10 Hidden WhatsApp Features You Probably Didn’t Know About

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WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users globally.

While most people use it for basic messaging, voice calls, and media sharing, WhatsApp packs a lot more power under the hood than you might realize. If you’re only scratching the surface of what it can do, you’re missing out.

Here are 10 hidden WhatsApp features you probably didn’t know about—but should be using!

1. Pin Chats to the Top

Tired of scrolling to find that one important chat? You can pin up to three conversations at the top of your chat list for easy access.

How to use:

  • On Android: Long-press the chat → Tap the pin icon at the top.
  • On iPhone: Swipe right on the chat → Tap Pin.

2. Star Important Messages

WhatsApp lets you star messages so you can find them later without digging through entire conversations.

How to use:

  • Tap and hold a message → Tap the star icon.
  • To view starred messages: Go to menu (three dots) → Starred Messages.

3. Custom Notifications for Individual Contacts

Want a different tone or vibration pattern for your boss, partner, or family? Set custom alerts per contact.

How to use:

  • Open the chat → Tap the contact’s name → Custom Notifications → Enable and customize.

4. Read Messages Without Sending Read Receipts

There are a few sneaky ways to read messages without letting the sender know:

  • Turn on Airplane Mode, read the message, then close WhatsApp before turning it off.
  • Use notification previews on your lock screen.
  • Disable read receipts entirely:
    Settings → Privacy → Toggle off Read Receipts (note: this disables yours too).

5. Send Disappearing Messages

For added privacy, WhatsApp allows you to send self-destructing messages that vanish after a set time.

How to use:

  • Open a chat → Tap contact name → Disappearing Messages → Choose duration (24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days).

6. Use WhatsApp on Multiple Devices (Without Your Phone)

You can now use WhatsApp on up to four linked devices even if your phone is offline.

How to use:

  • On your phone: Tap Linked Devices in settings → Link a Device.
  • Scan the QR code shown on your secondary device (e.g., WhatsApp Web or Desktop).

7. Hide Specific Chats Using Chat Lock

WhatsApp now offers Chat Lock to protect sensitive conversations with a password or fingerprint.

How to use:

  • Tap on the contact name → Scroll down to Chat Lock → Enable and secure with fingerprint or password.

8. Format Text in Messages

Make your messages stand out by formatting text with bold, italics, strikethrough, or monospace.

How to use:

  • Bold: *text*
  • Italic: _text_
  • Strikethrough: ~text~
  • Monospace: `text`

9. Search by Date or Media Type

Trying to find that one photo or old conversation? WhatsApp now lets you filter your search.

How to use:

  • Tap the search bar in any chat → Use the calendar icon or media filter to narrow your search.

10. Broadcast Lists (Send Messages Without Grouping)

Want to send the same message to many people without putting them in a group? Use broadcast lists.

How to use:

  • Go to the chat screen → Tap three dots (or “Broadcast Lists” on iPhone) → New broadcast → Add contacts → Compose your message.

Final Thoughts

These hidden features can completely change the way you use WhatsApp—from improving productivity to enhancing privacy. Whether you’re a casual user or a power communicator, exploring these options can help you get the most out of the app.

Take a few minutes today to try them out—you’ll be surprised at what you’ve been missing!

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