7 Secret WhatsApp Tricks That You May Not Know
We’ve already covered some handyWhatsApp tips and tricksearlier, but those are more mainstream features. What if I tell you there’s more, lesser-known stuff you can do in WhatsApp and become a power user? Let’s quickly get to some hidden features that’ll take your WhatsApp game to the next level.
Table of Contents
1. Unit Conversion in WhatsApp
Typing anything with numbers followed by a unit can be converted directly within WhatsApp. For example, when writing “26cm,” you can simply tap to select it and then tap onConvertto change it to other units, including meters, kilometers, yards, feet, and more.
Similarly, let’s say we select and convert “109kg.” That would change it to tons, grams, and even other units like pounds. It works on Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and Vivo phones, among others. Unfortunately, it’s not possible on iPhones.
2. A Better Way to Message Unsaved Contacts
If you want tomessage someone without saving their contact, you’d probably use a third-party app like WhatsDirect, iPhone shortcuts, or the URL trick (wa.me/mobilenumber). But there’s an even easier way.
Simply type and send the phone number you want to message to any of your chats (you can even message yourself). Then, tap the number in the chat, and you’ll see an option toChat with ‘mobile number‘. Tap that to start messaging them directly without having to save their contact.
This is particularly useful when messaging someone you might not need to contact again in the future, such as for a one-time service or delivery.
WhatsApp allows you to send disappearing photos and videos that can be opened only once. They do not get saved, vanish after viewing, and cannot be screenshotted or screen-recorded.
If you urgently need to bypass this restriction, such as for legal purposes or to save important information, you can use a Chrome extension. Alternatively, you can use WhatsApp within Beeper, where the disappearing media will appear like a regular image.
Here’s our complete guide tosaving these view once photos.
4. Save Someone’s WhatsApp Profile Photo
Earlier this year, WhatsApp blocked the ability to save individual contact photos. While you’re able to still save a group photo or even screenshot it, this is no longer possible for contact photos, and you’ll see a “screen capture blocked” or “screenshot not allowed by this app” error.
However, on Android, you can still save contact photos by taking a screenshot of the popup that appears when you tap their profile picture.
Alternatively, you’re able to use WhatsApp Web or third-party online tools todownload the profile picture as detailed here.
5. View Messages Deleted by Others
At times, people send you a message only to delete it later. Now, if you want to read what they sent earlier, you may do sousing Notification Historyon Android. This feature lets you see all the notifications you’ve received on your phone, including WhatsApp message previews (even if they’re now deleted).
However, it needs to be enabled before it starts logging your notifications. To turn it on, go toSettings>Notifications>Advanced Settings>Notification History.
Once enabled, refer back to your notification history anytime after someone deletes a message they’ve sent. You’ll find its preview there.
If you’d like to retain images, videos, and other sent files after they’re deleted by the sender, you can download the ‘Get Deleted Messages’ app from the Google Play Store. Whenever someone unsends a message, you can open the app to check the deleted message. But again, remember that using third-party apps has privacy implications.
6. Lock Your WhatsApp Chats With a Secret Code
You may know that WhatsApp lets you protect the app with an app lock. But did you know you canlock your sensitive chatswith a secret code only you have access to? These chats cannot be opened by your friends and family even if you unlock your phone and hand your WhatsApp to them. Here’s how.
Here’s how to lock your chats:
Here’s how to hide these locked chats using a secret code:
To access your locked chats, simplyenter your secret code in the search barat the top and you’ll find theLocked Chatsoption. Tapping it will open all your locked chats.
7. Schedule Your WhatsApp Messages
Want to send a birthday or anniversary wish at the perfect time (like midnight) but worry you’ll forget or fall asleep? You can schedule WhatsApp messages. While WhatsApp doesn’t officially offer this feature yet, there are easy workarounds.
On Android, you can use SKEDit or Autoresponder for WhatsApp apps. iPhone users can utilize the built-in Shortcuts app to schedule WhatsApp messages. We’ve coveredboth scheduling methods in detail here.
Become a Pro WhatsApp User!
And that wraps up our list of numbered, yet incredibly useful and often overlooked WhatsApp tricks to enhance your chatting experience. Don’t forget to check out ourdetailed WhatsApp mobile features guide, where we cover everything from using emojis and creating fancy text to sending instant video messages and more.
Ritik Singh
With over 7 years of experience in tech, Ritik currently heads content at Techwiser.com. His journey started by sharing knowledge and helping others in online communities. That passion soon turned into a career in tech journalism, backed by a formal education in Electronic Media. He’s held editorial roles at GadgetsToUse and PC-Tablet, and has contributed to popular publications like HowToGeek and TheWindowsClub. With over 2,000 how-tos, reviews, and in-depth guides under his belt, Ritik has helped millions of readers get more out of their tech—from smartphones to smart homes.
