WhatsApp, a widely popular messaging app with 2 billion active users, has become an essential part of daily life. It offers free chat, video calls, voice calls, and easy sharing of videos and photos. With its feature-rich interface, WhatsApp has steadily gained global dominance and is now a convenient tool for communication worldwide.
While many are familiar with WhatsApp’s core features, several hidden tricks can enhance its functionality and convenience. These lesser-known tips make using the app even more efficient.
If you’re eager to explore these free WhatsApp tricks, this article is for you. Read on to discover how to incorporate them into your daily routine for a smoother experience.
List of Best WhatsApp Tricks & Tips 2024
Now that you’ve joined WhatsApp, please take advantage of its unique features. Below are some helpful tips to maximize your experience. Use these to enhance your privacy, boost security, and enjoy the app’s customization options.
Read More: How to Can Effortlessly Make WhatsApp More Secure and Private: 8 Tips
Sending Disappearing Messages
Disappearing messages automatically delete after a set time, ensuring you don’t have to worry about saved or forwarded messages without your consent. WhatsApp offers options for messages to vanish after 24 hours, seven days, or 90 days, which you can enable for specific conversations.
However, be aware that a preview of the message will still appear in the notification panel until the app is opened, even after the message expires. To activate disappearing messages, click on the contact’s name in WhatsApp, select the “Disappearing Messages” option, and choose your preferred duration. You’ll receive a notification confirming the activation of this feature.
Customization of Chat Wallpaper
To enhance the aesthetic of your WhatsApp chats, consider changing the wallpaper for all chats or specific conversations. You can choose between light or dark-mode wallpapers. To activate this feature, go to Settings, select Chats, and then choose Wallpaper.
To change the wallpaper completely, click on the Change option. After selecting your desired wallpaper, tap Set Wallpaper. To customize the wallpaper for a specific chat, use the three vertical dots in the chat room itself and follow the same steps.
Using Google Assistant for sending messages
If you have Google Assistant enabled on your Android phone, you can send messages without opening the app. Say, “Hey, Google,” followed by “Send a message to [contact name].” Next, select WhatsApp from the list of applications that appear, then dictate the message you want to send. Google Assistant will repeat the message for your confirmation before sending it.
Backing WhatsApp on Cloud Storage
You can back up both media files and chats to your preferred cloud storage. Android users can back up to Google Drive, while iOS users can use iCloud. To initiate a backup, go to Settings, click on Chats, and then select Chat Backup. Ensure your account is linked to WhatsApp for automatic backups or to perform a manual backup.
Keeping track of who read your message in the group messages
In a large, active group chat, you may want to know who has read your messages. To do this, open the group chat and press and hold the sent message you want to check. Then, tap on the Info option to see whether the message has been delivered, seen, or played.
Using strike-through, bold, or italics in messages
You can emphasize your words in WhatsApp using strike-through, bold, or italic formatting. To make a word bold, place asterisks on either side (e.g., bold). For italics, add underscores on either side (e.g., italics). To apply a strike-through, use tildes on both ends of the word (e.g., ~strike-through~).
Replying privately to group chat messages
If you need to discuss something privately in a group chat, you can quickly start a one-on-one conversation. Press and hold the message in the group chat, click on More, and then select Reply Privately. This will open a private chat option in the text box below. For Android users, press and hold the message, tap the three dots in the top right corner, and choose Reply Privately.
Customization of stickers
WhatsApp users can download available sticker packs or create their own using third-party applications or developer software, provided they meet the requirements.
To save time, you can add your favorite stickers to a dedicated section, making them easily accessible in your recent stickers.
Sending location to the contact
You can easily share your location with a friend on WhatsApp. Open the chat, click on the Attach icon, and select Location. To send your static location, choose Send your current location. If you want to share your live location, select Share live location and choose the duration for which you want to share it. Once you’ve made your selection, click Send.
Pinning Chats to the Homepage
If you frequently chat with a specific contact, you can pin their chat to the homepage for easy access. You can pin up to three contacts, so choose wisely.
To pin a chat on iPhone, swipe right on the chat and tap the pin icon. For Android, select and hold the chat you want to pin, then tap the pin chat icon in the action bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some helpful privacy settings on WhatsApp?
To enhance your privacy, you can enable two-step verification, adjust your last seen and status visibility, and use disappearing messages. Additionally, consider limiting who can add you to groups.
How can I back up my WhatsApp chats and media?
For Android, go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and choose Google Drive. For iOS, navigate to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and select iCloud. Ensure your account is linked for automatic backups.
Can I schedule messages on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp doesn’t have a built-in scheduling feature, but you can use third-party apps like SKEDIT or WhatsApp Business to schedule your messages.
How do I customize my WhatsApp notifications?
You can customize notifications for individual chats by going to the chat, tapping on the contact’s name, and selecting Custom Notifications. This allows you to set unique tones, vibrations, and pop-up notifications.
What are some fun ways to use stickers on WhatsApp?
You can download sticker packs or create your own using third-party apps. Additionally, you can add frequently used stickers to your favorites for quick access.
How can I use WhatsApp on my desktop?
You can use WhatsApp Web by visiting web.whatsapp.com and scanning the QR code with your phone. Alternatively, you can download the WhatsApp Desktop app for easier access.
How do I find out who has read my messages in a group chat?
Press and hold the message you want to check, then tap on Info to see who has delivered, seen, or played the message.
Can I send my live location to someone?
Yes, you can share your live location by oLocationhe cLocatlocation Attach icon, selecting Location, andLocationoosiLocationionve location alonLocationhe dLocationiontion.
How can I use Google Assistant to send messages on WhatsApp?
Say, “Hey, Google, send a message to [contact name] on WhatsApp,” then dictate your message. Google Assistant will repeat the message for confirmation before sending it.
What are disappearing messages, and how do I use them?
Disappearing messages are automatically deleted after a specified time (24 hours, seven days, or 90 days). To enable them, go to the chat, tap the contact’s name, select Disappearing Messages, and choose your preferred duration.
Conclusion
WhatsApp continues to evolve, offering a wealth of features that enhance communication and user experience. By utilizing the tips and tricks outlined above, you can make the most of this popular messaging app in 2024.
Whether it’s improving your privacy settings, customizing notifications, sharing locations, or using innovative tools like Google Assistant, mastering these features will enhance your chats and streamline your interactions. Stay updated with the latest tips to ensure you’re getting the most out of WhatsApp while enjoying a seamless and secure messaging experience. Happy chatting!
