → Groups.
- Select from Everyone, My Contacts, or My Contacts except…
With this setting, only people you authorize will be able to get into a group.
Format your messages
Whatsapp allows you to write in different formats to emphasize. You can use:
- Bold type: place words between asterisks → *example*
- Italics: use underscores → _example_
- Strikethrough: serves the comma → ~ example ~
- Monospaced: three backticks → «` Example «`
You can combine them to further enhance your messages.
Listen to your voice notes before sending them
WhatsApp lets you review a voice note before sending it.. To do it:
- Record the note as usual.
- Before sending it, exit the chat (back button).
- Go back in and you'll see the message ready to play.
This helps you correct mistakes or hear how you expressed yourself before sharing the audio.
Send voice notes without holding the button
WhatsApp includes a hands-free option To record voice notes without holding the button down:
- Press and hold the microphone button and swipe up.
- You will see a lock icon that releases the button.
From that moment on, you can talk without touching the screen.
Make calls or video calls from WhatsApp
Calls and video calls are available on both mobile and PC.. Use them to communicate more directly. Includes:
- Individual or group calls (up to 8 people).
- Group video calls of up to 50 people via Messenger rooms (Facebook).
Ideal for quick meetings or connecting with many contacts at once.
Create and use GIFs and stickers
WhatsApp allows you to use and even create your own GIFs or stickers.:
- Convert short videos (less than 6 seconds) into GIFs before sending them.
- Use external applications like Sticker Maker to generate custom stickers.
- Access it from the emoji menu and use the search to find your perfect GIF.
A fun and visual way to express yourself.
Free up space by deleting unnecessary files
WhatsApp can accumulate hundreds of media filesYou can clean up what you don't need from:
- Settings → Storage & data → Manage storage.
- There you will see how much space each chat takes up and the largest files.
You can delete only images, videos, or documents, without touching the text of the conversations.
Change your number without losing chats
If you change your phone number, you don't have to lose your data.WhatsApp offers a migration system:
- Go to Settings → Account → Change number.
- Enter the old and new numbers.
- WhatsApp will seamlessly migrate your chats and data.
Remember to notify your contacts of the change.
Send messages without adding the contact
You can talk to someone without having to save their number.. Just type in your browser:
wa.me/34XXXXXXXXXX
Replace the Xs with the recipient's number. Opening the link will open a conversation without having to add them to your address book.
send messages to yourself
Use WhatsApp as a notepad. Send yourself links, reminders, or images:
Go to wa.me/34yournumber and start a chat with yourself. You can save content without the need for external apps, and you can also use the search engine to retrieve what you've written.
Share your contact with a QR code
Avoid having to dictate your numberWhatsApp generates a QR code with your profile:
- Go to Settings and tap the QR code icon next to your name.
- Display the code for scanning.
You can also scan codes from there.
Send mass messages with Broadcast Lists
WhatsApp has a feature that allows you to send the same message to multiple people without creating a group.:
- On Android: Tap Menu → New Broadcast.
- On iOS: At the top, tap “Broadcast Lists.”
The message arrives as an individual chat, but is sent to everyone selected.
Mark a chat as unread
Did you see a message but don't have time to reply yet? Mark it as unread:
- Android: Long press on the chat → Menu → Mark as unread.
- iOS: Swipe right on chat → Mark as unread.
This simple gesture will help you remember it to respond later.
Create shortcuts on Android
For your frequent contacts, You can place shortcuts on the home screen:
- Open chat → Menu → More → Create shortcut.
This way, you can open the conversation with a single tap, saving time.
As you can see, WhatsApp is much more than a simple messaging app. Its features range from small tricks that make your daily life easier to advanced privacy, customization, and productivity tools. Exploring all these possibilities thoroughly will allow you to unleash the app's full potential and make it a tool tailored to your needs.
