WhatsApp is simple on the surface, but under the hood, it’s packed with features most people never touch. If you’re just sending texts and emojis, you’re only scratching the surface. Whether you use WhatsApp for work, personal chats, or community groups, knowing these lesser-known features can save time, boost privacy, and make you look like a messaging pro.
Here are 10 hidden WhatsApp features that will level up your game:
1. Pin Important Chats to the Top
Tired of scrolling to find that one important group or person? You can pin up to three chats at the top of your conversation list.
How to use it:
On Android, long-press the chat > Tap the pin icon.
On iPhone, swipe right on the chat > Tap “Pin.”
📌 Power Tip: Pin work chats, family groups, or anything you check daily to avoid message overload.
2. Star Messages for Quick Access Later
Need to remember an address, a password, or a specific reply? Use the “Star” feature to bookmark it.
How to use it:
Tap and hold any message > Tap the star icon.
Then go to Menu > Starred Messages to view them all in one place.
⭐ Why it matters: This is perfect for key info buried in long conversations—no more endless scrolling.
3. Format Text with Bold, Italics, or Strikethrough
You can style your messages like a mini word processor.
- Bold:
*text*→ text - Italic:
_text_→ text Strikethrough:~text~→textMonospace:`text`→text
🎨 Pro Tip: Combine formats for emphasis: _*bold italic*_ → bold italic
4. Send Disappearing Messages
For more privacy, you can send messages that vanish after a set time.
How to enable it:
Open chat > Tap contact name > Tap “Disappearing messages” > Set to 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days.
🕒 Use case: Great for temporary info like passwords, one-time codes, or anything you don’t want sticking around.
5. Use WhatsApp on Multiple Devices—Without Your Phone
WhatsApp’s multi-device support lets you use the app on up to four other devices even if your phone is offline.
How to set it up:
Go to WhatsApp > Settings > Linked Devices > Link a new device.
💻 Best part: You stay connected across devices without needing your phone to be on or nearby.
6. Reply to Specific Messages in Group Chats
Avoid confusion in noisy group chats by replying directly to a specific message.
How to use it:
On mobile, swipe the message right. On desktop, hover and click the reply arrow.
💬 Why it helps: Keeps context clear in fast-moving conversations.
7. Silence Groups Without Leaving
Don’t want to be rude but can’t handle the nonstop pings?
How to do it:
Open the group > Tap the name > Notifications > Mute > Select duration (8 hours, 1 week, or Always).
🔕 Power Move: Use “Always” mute for groups you need to check occasionally but don’t want bugging you all day.
8. Search Chats Like a Pro
WhatsApp lets you search by keyword, contact, or even file type.
How to use it:
Tap the search bar at the top > Enter a word or phrase > Filter by photos, videos, links, GIFs, audio, or documents.
🔍 Why it’s useful: No more digging through threads to find that one photo or voice note.
9. Hide Your Online and Last Seen Status
Want to read messages without the pressure of replying right away? You can now control who sees your status.
How to change it:
Settings > Privacy > Last Seen & Online > Choose from Everyone, My Contacts, My Contacts Except…, or Nobody.
🕵️ Stealth mode: You can now be online without appearing online.
10. Lock Chats with Fingerprint or Face ID
Keep your private conversations safe—even if someone else is holding your phone.
How to activate:
Settings > Privacy > Chat Lock > Choose chats to lock. You’ll need fingerprint or Face ID to open them.
🔒 Bonus: Locked chats are hidden in a separate folder and won’t show up in notifications.
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp isn’t just a chat app. It’s a powerful tool—if you know where to look. These 10 features aren’t obvious, but once you start using them, you won’t go back.
If you’re serious about using WhatsApp smarter, not harder, try mastering just 3 or 4 of these. You’ll boost your privacy, reduce clutter, and navigate chats like a pro.
