WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world. But do you know all the handy features? In this article, we share the best tips and tricks to get more out of WhatsApp.

Edit sent messages

Made a typo? You can now edit messages after sending:

  1. Press and hold on the sent message
  2. Tap Edit (or the pencil icon)
  3. Make your changes
  4. Tap the checkmark to save

Note: You can edit within 15 minutes after sending. An "edited" label will appear next to the message.

Delete messages for everyone

Sent something you regret? You can delete it:

  1. Press and hold on the message
  2. Tap the trash icon
  3. Choose Delete for everyone

Time limit: You have about 2 days to delete a message for everyone. After that, it can only be deleted for yourself.

Send disappearing messages

Want messages to automatically disappear? Turn on disappearing messages:

  1. Open a chat
  2. Tap on the contact name at the top
  3. Tap Disappearing messages
  4. Choose a duration: 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days

After the chosen time, messages disappear automatically from both phones.

Send photos and videos that can only be viewed once

Send a photo that can only be viewed once:

  1. Select a photo or video to send
  2. Tap the 1 icon (next to the text field)
  3. Send the message

The recipient can view the photo only once, then it disappears.

Format text in messages

Make your messages more expressive:

Pin important chats

Keep important chats at the top:

  1. Swipe right on a chat (iPhone) or press and hold (Android)
  2. Tap the pin icon

You can pin up to 3 chats.

Mute chats

Getting too many messages from a group? Mute it:

  1. Open the chat
  2. Tap the name at the top
  3. Tap Mute
  4. Choose: 8 hours, 1 week, or Always

You'll still receive messages, but without notifications.

Read messages without blue check marks

Want to read messages without the sender knowing?

Method 1: Airplane mode

  1. Turn on airplane mode
  2. Open WhatsApp and read the message
  3. Close WhatsApp completely
  4. Turn off airplane mode

Method 2: Turn off read receipts

  1. Go to Settings → Privacy
  2. Turn off Read receipts

Note: You won't see read receipts from others either then. And in groups, read receipts always remain visible.

Send messages without saving the number

Need to quickly message someone without adding them to contacts?

Open this link in your browser (replace the number):

https://wa.me/31612345678

Use the country code without + or 00 (31 for Netherlands, 1 for USA, 44 for UK).

Send a message to yourself

WhatsApp has a built-in notepad:

  1. Open WhatsApp
  2. Search for your own name
  3. You can now message yourself

Handy for saving notes, links, or files.

Export chat history

Want to save an important conversation?

  1. Open the chat
  2. Tap the name at the top
  3. Scroll down and tap Export chat
  4. Choose with or without media
  5. Send via email or save to cloud

Security tips

Enable two-step verification

  1. Go to Settings → Account → Two-step verification
  2. Tap Enable
  3. Create a 6-digit PIN
  4. Add an email address for recovery

Check who can see your info

Go to Settings → Privacy and check:

  • Who can see your profile photo
  • Who can see your status
  • Who can see when you were last online
  • Who can add you to groups

Save mobile data

Using too much data?

  1. Go to Settings → Storage and data
  2. Under "Media auto-download" choose what to download automatically
  3. Turn off "Media auto-download" for mobile data

Need help? Our support team is ready for you! Send a ticket through the customer portal and we'll usually help you within a few hours.

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