Here are 10 tips, tricks and apps to get more out of your Whatsapp:
1. Hide "Last Seen" Timestamp
-WhatsApp shows a "last seen" timestamp by default. However, you can disable this timestamp on both iOS and Android.
-For iOS users: all you need to do is go into Settings > Chat Settings > Advanced and set Last Seen Timestamp to Off.
-For Android users: third party apps such as Hide WhatsApp Status is there for help. It works by disabling your WiFi and data connection when you open WhatsApp.
2. Backup And Restore WhatsApp Chats
-WhatsApp allows automatic backups of your chats, however there is also a manual option to do it.
-For iOS users: Settings > Chat Settings > Chat Backup, then tap Back Up Now.
-For Android users: Settings > Chat settings and tap Backup conversations to create a backup. To backup media you will need to use a file manager to copy the media folders in /sdcard/WhatsApp/Media.
-However, if you want to restore a backup you will have to uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
3. Lock Your WhatsApp
-For Android users: use WhatsApp Lock.
-For BlackBerry users: use Lock for WhatsApp.
-You can then protect WhatsApp by a PIN (WhatsLock) or a password (Lock for WhatsApp).
4. Create Shortcuts For Important Contacts
-For Android users: simply long press on the group or contact you want to create a shortcut for. Tap on Add conversation shortcut on the menu that pops up and you have shortcut right on your homescreen.
-For iOS users: third-party apps such as 1TapWA are there to help.
5. Stop WhatsApp Images from Appearing In Gallery Or Camera Roll
-For iOS users: go to Settings > Privacy > Photos and then turn the WhatsApp switch off.
-For Android users: create a .nomedia file in WhatsApp’s images or video directories by using a file explorer such as ES File Explorer (Navigate to the images or video folders, tap the 'New' button in the lower left, pick 'File' and create a file named .nomedia)
6. Change Your WhatsApp Phone Number
-You don’t need to uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp everytime you change numbers on the same phone.
-Go to Settings > Account > Change number. Enter your old phone number in the top field and then your new phone number in the bottom field and press Done. Verify your new phone number, and you're good to go!
7. Install WhatsApp On An Android Tablet
-Get the latest version of the WhatsApp .apk. Then download SRT AppGuard. Install both.
-Run AppGuard first. Select WhatsApp from the Dashboard then press Monitor. At completion, scroll down and disable read phone status and identity under Phone calls. WhatsApp will now successfully run on your tablet.
8. WhatsApp Chat Heads On Android
-Using WhatsApp Chat Heads you can add chat heads for your conversations.
-The chat heads are also customisable, and come with specific LED colors, notification sounds and chat head colors for each of your contacts.
-Advisory: The app requires root access. Plus, it’s also still in beta.
9. Get Messaging Statistics On Android
-WhatStat provides information on your 'top' friends, most active times of the day when your friends and groups use WhatsApp as well as message distribution for both one-on-one and group chats.
10. Get WhatsApp notifications On Desktop
-You need to install Desktop Notifications on your Android phone. Install either the Chrome or Firefox extensions depending on your choice of browser. Link the extension to the app using the code provided and you’ll now get WhatsApp notifications on your desktop.