11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is utter of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Whether you’re just embarking to use WhatsApp or are a years-long maniac, you’re very likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Three. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Go to Settings > Data and Storage Use > Storage Use. A list of contacts will populate, in order of who is using the most storage on your phone. Tap on each contact to view more detailed stats, such as the number of messages exchanged, photos and GIFs.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Ever wonder what time a message was delivered or read? Swipe to the left on a message you sent to view those stats on your iPhone. Android users can long-press on a message, then tap on the "info" icon at the top of your screen.

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

Android users can long-press on a talk, then tap on the crossed-out speaker icon at the top of the screen. iPhone users need to open a conversation, then tap on the contact or group’s name at the top of the screen followed by Mute.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from witnessing when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For accomplish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-built notifications

Instead of having the same alert sound for every incoming message, you can set custom-built alerts for individual contacts. Doing so will make it lighter to know who messaged you without looking at your phone.

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-built Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-made Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media affixed.

11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is utter of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Mobile

11 WhatsApp features you might not know

WhatsApp novices and pros alike may learn a thing or two from this handy list of tips.

by Chris Parker

Whether you’re just kicking off to use WhatsApp or are a years-long maniac, you’re most likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Three. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from watching when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For finish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-built notifications

Instead of having the same alert sound for every incoming message, you can set custom-made alerts for individual contacts. Doing so will make it lighter to know who messaged you without looking at your phone.

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-built Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-made Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media fastened.

11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is utter of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Mobile

11 WhatsApp features you might not know

WhatsApp novices and pros alike may learn a thing or two from this handy list of tips.

by Chris Parker

Whether you’re just embarking to use WhatsApp or are a years-long junkie, you’re most likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Three. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from watching when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For accomplish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-made notifications

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-built Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-made Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media affixed.

11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is utter of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Mobile

11 WhatsApp features you might not know

WhatsApp novices and pros alike may learn a thing or two from this handy list of tips.

by Chris Parker

Whether you’re just commencing to use WhatsApp or are a years-long junkie, you’re very likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Three. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from witnessing when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For accomplish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-made notifications

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-built Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-built Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media fastened.

11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is total of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Mobile

11 WhatsApp features you might not know

WhatsApp novices and pros alike may learn a thing or two from this handy list of tips.

by Chris Parker

Whether you’re just kicking off to use WhatsApp or are a years-long junkie, you’re most likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Trio. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from witnessing when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For accomplish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-made notifications

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-made Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-built Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media affixed.

11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is utter of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Mobile

11 WhatsApp features you might not know

WhatsApp novices and pros alike may learn a thing or two from this handy list of tips.

by Chris Parker

Whether you’re just commencing to use WhatsApp or are a years-long junkie, you’re most likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Three. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from witnessing when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For accomplish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-built notifications

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-built Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-made Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media linked.

11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is total of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Mobile

11 WhatsApp features you might not know

WhatsApp novices and pros alike may learn a thing or two from this handy list of tips.

by Chris Parker

Whether you’re just commencing to use WhatsApp or are a years-long maniac, you’re very likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Three. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from witnessing when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For accomplish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-made notifications

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-made Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-built Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media affixed.

11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is utter of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Whether you’re just embarking to use WhatsApp or are a years-long maniac, you’re very likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Trio. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from observing when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For accomplish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-built notifications

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-built Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-built Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media fastened.

11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is total of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Mobile

11 WhatsApp features you might not know

WhatsApp novices and pros alike may learn a thing or two from this handy list of tips.

by Chris Parker

Whether you’re just beginning to use WhatsApp or are a years-long maniac, you’re very likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Three. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from watching when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For finish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-built notifications

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-made Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-built Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media linked.

11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is utter of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Mobile

11 WhatsApp features you might not know

WhatsApp novices and pros alike may learn a thing or two from this handy list of tips.

by Chris Parker

Whether you’re just commencing to use WhatsApp or are a years-long junkie, you’re very likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Trio. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from watching when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For finish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-made notifications

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-built Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-built Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media fastened.

11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is utter of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Whether you’re just kicking off to use WhatsApp or are a years-long junkie, you’re most likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Trio. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from eyeing when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For finish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-built notifications

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-built Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-made Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media fastened.

11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is utter of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Mobile

11 WhatsApp features you might not know

WhatsApp novices and pros alike may learn a thing or two from this handy list of tips.

by Chris Parker

Whether you’re just embarking to use WhatsApp or are a years-long maniac, you’re very likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Three. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from watching when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For finish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-made notifications

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-made Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-made Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media fastened.

11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is utter of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Mobile

11 WhatsApp features you might not know

WhatsApp novices and pros alike may learn a thing or two from this handy list of tips.

by Chris Parker

Whether you’re just embarking to use WhatsApp or are a years-long maniac, you’re most likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Three. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from witnessing when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For accomplish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-made notifications

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-built Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-made Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media linked.

