WhatsApp, acquired by Facebook for $19 billion (€16.9 billion), connects over 900 million users worldwide and is a top choice for international and group chats. In Ireland, around a third of people have the app, with half using it daily, according to Ipsos/MRBI. Unlike standard texting, WhatsApp relies on a data connection, making messages effectively free for those with unlimited plans. Though simple to use, many of its features remain undiscovered. Here are nine lesser-known WhatsApp features everyone should explore.
- Mute Group Chats
- Hide Your “Last Seen” Time
- Change Your WhatsApp Number
- Create Custom Group Chat Notifications
- Prevent WhatsApp Photos from Saving to Your Camera Roll
- See When Someone Has Read Your Message
- Turn Off Read Receipts
- Use WhatsApp on the Web
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I hide my Last Seen on WhatsApp?
- Can I mute WhatsApp group chats?
- How do I create custom notifications for a group chat?
- How can I stop WhatsApp photos from saving to my camera roll?
- Can I see when someone has read my WhatsApp message?
- How do I change my WhatsApp number?
- Can I use WhatsApp on a computer?
- Conclusion
To see who you message most on WhatsApp, go to Settings > Account > Storage Usage. Each contact displays a number indicating the total number of messages exchanged. Tapping a contact reveals detailed stats, including how many messages you and they have sent.
Mute Group Chats
Notifications from large group chats can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not actively participating. Muting a chat provides a simple solution. Open the group, tap its name, select “Mute”, and choose from 8 hours, 1 week, or 1 year.
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Hide Your “Last Seen” Time
If you prefer privacy, you can hide your Last Seen time on WhatsApp. Go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen and choose who can view it. Keep in mind, hiding your Last Seen also means you won’t be able to see others’ Last Seen times.
Change Your WhatsApp Number
When you get a new phone number, WhatsApp doesn’t automatically update it, which can be confusing. To switch numbers, go to Settings > Account > Change Number and follow the prompts to update your account seamlessly.
Create Custom Group Chat Notifications
Instead of muting a group, you can set custom notifications to easily identify important chats. Open the group, tap its name, go to Custom Notifications, and choose a unique alert sound.
Prevent WhatsApp Photos from Saving to Your Camera Roll
To save phone storage, you can stop WhatsApp photos from automatically appearing in your camera roll. On iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy > Photos and restrict access for WhatsApp. Photos will still download in the app so that you won’t miss any messages.
See When Someone Has Read Your Message
Knowing when your message is read can be helpful, especially in group chats. Swipe left on a message to see the delivery and read times. In groups, you’ll see who has received and read it. Note: If you disable Read Receipts, you won’t see when others read your messages either.
Turn Off Read Receipts
Avoid letting others know when you’ve read their messages. Go to Settings > Account > Privacy and disable Read Receipts—your friends won’t see when you’ve opened their messages.
Use WhatsApp on the Web
WhatsApp Web lets you access your chats on a computer via web.whatsapp.com, compatible with all major browsers. Visit the site, scan the QR code with your WhatsApp app, and start messaging with all the same features available on your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I hide my Last Seen on WhatsApp?
Go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen and choose who can view your activity.
Can I mute WhatsApp group chats?
Yes. Open the group, tap its name, select Mute, and choose 8 hours, 1 week, or 1 year.
How do I create custom notifications for a group chat?
Open the group, tap its name, go to Custom Notifications, and set a unique alert sound.
How can I stop WhatsApp photos from saving to my camera roll?
On iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy > Photos and restrict WhatsApp access.
Can I see when someone has read my WhatsApp message?
Swipe left on a message to view delivery and read times; group chats show who has read it.
How do I change my WhatsApp number?
Go to Settings > Account > Change Number and follow the prompts to update your account.
Can I use WhatsApp on a computer?
Yes. Visit web.whatsapp.com, scan the QR code with your phone, and access all chat features.
Conclusion
WhatsApp offers a range of hidden features that can improve privacy, streamline notifications, and enhance your messaging experience. From customizing alerts and muting chats to controlling read receipts and using WhatsApp on the web, these tips help take complete control of the app. Exploring these features ensures you stay efficient, organized, and in charge of your digital communication.
