With an estimated 800 million users currently active on WhatsApp, this new application has virtually eclipsed SMS in sending and receiving messages. But not everybody knows about the treasures and tricks of WhatsApp; read on to discover how you can unlock the magic of this application:

1) Use WhatsApp on the web

WhatsApp recently started providing a web interface for its popular messaging client supported via almost all browsers: Chrome, Firefox or Opera. Android, Windows Phone 8.1, and Blackberry OS. The most notable omission from this list is iOS, in part because of its inherent limitations.

For the others, point your browser to https://web.whatsapp.com, and follow the instructions as shown in screenshot below to enable WhatsApp on the web:

2) Email your WhatsApp messages

After an intense WhatsApp conversation with a group of friends, there might be messages that you want to share a friend not using WhatsApp. Or you might want to save a conversation in your archives in case your phone gets lost or stolen.


After Facebook and Twitter, there is a new player in town: WhatsApp. Make the most out of the latest instant messaging fad with Tech Mate


On Android, tap the menu button More Email Chat from within a conversation. And for iOS, inside a conversation, click on the top bar and then choose email to open the email client as shown below:

3) Muting group chats

One of the most popular features on WhatsApp is group chat. It is fun mostly, but the persistent buzzing of notifications from group chat messages can be irritating. Thankfully, there is an option available on Android to mute conversation; it can be accessed by clicking on the menu button.For iOS, it is accessible by tapping on the top bar and choosing mute.

4) Hide timestamps, read receipts

Some people prefer to keep their last seen status, read receipts status hidden for privacy purposes. You can disable your last seen status on Android by choosing Account Privacy within the app; for iOS, click on Settings Account Privacy to access all the settings. It is possible to disable all the statuses and prevent your profile photo from being viewed.

5) Archiving your chats

Archiving your chats on WhatsApp hides the conversation from view. You can enable archiving of individual, group chats and all conversations on a whole. Access Settings Scroll down and click Archive All Chats.

Images: Lifehacker, itunexextractor

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine June 14th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play

Opinion

The price of chocolate

The price of chocolate

Little attention is paid to any long-term strategy which might prevent vulnerable children from working in homes where they are in danger.

Editorial

Cholistan project
Updated 18 Feb, 2025

Cholistan project

GPI goals align with Pakistan's broader economic aims but the manner in which the initiative was launched raises questions.
Right to know
18 Feb, 2025

Right to know

IT is an unfortunate paradox that while on paper Pakistan has some of the most impressive right to information laws,...
Dam dispute
18 Feb, 2025

Dam dispute

THE situation in Chilas needs attention and a fair-minded approach so that it can be resolved amicably. Diamer ...
Climate funding gap
Updated 17 Feb, 2025

Climate funding gap

Pakistan must boost its institutional capacity to develop bankable climate projects.
UN monitoring report
Updated 17 Feb, 2025

UN monitoring report

Pakistan must press Kabul diplomatically over its tolerance of TTP terrorism.
Tax policy reform
17 Feb, 2025

Tax policy reform

THE cabinet’s decision to create a Tax Policy Office at the finance ministry has raised hopes that tax policy is...