11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is utter of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Mobile

11 WhatsApp features you might not know

WhatsApp novices and pros alike may learn a thing or two from this handy list of tips.

by Chris Parker

Whether you’re just commencing to use WhatsApp or are a years-long maniac, you’re very likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Three. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from witnessing when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For finish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-made notifications

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-built Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-made Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media affixed.

11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is total of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Whether you’re just commencing to use WhatsApp or are a years-long maniac, you’re most likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Three. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from witnessing when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For accomplish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-made notifications

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-built Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-built Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media affixed.

11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is utter of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Whether you’re just beginning to use WhatsApp or are a years-long maniac, you’re very likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Three. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from witnessing when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For accomplish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-built notifications

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-built Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-made Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media linked.

11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is total of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Mobile

11 WhatsApp features you might not know

WhatsApp novices and pros alike may learn a thing or two from this handy list of tips.

by Chris Parker

Whether you’re just beginning to use WhatsApp or are a years-long junkie, you’re very likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Trio. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from observing when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For finish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-built notifications

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-built Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-built Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media fastened.

11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is utter of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Whether you’re just beginning to use WhatsApp or are a years-long maniac, you’re very likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Trio. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from watching when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For accomplish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-made notifications

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-made Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-made Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media linked.

11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is utter of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Whether you’re just beginning to use WhatsApp or are a years-long junkie, you’re very likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Trio. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from witnessing when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For accomplish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-built notifications

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-built Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-made Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media fastened.

11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is total of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Mobile

11 WhatsApp features you might not know

WhatsApp novices and pros alike may learn a thing or two from this handy list of tips.

by Chris Parker

Whether you’re just beginning to use WhatsApp or are a years-long junkie, you’re very likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Three. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from observing when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For finish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-made notifications

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-made Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-made Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media linked.

11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is utter of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Whether you’re just commencing to use WhatsApp or are a years-long junkie, you’re very likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Trio. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from eyeing when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For finish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-built notifications

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-made Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-built Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media affixed.

11 hidden WhatsApp features

Popular talk app WhatsApp is total of hidden features. We uncover eleven of them to help you out.

Mobile

11 WhatsApp features you might not know

WhatsApp novices and pros alike may learn a thing or two from this handy list of tips.

by Chris Parker

Whether you’re just commencing to use WhatsApp or are a years-long junkie, you’re very likely missing out on a few of these helpful, hidden features.

1. Format message text on request

WhatsApp lets you bold, italicize or strike through text on the fly. To do so, you’ll need to add a duo of special characters before and after whatever it is you want to format.

To bold text in WhatsApp, use an asterisk (*bold*); italicize text with an underscore (_italicize_); create strikethrough text with tildes (

Two. Starlet a message

Starring a message creates a convenient way to go back to a phone number, address or article link a friend sent you. Long-press on the message, then tap on the Starlet icon.

To view your starred messages, on iOS select the Starlet tab along the bottom of your screen. Android users need to tap on the Menu button, then Starred Messages.

Trio. Who do you talk to the most?

Nosey about who your BFF is on WhatsApp? If you have an iPhone, it’s effortless to figure out.

Android users can go to Settings > Talk > Talk History > Email Talk to view the same info. Thanks to CNET reader CherryC22 for the peak.

Four. Get message details

Five. Mute a conversation

When heading into a movie or meeting, use WhatsApp’s mute feature to muffle a chatty group conversation or a friend who doesn’t get the hint that you’re busy.

WhatsApp provides the option to mute a talk from eight hours to one year, which seems a bit like overkill.

6. Hide your last seen status

Don’t want friends or random contacts to know your "Last Seen" time? Open Settings > Account > Privacy > Last Seen.

WhatsApp provides three options: Everyone, My contacts, Nobody.

7. Disable read receipts

Going one step further, you can disable read receipts in WhatsApp. This will prevent fellow users from knowing you have read a message.

Note: Turning this feature off will also prevent you from observing when a friend has read your message. Group Talks will still use read receipts, however.

8. Don’t save photos, movies by default

If you’d rather not have WhatsApp saving every photo and movie you receive to your camera roll, taking up space and cluttering up your own photos, disable autosave.

On an iPhone, open Settings > Talks and turn Save Incoming Media Off.

This is a feature that’s seemingly missing from Android.

9. Use WhatsApp on a computer

As we’ve covered before, you can use WhatsApp from a computer with relative ease.

The gist of the process involves selecting WhatsApp Web within the mobile app, visiting web.whatsapp.com on your computer, and scanning a QR code with your phone.

For finish instructions, visit this post.

Ten. Custom-made notifications

Android users should tap on the Menu icon when viewing a talk thread, followed by View Contact > Custom-made Notifications.

For those using WhatsApp on an iPhone, tap on the contact’s name when viewing a talk thread, then Custom-built Notifications.

11. Export a conversation

You can export a conversation should you need to save it. When viewing a conversation, Android users need to tap on the Menu button followed by More > Email Talk.

On an iPhone, the process involves viewing a talk thread, tapping on a contact at the top of the screen, then scrolling to the bottom of the Contact Info page and selecting Export Talk.

Both devices give you the option to export with or without media fastened.