10 Hidden WhatsApp Tricks That Make WhatsApp More Useful
WhatsApp is more than just a messaging app—it’s a daily habit for over 2.7 billion users worldwide (Statista, 2025). While most people use it for chatting, calls, or sharing media, WhatsApp has several hidden features that can make your experience smarter, faster, and even safer. Check out our guide on WhatsApp new feature without phone number to learn more about its latest update.
In this guide, we’ll explore 10 hidden WhatsApp tricks that many users don’t know about but can transform the way you use the app. From privacy controls to productivity hacks, these tips will help you unlock the full potential of WhatsApp.
1. Pin Important Chats to the Top
Do you ever waste time scrolling through endless chats to find the important ones? WhatsApp lets you pin up to three chats to the top for quick access.
- How to use: On Android, long-press the chat → tap the pin icon. On iPhone, swipe right → tap Pin Chat.
- Best for: Keeping family, work, or project group chats always accessible.
Example: I personally use this feature to pin my office group, so I never miss a critical update, even if my phone is flooded with memes from friends.
2. Star Messages for Quick Reference
If someone sends you an important detail (like an address, OTP, or meeting link), you can star that message and access it later without scrolling endlessly.
- How to use: Tap and hold the message → choose the star icon.
- Later, go to Menu → Starred Messages to view all saved notes.
This trick is like having your own personal WhatsApp notebook.
3. Use WhatsApp on Multiple Devices
Previously, WhatsApp was tied to a single phone. Now, with the Linked Devices feature, you can use one WhatsApp account across multiple devices, even if your primary phone is offline.
- How to use: Go to Settings → Linked Devices → Scan QR code.
- You can link up to 4 devices including desktops and tablets.
This is extremely useful if you want to handle messages from your work laptop without checking your phone every few minutes. You can also learn more about fixing indexing issues when managing WhatsApp Web on browsers.
4. Send Messages Without Saving a Number
Did you know you don’t need to save a phone number just to send a message? Using WhatsApp’s click-to-chat feature, you can quickly message strangers, delivery agents, or business contacts.
- How to use: Open your browser and type:
https://wa.me/phone-number(with country code, no symbols). - Example:
https://wa.me/919876543210
This saves time and prevents your contact list from getting cluttered. You can combine this with productivity optimization techniques to streamline your workflow.
5. Disappearing Messages for Privacy
If you want extra privacy, enable Disappearing Messages. Messages in a chat will vanish automatically after 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days.
- How to use: Open chat → tap contact name → Disappearing Messages → Choose duration.
- Great for: Temporary discussions, sensitive info, or reducing digital clutter.
Think of it as WhatsApp’s version of “incognito mode.” For more digital privacy hacks, check our guide on optimizing JavaScript usage.
6. Lock Chats for Extra Security
We all have conversations we want to keep private. With WhatsApp’s Chat Lock, you can secure specific chats with a password or fingerprint.
- How to use: Open chat → Tap contact name → Chat Lock → Enable lock.
- These chats are moved to a Locked Chats folder, hidden from the main list.
Perfect for professionals managing sensitive discussions or anyone sharing personal details.
7. Use Custom Notifications
Not all chats are equal. WhatsApp allows custom notification sounds for specific contacts or groups, so you instantly know who’s messaging you.
- How to use: Open contact → Custom Notifications → Set ringtone, vibration, or popup.
- Example: A different tone for your boss versus your best friend.
This small trick can make a huge difference in managing work-life balance.
8. Search Chats Like a Pro
Looking for an old message or photo? Instead of scrolling endlessly, use WhatsApp’s search filters.
- How to use: Tap Search → Choose filters like Photos, Videos, Links, Docs.
- You can also search by keywords across all chats.
This is a lifesaver when you’re hunting for that one document your colleague sent months ago.
9. Use WhatsApp Broadcast Lists
If you want to send the same message to multiple people without creating a group, use Broadcast Lists.
- How to use: Menu → New Broadcast → Select contacts → Send.
- Recipients get the message as a personal chat, not part of a group.
Ideal for sending party invites, announcements, or marketing messages without spamming a group.
10. Format Your Text (Bold, Italic, Strikethrough)
Add style and clarity to your WhatsApp texts with text formatting.
*Bold*→ Bold_Italic_→ Italic~Strikethrough~→Strikethrough```Monospace```→Monospace
This makes your chats more expressive and professional, especially when highlighting important details.
Why These WhatsApp Tricks Matter
These hidden tricks aren’t just “cool features.” They solve real problems:
- Save time by pinning, starring, and searching messages.
- Stay secure with disappearing messages and chat locks.
- Stay organized using broadcast lists and custom notifications.
By mastering these features, you can transform WhatsApp into a productivity tool instead of just a messaging app.
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp is constantly evolving with new features. Most users barely scratch the surface, but by learning these 10 hidden tricks, you’ll use WhatsApp more effectively, securely, and enjoyably.
Start with one or two tricks today—like pinning chats or using disappearing messages—and you’ll notice how much smoother your daily communication becomes.
Want to explore more? Check our latest blog on Top mobile brands in India 2025 to stay updated on smartphones that make the most of WhatsApp.
Which WhatsApp trick did you find most useful? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
