The WhatsApp application contains many hidden features and tricks, but most users may not be aware of them, despite being the most used chat application in the world, with over 2 billion users globally. There are several hidden WhatsApp features that make your usage smooth and simple, saving you time and effort when utilized. Here are some of these tricks:
1. **Turn Off Automatic Download of Videos and Images**: One of the most frustrating aspects of WhatsApp is that it automatically downloads photos and videos from your chats to your phone's photo gallery, affecting your storage space. You can stop this by opening the WhatsApp app, going to Settings, then Media Auto-Download, where you will find three options: when using cellular data, when connected to Wi-Fi, and when roaming. Disable automatic downloads by unchecking all three options: photos, audio, and video.
2. **Use Temporary Messages or Self-Destructing Messages**: WhatsApp has a self-destructing messages feature, which protects sensitive information by automatically deleting it after a set period. This setting is easy to activate by tapping the contact's name in the chat, selecting the message option, and turning on the temporary messages switch.
3. **View Message Details**: Have you ever wondered when a message was delivered or read? Swipe left on the message you sent to view this information on your iPhone. Android users can long-press a message, then tap the menu button followed by Info.
4. **Pin Important Chats to the Top**: Scrolling through the app to find a specific chat can be annoying for some users. You can pin certain chats so that they always appear at the top of your chat list when you open WhatsApp. This can be activated on Android by long-pressing a specific chat and then tapping the pin icon that appears at the top of the screen. On iPhones, you can press and swipe a chat to the right and then select the Pin option.
5. **Send Your Location to Family or Friends**: WhatsApp allows you to send photos and videos to contacts, share a contact, or a document, but you can also share your location. This is particularly useful if you choose to share your live location, allowing your contact to see your real-time location for a duration of your choice. On iPhones: Go to the specific chat, tap the "+" on the left of the message box, select Location, then Share Live Location, and choose the time frame. On Android: Go to the specific chat, tap the paperclip icon on the right of the message box, select Location, then Share Live Location, and choose the time frame. You can view everyone you are sharing your live location with by opening Settings, then Account, then Privacy, then Live Location.
6. **Search in a Specific Chat**: If you want to search within a specific chat instead of all chats, this is also possible. Perhaps you had a conversation about a specific meeting place or someone sent you another contact number. On iPhones: Enter Chats, then select the specific chat, tap on Contact Info at the top, then Chat Search, and type in the search bar that appears at the top of that specific chat. On Android: Go to Chats, then select the specific chat, open the menu at the top right, select Search, and type in the search bar that appears at the top of that specific chat.
