Five WhatsApp hacks you need to master now

AFPWhatsApp has inarguably revolutionised digital messaging. Earlier, we covered selected WhatsApp basics — which to our surprise — not many were cognisant of.

PHOTO: AFP

WhatsApp has inarguably revolutionised digital messaging. Earlier, we covered selected WhatsApp basics — which to our surprise — not many were cognisant of.

Here are some more WhatsApp features that may make life much simpler.

Star a message

PHOTO: CNET

Simply star a message in quickly find it later. On iOS, select the Star tab on the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button first and then select the starred messages icon.

Find your WhatsApp BFF

Wonder who your WhatsApp best friend forever is? Have an iPhone? Then it is pretty straightforward. Simply go to Settings > Data and Storage Use > Storage Use to find a list of contacts who occupy most storage on your device. You can view more detailed statistics by tapping on the contact. Information available includes number of messages exchanged, images, GIFs and so on. Android users can go to Settings > Chat > Chat History > Email Chat to do the same.

Don’t store photos and videos by default

With hundreds of videos and photos being shared across multiple groups, you may struggle with storage issues. One solution is to delete some stuff off to free space. But, WhatsApp has another solution. Simply choose not to store every photo and video by default.On an iPhone, press Settings > Chats and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

Mute a conversation

Who is not part of a group active 24/7? Use WhatsApp’s mute feature for a breather.

Android users can press on the pertinent chat till a crossed-out speaker appears on the top of the screen. iPhone users simply need to open a conversation, tap on a contact or group’s name and then press Mute. Chats can be silenced between eight hours to a year.

Export conversations

Worried about losing your chat history? Simply export a conversation.

Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Chat. iPhone users need to view a thread, tap on the contact at the top of the screen, scroll to the bottom of the Contact Info page and select Export Chat. Both, iPhone and Android users can export chats with or without media.