WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps in the UK and around the world. With over two billion users globally, it’s no surprise that WhatsApp is many people’s go-to platform for communicating with friends, family, and work colleagues. But are you using WhatsApp to its full potential? This article will provide seven tips to help you get the most out of WhatsApp and maximise your user experience.
1. Create Your Own Stickers
One of the most fun ways to personalise your WhatsApp experience is by creating your own custom stickers and emoji. WhatsApp allows you to upload sticker packs that you can then use in your chats. To make your own stickers, you’ll need to use a WhatsApp sticker maker online. There are several free sticker maker websites and apps that make it easy to turn photos, emojis and text into downloadable WhatsApp sticker packs. Simply upload images, add text and effects, and the app will output a sticker pack file you can add to WhatsApp.
2. Use WhatsApp on Multiple Devices
Tying your WhatsApp account to just one mobile device can be limiting. Luckily, WhatsApp now allows you to use one account on up to four linked devices simultaneously.
Linking a new phone, tablet or computer to your WhatsApp account is easy. On your main mobile device, open WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device. You’ll then need to scan a QR code with your secondary device to complete the linking process.
Using WhatsApp’s multi-device functionality, you can stay connected from multiple gadgets without needing your phone nearby or draining its battery. Chat, make calls and pick up where you left off seamlessly as you switch between devices.
3. Customise Notifications
WhatsApp’s busy notification sounds and pop-ups can sometimes feel intrusive. To avoid distraction, customise your WhatsApp notifications for different chats and groups.
On iPhone, long press a chat > Tap Custom Notifications to change the tone, show previews, notification banners and more. Android users can long press a chat > Tap Custom notifications.
You can mute chats for set periods of time or turn off notifications entirely. You can also stop message previews from appearing on your lock screen for privacy. Set notifications to suit your needs and avoid unwanted disruptions.
4. Star Important Chats
With so many message threads in WhatsApp, it’s easy for important chats to get lost in the shuffle. Starring conversations is an easy way to pin your most important contacts or groups to the top of your chat list for quick access.
On iOS and Android, just swipe right on a chat and tap “Star” to add it your starred list. You can also star chats by pressing and holding a conversation to bring up more options. Starring key work groups, close friends, or family threads can keep urgent chats within easy reach.
5. Back-Up Your Chat History
Don’t risk losing your WhatsApp chat history if you ever switch phones, replace your device or lose it entirely. Fortunately, WhatsApp lets you create back-ups that you can restore from if needed.
On iPhone, back-ups happen automatically when you create an iCloud back-up. For Android devices, go to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat Back-up to manage back-ups to Google Drive. You can also back-up chats manually by emailing them to yourself.
Backing up your chats protects photos, videos, messages and more if anything ever happens to your phone. Give yourself some peace of mind with regular WhatsApp back-ups.
6. Stay Safe with Two-Step Verification
To bolster your WhatsApp security, consider enabling two-step verification. This adds an extra PIN, which you’ll need to enter when registering your number with WhatsApp again.
On mobile, go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification. You’ll be asked to enter and confirm a 6-digit PIN to enable the feature. Make sure not to forget this code!
Two-step verification prevents unauthorised users from verifying your number if your SIM gets stolen or your phone is compromised. Add this extra security barrier for peace of mind.
7. Use Disappearing Messages
If you have private chats where you’d prefer messages to disappear after being read, WhatsApp’s disappearing messages feature has you covered.
In any individual or group chat, tap the contact’s name at the top > Disappearing messages > On. When enabled, new messages will disappear after seven days. All participants in the chat will be notified the setting is enabled.
Disappearing messages can help limit outdated information filling up your chats. Enable this if you want conversations to eventually expire for privacy or storage space.
With over one billion daily users, WhatsApp is many British people’s messaging app of choice. Following the tips in this article will allow you to take your WhatsApp use to the next level. From making custom stickers to enabling two-step verification, these handy features will help you become a WhatsApp power user.