WhatsApp is now an everyday usage tool for billions of users. We use it mostly to chat, call and share media with our family, friends and contacts, but there are several hidden features that can enhance your experience further. Some of these are new updates, and some are established changes that we’ve always overlooked.
15 WhatsApp Hidden Features and Tricks 2025
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best WhatsApp hidden tricks and features you must know in 2025. Scroll on for some nifty hints to elevate your WhatsApp game!
1. Edit Sent Messages
Typo or sent a wrong message? No worries! You can now edit messages sent on WhatsApp without deleting them.
- Tap and hold on the message you want to edit.
- Tap on the Edit option.
- Make the changes and send it again.
- The message will display an Edited label, but the previous version can not be seen.
This is helpful when you make a typo or need to correct your message after sending a message. Instead of deleting and rewriting, it keeps the chat neat and avoids confusion.
2. Lock Chats for Extra Privacy
Sometimes we want to hide specific people from our WhatsApp home screen, for some privacy reasons. WhatsApp has now introduced Chat Lock. Now you can lock some of your chats behind a key without having to lock the whole app.
- Open the specific chat you want to lock.
- Tap on the contact name at the top.
- Scroll down and select Chat lock.
- Turn it on with fingerprint or face ID.
When locked, the chat is displaced to a separate Locked Chats folder and notifications will not display message previews. This adds a layer of privacy without requiring you to lock the whole WhatsApp app.
3. Send Self-Destructing Voice Messages
Just like disappearing messages, now you can send voice messages that vanish after being heard once.
- Open a chat and tap the mic icon.
- Swipe up to lock the recording.
- Before sending, tap the one-time view icon.
- Then finally, send the voice message.
The recipient can listen to it only once before it disappears forever. This is great for sharing sensitive or temporary information without compromising your privacy.
4. Use WhatsApp on Multiple Phones
WhatsApp now supports linking your account to multiple devices, including another smartphone.
- Open WhatsApp on your second phone.
- Tap Link with existing account.
- On your primary phone, go to Settings > Linked Devices.
- Scan the QR code with your primary phone.
Now, you can use the same WhatsApp account on different phones without logging out. This is useful if you switch between devices frequently or have a personal and work phone. This option allows up to 4 devices only, apart from the primary devices.
Also Read : Best Budget Smartphones in India Under 15000 (February 2025)
5. Create Custom Avatars and Stickers
You can make your chats more expressive with personalized stickers and avatars.
- Open WhatsApp, and go to Settings > Avatar.
- Create your digital avatar by customizing facial features, hair, and outfits.
- Use your avatar in stickers and profile pictures.
- You can send these stickers in chats just like regular emojis.
This adds a fun and personal touch to conversations and helps express emotions better than generic emojis.
6. Instant Video Messages
Want to send a quick video without opening the camera app? WhatsApp now lets you send instant video messages.
- Open a chat and tap the mic icon (used for voice messages).
- Switch to video mode (it turns into a camera icon).
- Hold to record and send a short video.
This is perfect for quick reactions, explaining something visually, or sharing real-time moments without leaving the chat.
7. Hide Your Online Status from Specific People
Sometimes, you want to appear offline to certain contacts while still using WhatsApp.
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Last Seen & Online.
- Under Who can see when I’m online, select Same as Last Seen.
- Set Last Seen to Nobody or specific contacts.
Now, those people won’t know when you’re online. This is helpful if you want some privacy without blocking someone completely.
8. Share Screens in Video Calls
Need to explain something visually? WhatsApp now allows screen sharing during video calls.
- Start a video call.
- Tap the Screen Share button.
- Grant necessary permissions.
- Your screen will be shared in real-time with the other person.
Perfect for troubleshooting, showing presentations, or guiding someone through an app.
9. Search Messages by Date
Instead of scrolling endlessly, you can now find messages from a specific date.
- Open a chat.
- Tap the Search option.
- Select the Calendar icon.
- Pick a date and view messages from that day.
This is super useful when you need to check old conversations quickly.
10. Read Messages Without Opening WhatsApp
Want to read a message without letting the sender know? Here are a few tricks:
- Use Airplane Mode: Turn on Airplane mode, open WhatsApp, read the message, and then close the app before disabling Airplane mode.
- Use Widgets: Add a WhatsApp widget to your home screen to preview messages.
- Use Notification Panel: Read messages directly from notifications without opening the app.
These methods let you stay updated without triggering read receipts.
11. Send Messages Without Saving Contacts
You don’t have to save a number just to send a message.
- Open your browser and type:
https://wa.me/91XXXXXXXXXX(replace X with the phone number, including country code). - Tap Enter, and it will open a chat with that number on WhatsApp.
This is useful for one-time conversations with businesses or unknown contacts.
12. Pin Important Messages in Chats
Never lose track of important messages again. You can now pin specific messages inside chats.
- Long press a message.
- Tap Pin.
- The pinned message stays at the top of the chat for easy access.
You can pin multiple messages, making it useful for important reminders or details.
13. Schedule Messages with Third-Party Apps
WhatsApp doesn’t have a built-in scheduler, but you can use third-party apps like SKEDit to send messages automatically at a specific time.
- Download and install SKEDit.
- Grant permissions.
- Set up a scheduled message and choose a contact.
- The message will be sent automatically at the scheduled time.
Great for sending birthday wishes, reminders, or work-related messages in advance.
14. Create Polls in Groups
Want quick opinions in a group? Use WhatsApp’s Poll feature.
- Open a group chat.
- Tap the Attach (paperclip) icon.
- Select Poll.
- Enter the question and options.
- Send it, and members can vote.
Useful for planning events, decisions, or just fun surveys.
15. Use AI-Powered Smart Replies
WhatsApp is rolling out AI-powered smart replies to help you respond faster.
- When you receive a message, suggested replies appear.
- Tap on a suggestion to send it instantly.
This saves time, especially for common responses and business chats. This feature is just in testing phase now, so it’s not accessible to everyone as of now. But WhatsApp will roll out this feature for each and every user very soon.
WhatsApp continues to evolve, and these WhatsApp hidden features and tricks can make your messaging experience must faster, safer, and more convenient. Test out these features and enjoy better experience while using WhatsApp in 2025! From improving privacy to making messages more playful, there are tools for everyone. Thanks again and stay tuned!
