Top 10 Most Asked WhatsApp Questions — Secret Tips & Tricks You Need to Know

WhatsApp is one of the most-used messaging apps in the UK and across the globe. But despite its popularity, many users only scratch the surface of what it can do.

Whether you want more privacy, faster replies, or just to stop getting added to random groups, here are the top 10 most frequently asked WhatsApp questions — along with secret tips and tricks to take your messaging game to the next level.

1. Can I Use WhatsApp on Two Phones?

Answer: Yes — with the Linked Devices feature, you can now use WhatsApp on two smartphones with the same account.

Tip:

• On your primary phone, go to Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device

• On your second phone, install WhatsApp, tap “Link to existing account”, and scan the QR code

This is perfect if you use a work and personal phone but want one WhatsApp account.

2. How Do I Hide My Online Status?

Answer: You can now hide your online and “Last Seen” status from specific contacts or from everyone.

Steps:
Go to Settings > Privacy > Last Seen & Online
Choose who can see your status — Everyone, My Contacts, My Contacts Except…, or Nobody.

Bonus Tip: You can also turn off read receipts (blue ticks) in Settings > Privacy > Read Receipts.

3. Can I Read a Message Without the Sender Knowing?

Answer: Yes — and here are three sneaky ways:

• Turn off read receipts (see above)

• Read via notification preview (swipe down without opening the app)

• Use Airplane Mode: Open WhatsApp in flight mode to read the message, then close the app before reconnecting

4. How Can I Stop Being Added to Random WhatsApp Groups?

Answer: You can control who can add you to groups.

Steps:
Go to Settings > Privacy > Groups
Select:

• Everyone

• My Contacts

• My Contacts Except… (ideal if you want to block certain people)

5. How Do I Back Up My Chats?

Answer: Backups protect your messages if you change phones or lose data.

Steps (Android):
Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Back up to Google Drive
Steps (iPhone):
Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > Back up to iCloud

Tip: Turn on auto-backup weekly or monthly, and choose whether to include videos.

6. Can I Lock Individual Chats for Privacy?

Answer: Yes — WhatsApp now supports Chat Lock with fingerprint or Face ID.

Steps:

• Open the chat

• Tap the contact’s name

• Select Chat Lock > Lock this chat with fingerprint/Face ID

Locked chats are moved to a separate folder and only accessible with your biometrics.

7. How Can I Send Messages to Myself?

Answer: WhatsApp now lets you message yourself for note-taking or saving links.

Steps:

• Tap New Chat

• Select “Message Yourself” at the top of the contact list

• Start chatting — great for reminders, to-do lists or sending files between devices

8. How Do I Edit a Sent Message?

Answer: WhatsApp lets you edit messages within 15 minutes of sending them.

Steps:

• Long-press the message

• Tap Edit

• Make your changes and hit send

Note: The recipient will see a small “Edited” tag next to the message.

9. Can I Pin Chats at the Top?

Answer: Absolutely — you can pin up to three chats to keep them easily accessible.

Steps:

• On Android: Long-press the chat, tap the pin icon

• On iPhone: Swipe right on the chat, then tap Pin

Pin your partner, best friend or work chat for quicker access.

10. What Happens If I Delete WhatsApp — Will I Lose My Chats?

Answer: If you haven’t backed up your chats, yes — they’ll be lost. Always back up before deleting or reinstalling the app.

To check your backup:
Settings > Chats > Chat Backup

Tip: At iSmash, we can help you back up and transfer your WhatsApp data when switching phones — including iPhone to Android and vice versa.

👉 Book a device setup or data transfer service at iSmash