WhatsApp Secret Settings and Tools in 2024

WhatsApp continues to be one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, with over two billion users. In 2024, WhatsApp has introduced several new features, settings, and tools to enhance user experience and privacy. This article will explore some of the secret settings and tools that can help you get the most out of WhatsApp.

Privacy and Security Features

1. Disappearing Messages

WhatsApp now offers more customizable disappearing messages options. You can set messages to disappear after 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days for individual chats and group chats.

How to Enable Disappearing Messages:

1. Open the chat and tap on contact info
2. Select “Disappearing Messages.”
3. Choose the duration (24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days).

2. End-to-End Encrypted Backups

WhatsApp has enhanced its security by offering end-to-end encryption for chat backups. This means your chat history stored on Google Drive or iCloud is protected and accessible only to you.

How to Enable Encrypted Backups:

1. Open Setting
2. Select “End-to-End Encrypted Backup.”
3. Follow the prompts to create a password or use a 64-digit encryption key.

3. Two-Step Verification

Adding an extra layer of security, two-step verification helps protect your account from unauthorized access.

How to Enable Two-Step Verification:

1. Go to “Settings” > “Account” > “Two-step verification.”
2. Tap “Enable.”
3. Create a six-digit PIN and provide an email address for recovery.

Advanced Chat Customization

1. Custom Notifications

You can set custom notifications for specific contacts and groups, helping you prioritize messages from important contacts.

How to Set Custom Notifications:

1. Open the chat and tap on contact
2. Select “Custom Notifications.”
3. Customize the notification settings as desired.

2. Archived Chats 2.0

WhatsApp updated archived chats feature now allows you to keep archived chats muted and hidden, even when new messages arrive.

How to Archive Chats:

1. Long-press the chat you want to archive.
2. Tap the archive icon (box with a downward arrow).
3. To access archived chats, go to the top of the chat list and tap “Archived.”

3. Starred Messages

You can star important messages to easily find them later.

How to Star Messages:

1. Long-press the message you want to star.
2. Tap the star icon that appears at the top.
3. To view starred messages, go to “Settings” > “Starred Messages.”

Enhanced Media Management

1. View Once Media

For added privacy, you can send photos and videos that can only be viewed once by the recipient.

How to Send View Once Media:

1. First Select media which you want to send
2. Tap the “1” icon in the text box before sending.

2. Media Auto-Download Settings

Manage your storage and data usage by customizing which media types are automatically downloaded.

How to Adjust Media Auto-Download:

1. Go to “Settings” > “Storage and Data.”
2. Under “Media Auto-Download,” configure settings for “When using mobile data,” “When connected on Wi-Fi,” and “When roaming.”

3. In-App Photo and Video Editing

WhatsApp now offers more advanced editing tools for photos and videos, allowing you to make quick adjustments before sending.

How to Edit Media:

1. Select Media.
2. Use the editing tools at the top of the screen to crop, rotate, add text, emojis, and draw on the media.

Productivity and Efficiency Tools

1. WhatsApp Web and Desktop Apps

Enhance your productivity by using WhatsApp on your computer. The web and desktop versions offer most of the mobile app’s functionalities.

How to Use WhatsApp Web/Desktop:

1. Go to “web.whatsapp.com”
2. Open WhatsApp on your phone, go to “Settings” > “Linked Devices.”
3. Scan QR Code By Using Phone

2. Keyboard Shortcuts

Using WhatsApp on your computer can be more efficient with keyboard shortcuts.

Common Keyboard Shortcuts:

• Ctrl + N: Start a new chat.
• Ctrl + Shift + ]: Next chat.
• Ctrl + Shift + [: Previous chat.
• Ctrl + E: Archive chat.
• Ctrl + Shift + M: Mute chat.
• Ctrl + Backspace: Delete chat.

3. Pinned Chats

How to Pin Chats:

1. Long-press the chat you want to pin.
2. Tap the pin icon at the top.

New Features in 2024

1. Multi-Device Support

WhatsApp’s multi-device feature allows you to use your account on multiple devices simultaneously without needing your phone to be online.

How to Set Up Multi-Device:

1. Go to “Settings” > “Linked Devices.”
2. Tap “Multi-Device Beta” and follow the instructions to link new devices.

2. Status Reactions

Similar to Instagram Stories, you can now react to WhatsApp Status updates with emojis.

How to React to Status Updates:

1. View a contact’s status.
2. Swipe up and choose an emoji reaction.

3. Enhanced Group Management

Admins have more control over group settings and membership, including the ability to approve new members before they can join.

How to Manage Group Settings:

1. Open the group
2. Select “Group Settings” to adjust member permissions and approval settings.

Conclusion

WhatsApp in 2024 is packed with features that enhance privacy, customization, and usability. By exploring these secret settings and tools, you can make the most of your WhatsApp experience. Whether you are looking to improve security, manage media better, or increase productivity, these tips will help you navigate the app’s vast capabilities effectively. Stay updated with new features as WhatsApp continues to evolve, providing more ways to connect and communicate securely.