WhatsApp is quite popular as one of the most powerful messaging services across the Web, all thanks to the interactive design, simple interface and a plethora of features it offers. The app has over 1bn users all over the world, who use it on daily basis. Still, they’re not fully aware of what the messenger is capable of. That’s why here we’ve come up with this post, where we’ll guide you on everything you need to know about the messaging app.
Here’s what you need to know about WhatsApp
What is WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is a leading cross-platform instant messaging client that lets you send messages, make voice calls and video calls over the Internet. Apart from this, you can also send images, videos, audios, contacts, user location, MS Office files, PDFs, GIF animations to other users.
The messaging app has grown much popular among users and the messaging client has over 1bn userbase.
Interesting facts about WhatsApp
- WhatsApp was founded by two ex-Yahoo employees Brian Acton and Jan Koum
- The messaging client has most active no. of users per engineer
- The messaging client has spent zero cash on marketing
- The messaging service was bought by Facebook in 2014 for 19mn
- Before this, the proposal of the app was rejected by both Facebook and Twitter
- The app doesn’t store user data
How to install WhatsApp?
Installing the app on your device is very simple. You just need to follow some simple steps mentioned below:
Step 1. Download setup file from official website or from the official store of the platform you’re using
Step 2. Once the setup file is downloaded, click on it to begin installation
Step 3. After installation, you’ll be guided through the initial setup process. Here, you’re required to choose a username, add a profile picture, and synchronize your contact list with the account. Just follow on-screen instructions mentioned in the app.
After you’ve successfully set up your WhatsApp account, you’ll see the list of contacts, that are already using the app. You can tap on anyone to initial conversation. Apart from this, you can also change your status, profile picture, security settings and much more.
WhatsApp major attractions
Support for most of the platforms
Earlier, WhatsApp was available on almost every platform (including Windows desktop and Mac). However, a few months back, the messaging app has withdrawn support from Blackberry, Symbian, java and earlier Android versions. But, you can still use the app on most of the mobile devices.
Versatile collection of emoji
WhatsApp leaves no string untied when it comes to making your conversations more interactive and dynamic. The messenger lets you choose from a variety of emoji that add new fuel to your conversations, thus making them more interesting.
Interactive design
The messenger features a simple and optimized design. You can easily get familiar with the messenger within few minutes of using it. Also, the interface is well organized.
Variety of customization options
There are plenty of things to do in the messenger. You can change your status, your profile picture, the background and tweak other privacy settings quite easily and effectively.
WhatsApp Web
You can’t carry your mobile phone everywhere, but messages can come anytime. Keeping this thing in mind, the messenger has introduced a new feature that lets you synchronize your mobile account on the web so that you never skip and important message and stay updated all the time.
Best WhatsApp tips and tricks you must know
Backup and Restore WhatsApp chats
If you want to keep your chats and secure for future use, you can choose to have a manual backup. Here’s how to do so:
On iOS
- Go to Settings > Chat Settings > Chat Backup
- Tap Back Up Now
On Android
- Go to Settings > Chat Settings
- Tap Backup conversations
Important Note
This will not backup your media files. So, you’ll need to copy them from /sdcard/WhatsApp/Media
Hide last seen timestamp
In case you’re annoyed to that nasty last seen time stamp displayed in chats and looking for suitable options to remove it, we have a fix.
Here’s what you need to do:
On iOS
- Go to Settings > Chat Settings > Advanced
- Set Last Seen Timestamp to off
On Android
In Android, the process is quite lengthy. Here, you’ve to install a third party app called Hide WhatsApp Status. The app disables your Wi-Fi connection when you open WhatsApp. After this, when you exit the app, your Wi-Fi or cellular connection will be reactivated and the messages will be sent from the app.
Change your WhatsApp Phone Number
To port your WhatsApp account from one number to other, you no longer need to delete your account and uninstall the app. Instead, you can easily do so by following some simple steps mentioned below:
- Go to Settings > Account > Change number
- Enter your old phone number in the top field and new phone number in bottom
- Tap Done
- Verify your new phone number
Now you’ll see that all your chat history, groups and contacts will be moved to the new number. Enjoy!
Lock your WhatsApp
You must’ve come across some friends or family members, who’re always curious to take a sneak peek at your chats without your permission. They take intense pleasure in reading your personal conversations (Seriously, such people annoy me a lot. You can’t have a personal talk with someone for even two minutes).
Well, if you’re also fed up of such people and looking for an efficient way to get rid of them, we have got a fix. Here’s what you need to do:
There’s an app for Android called WhatsApp lock. You can use it to secure your chats with a proper password so that no one can access them without your permission. Enjoy!
That’s all, our complete guide on everything you need to know about WhatsApp ends here. Stay tuned for more updates.
Click here to download WhatsApp on your device!
Read More: How to Stop WhatsApp sharing data with Facebook
