WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the conveniences of WhatsApp is the ability to quickly respond to messages without having to unlock your phone.
Use Notification Quick Replies
The easiest way to respond on WhatsApp without unlocking your phone is to use the quick reply feature from notifications. When you receive a WhatsApp message, you will get a notification on your locked screen. On Android phones, pull down the notification to expand it, then simply tap the reply button. On iPhones, swipe left on the notification and tap reply. A text box will pop up, allowing you to type a quick response. This is useful for short messages like “Ok”, “Thanks”, or “Be there soon”. Your reply will be sent immediately without having to open the WhatsApp app.
Use Third-Party Apps
If you want more options beyond basic quick replies, you can download third-party apps that allow you to fully interact with WhatsApp from your lock screen. Here are some top options:
- Reply for WhatsApp (Android only): This app adds advanced quick reply functionality like photos, stickers, and dictation from your lock screen.
- Lockkit (iOS only): Allows you to set quick reply messages and view full message previews from the lock screen.
- ChatHeads for WhatsApp (Android): Uses Facebook-like chat heads to view, reply, and interact with WhatsApp messages over other apps.
- Direct Chat for WhatsApp (iOS): Provides quick reply options and full conversation view from the lock screen.
The capabilities of these apps can include:
- View full message previews from the lock screen
- Quick reply with text, emoji, photos, voice messages
- Interact in group chats
- See who is typing and read receipts
- Mark messages as read
- Chat heads float over other apps
These apps require some setup but allow you to seamlessly use WhatsApp without ever unlocking your phone.
Use Google Assistant
If your phone has Google Assistant enabled, you can use voice commands to send WhatsApp messages and replies, hands-free from the lock screen. Just say “Hey Google” or your chosen wake phrase, then give a command like:
- “Send a WhatsApp message to Mom saying I’m on my way”
- “Reply to John on WhatsApp I’ll be there in 10 minutes”
- “Send a WhatsApp message to Jane that the meeting is cancelled”
Google Assistant integrates directly with WhatsApp to send messages and voice notes without unlocking your device. However, you can’t view full message histories or have more interactive conversations like in dedicated third-party apps.
Use Siri Shortcuts
On iPhones and iPads, you can use Siri Shortcuts to send WhatsApp messages from the lock screen or control center. To set this up:
- Open the Shortcuts app and search for “WhatsApp”
- Select the “Send Message on WhatsApp” shortcut
- Customize the message text and recipient
- Name the shortcut something like “Message Mom”
- Tap Add to Home Screen to access it from the lock screen
After configuring some shortcuts, tap them from the lock screen to instantly send pre-written WhatsApp messages or short replies, hands-free. While not as advanced as third-party apps, it’s a convenient way to quickly respond on iPhone and iPad.
Dictate Replies Using Speech-to-Text
Both Android and iOS devices allow you to dictate text replies using speech-to-text features, all without unlocking your phone:
- Android: Open the notification quick reply text box, then tap the microphone icon and dictate your message.
- iPhone: Swipe left on the notification, then tap the microphone icon to start dictating.
Dictated replies are typed out and sent immediately as WhatsApp messages from your lock screen. However, this only works for short text responses, not more interactive conversations.
Use Accessibility Features
For added convenience, you can enable accessibility features on your phone to reply on WhatsApp without touching the screen at all.
On iPhones, enable Voice Control to send WhatsApp messages using Siri without unlocking your device. You can say voice commands like “Open WhatsApp”, “Go to John”, and “Send Message on the way”.
On Android, try enabling Voice Access which lets you control your device and apps with voice commands. After activating it, you can say things like “Open WhatsApp”, “Go to Mom’s chat”, “Type I’m on the bus” to send WhatsApp replies.
Combining accessibility features with quick replies provides a completely hands-free way to respond on WhatsApp from the lock screen, convenient for busy situations.
Set Up WhatsApp Web
You can also set up WhatsApp Web to exchange messages from your computer browser without needing your phone. To do this:
- Open web.whatsapp.com on your computer browser
- On your phone, open WhatsApp and go to Menu > Linked Devices
- Tap Link a Device and scan the QR code from your computer screen
This links your WhatsApp account to the Web version, allowing you to seamlessly continue chats from your computer. You can carry on full conversations without needing to look at or touch your phone. Just note your phone still needs to be powered on and connected to the internet.
Customize Notification Settings
Make sure your WhatsApp notification settings are optimized for quick replies without unlocking your device:
- Enable Lock Screen Notifications and Show Preview Messages
- Turn on Notification LED if available on your phone
- Customize notification sounds and vibrate settings
With well-configured notifications, you can instantly glance to see new WhatsApp messages and quickly respond or dismiss them as needed, all from the lock screen.
Make Your Phone Easier to Unlock
While the above tips allow you to reply on WhatsApp without fully unlocking your phone, you may still need to unlock it occasionally for more interactive conversations. Make this easier by:
- Setting up a PIN, pattern, or password you can quickly enter
- Enabling fingerprint or face unlock if available
- Using Smart Lock to keep your phone unlocked in certain locations or when connected to Bluetooth devices
With speedy unlocking methods, you can get into WhatsApp when needed without much hassle.
Conclusion
Replying on WhatsApp without unlocking your phone is easy with the right tools. Take advantage of quick reply notifications, third-party apps, voice assistants, and accessibility features for hands-free messaging. Set up WhatsApp Web for seamless computer access. Customize your settings for glanceable notifications. And speed up unlocking methods for when you need fuller access. With these tips, you can stay connected on WhatsApp without the constant need to unlock your device.