App lock
The App lock feature was initially introduced by Apple for its iOS devices. It allows users to unlock their WhatsApp either via Face ID unlock feature or using the same passcode which is used for unlocking the phone. The feature was further rolled out on Android smartphones as a fingerprint unlock feature. Users can respond to video calls either by using the Face ID or the fingerprint unlock feature.
Text features
WhatsApp allows users to quickly change the text font by using these special characters:
* (Asterix): Use asterix symbols at the beginning and end of the word/sentence to make it bold. Do add a space after adding an asterix at the end.
For example- *Hello* ; Result: Hello
_ (Underscore): Use underscore symbols at the beginning and end of the word/sentence to make your word/sentence italics.
For example- _Hello_ ; Result: Hello
Pin chats
This feature allows WhatsApp users to pin their favourite chats which they can frequently contact. It is a clean feature that allows users to segregate important messages from a plethora of text messages. If you are an iPhone user then follow these steps:
- Swipe on the chat you want to pin
- Tap Pin option
- Repeat the same process if you want to unpin the chat
If you happen to be an Android user then follow the steps below:
- Tap and hold the chat you want you want to pin
- Once the check mark appears, tap Pin icon and your will be pinned
- Repeat the same process if you want to unpin the chat
Data usage
WhatsApp allows users to keep a track of their data and it isn’t just the network usage tracker but also a storage tracker. It can give insights on frequently contacted chats, with whom users share the maximum media content, and also check the storage space of the smartphone.
Custom notifications
The Custom notification feature lets users easily manage their WhatsApp notifications. Users can set different notification sounds for their respective contacts. Here’s how users can enable this feature:
- Tap on the chat whose notification tone you want to change
- Tap on the user’s name
- Scroll down and tap Custom notifications
- Select the desired notification tone you want to set for your contact
