WhatsApp has become the go-to messaging app for billions of people worldwide, but did you know it’s loaded with hidden features that can elevate your experience far beyond just sending texts and emojis?
In this post, we uncover the most underrated, underused, and downright cool features of WhatsApp in 2025 that most users miss — until now.
- Disappearing Messages with Custom Timers
WhatsApp now lets you set disappearing messages not just for 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days — but with custom timers down to the hour. Great for sending sensitive info you don’t want sticking around.
How to use:
- Open a chat > Tap on contact name > Disappearing Messages > Choose a custom time
- Secret Code for Locked Chats
For ultra-private chats, you can now lock conversations behind a secret code that’s different from your phone’s passcode. Perfect for hiding sensitive discussions or surprise birthday plans.
How to use:
- Settings > Privacy > Locked Chats > Enable and set Secret Code
- Edit Sent Messages (Yes, Really!)
Made a typo? Sent something too fast? You can now edit sent messages up to 15 minutes after sending — no need to delete and resend.
How to use:
- Long-press a sent message > Tap Edit > Fix it
- Voice Message Playback Speed Control
Busy? WhatsApp lets you speed up voice messages (1.5x or 2x) so you can listen faster — perfect for long rambling voice notes.
How to use:
- Press play on a voice message > Tap the speed icon to switch between 1x, 1.5x, or 2x
- Pin Up to 3 Chats
You probably know you can pin chats to the top — but did you know you can now pin up to 3 instead of just 1? Keep your favorite people or groups always accessible.
How to use:
- Long-press chat > Tap the pin icon (You can pin 3 now!)
- Use WhatsApp on Multiple Phones
Multi-device mode now includes support for up to 4 devices — including another smartphone. That means you can use the same WhatsApp account on your personal and work phone.
How to use:
- Settings > Linked Devices > Link another phone via QR code
- Save Important Messages in “Kept Messages”
For disappearing chats, you can now keep certain messages from vanishing using the “Keep” feature — they’ll stay in a special “Kept Messages” folder.
How to use:
- Long-press a disappearing message > Tap Keep
- Search Messages by Date
Looking for that old message from your friend last Christmas? You can now search chats by date — no more endless scrolling.
How to use:
- Tap the contact name > Search > Tap calendar icon to choose a date
- Send HD Photos & Videos
WhatsApp now supports sending high-definition (HD) images and videos — finally! No more blurry photos from friends.
How to use:
- Select a photo > Tap the HD icon before sending
- Stealth Mode: Hide Online Status & “Typing…”
Now you can control who sees your online status and even turn off the “typing…” indicator. Go full stealth ninja mode.
How to use:
- Settings > Privacy > Last seen & online > Choose “Nobody” or “Same as last seen”
Bonus: Create Your Own WhatsApp Stickers
With the built-in sticker maker, you can now create custom stickers using your photos, directly in WhatsApp — no third-party app needed.
How to use:
- Tap emoji icon in chat > Stickers > + > Create your own
Conclusion
WhatsApp is constantly evolving, and with these hidden features, you can turn it from a basic messenger into a powerhouse of privacy, productivity, and personal flair.
