Ten game-changing WhatsApp hacks - including how to stop it eating up your data

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WhatsApp users should take advantage of the hidden features (Image: Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock)
WhatsApp users should take advantage of the hidden features (Image: Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto/REX/Shutterstock)

People are only just realising that there are some game-changing WhatsApp hacks that could really revolutionise the way you use the message-sharing platform.

WhatsApp launched in 2009 and was bought by Meta (then Facebook) for a whopping $19billion (£15million) some five years later in 2014. The app continues to add new functions like HD photos and the ability to use the app on multiple phones.

With more than than two billion users across the globe, every useful tip you can get could prove to be very handy so here's some you really should test out if you want to make the most of it - and really impress your friends.

Data drain fix

One of the biggest complaints about the popular service is that it can be a drain on your data on calls. But it's really easy to stop it downloading large files - saving you money in the long run. Go to Settings > Storage and Data and find out for yourself.

Picture improvement

One of the very best cheats is improving the quality of the photos you get after WhatsApp users noticed images arrives a little compressed. Mark Zuckerberg, the Meta founder, showed off a new HD photos function and now it's available on both Android and iOS. He explained you should select a photo, push the ‘HD’ option in the editing tools before select HD quality. Simple as that, even if they aren't razor sharp, they're better than before.

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Finding vital info

This is one we all need to remember. If you've ever been sent some information but just can't figure out who it was or when, then read on. It's so straight-forward - search all your messages at once and every time you have mentioned a key word, WhatsApp will highlight it. Before long that address or important date will be at your finger-tips!

Two in one go

Did you know you could run WhatsApp on two phones at once? A recent update now offers that service, and all you need to do it link the second device to your first one. The company said: "Linking phones as companion devices makes messaging easier. Now you can switch between phones without signing out and pick up your chats where you left off.

"Or if you’re a small business owner, additional employees are now able to respond to customers directly from their phones under the same WhatsApp Business account."

Go share-screen

There's also an option to share your screen - simply open the app, start a video call with a contact, then tap the screen-sharing icon. It's so easy.

Go off the radar

Another good bit of advice if you want to be a little off-the radar is to use Stealth Mode. It allows you to hide whether you are online or not, giving you that little bit more privacy.

Who can see you

Ever wanted to dodge someone and can't quite put your phone down, even if they know you're active? We've all had that message we don't want to respond to. Problem solved, it seems. You can also now choose who can see if you are online, if that's what you want.

Delete as you go

That's not all when it comes to helpful WhatsApp pointers. You can now set a timer to deleted whatever you want, and if you prefer not to have a trail left behind it can all vanish after a few clicks. Just go to Settings > Privacy and choose ‘Disappearing messages’ - but the changed only come into play after you activate it.

Turn off 'last seen' time

There's plenty of other little tips to pay attention to as well. Did you know you can turn off your ‘Last seen’ time on messages? Go to Settings > Privacy, and then hit ‘Last Seen’ and you will be met by a number of options. It's perfect if you need a little down time without worrying.

Video conferencing

Finally, this is one for the Zoom fans. If you think a video conference is always handy, why not do it via a new platform?You can now call up to 32 people at once. It's a lot easier if you're on the go and don't have to power up the laptop. There's a golden rule though - don't forget to unmute yourself!

Sam Elliott-Gibbs

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