WhatsApp features everyone should know to maximize their experience

1. Messaging & Communication

• End-to-End Encryption: All messages, calls, and media are secured.
• Disappearing Messages: Set messages to vanish after 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days.
• Reply Privately in Groups: Long-press a message in a group chat and tap “Reply Privately” to message the sender directly.
• Formatting Text:
• Bold: *text*
• Italic: _text_
• Strikethrough: ~text~
• Monospace: ```text```
• Broadcast Lists: Send messages to multiple contacts without creating a group.
• Reactions: React to messages with emojis (tap and hold a message).
• Pin Chats: Keep important chats at the top of your inbox (long-press a chat).

2. Media & File Sharing

• Share High-Quality Photos/Video: Enable “HD” before sending media.
• Document Sharing: Send PDFs, spreadsheets, and files up to 2GB.
• View Once Media: Send photos/videos that disappear after being opened.
• Voice Messages: Hold the mic icon to record; swipe up to lock recording hands-free.
• Status Updates: Post text, photos, videos, or GIFs that disappear after 24 hours (like Instagram Stories).

3. Calls & Video

• Voice and Video Calls: Make free individual or group calls over Wi-Fi/data.
• Group Video Calls: Supports up to 32 participants.
• Call Links: Create shareable links to start calls instantly (like Zoom).

4. Privacy & Security

• Two-Step Verification: Add a PIN for account security.
• Block Contacts: Restrict specific users from contacting you.
• Hide Online Status: Go to Privacy → Last Seen & Online to control visibility.
• Lock Chats: Use fingerprint/face ID to lock the app (Android/iOS).
• Silence Unknown Callers: Block spam calls in Settings → Privacy.

5. Groups & Communities

• Large Groups: Up to 1,024 members (as of 2023 updates).
• Communities: Organize related groups under one umbrella (e.g., school, workplace).
• Group Admin Controls: Restrict who can edit group info or send messages.
• Mute Groups: Silence notifications for hours, weeks, or forever.

6. Convenience Tools

• WhatsApp Web/Desktop: Sync chats with your computer.
• Live Location Sharing: Share real-time location for 15 mins, 1 hour, or 8 hours.
• Chat Backup: Auto-save chats to Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iOS).
• Starred Messages: Bookmark important messages for quick access.
• Search Bar: Find specific messages, photos, or links in chats.

7. Customisation

• Dark Mode: Reduce eye strain (enable in Settings → Chats).
• Custom Wallpapers: Set unique backgrounds for individual chats.
• Notification Customization: Assign unique tones/vibration patterns for specific chats.

8. Business Features

• Catalogs: Businesses can showcase products/services.
• Quick Replies: Pre-saved responses for frequent queries (Business accounts).
• WhatsApp Pay: Send/receive money in supported countries (linked to UPI or local payment systems).

9. Hidden Gems

• Message Yourself: Use the app as a notepad by messaging your own number.
• Data Saver: Reduce mobile data usage for calls (Settings → Storage and Data).
• Migrate Chats: Switch phones without losing data (Android to iOS or vice versa).