WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the reasons for its popularity is the easy and intuitive interface. However, WhatsApp also has some handy keyboard shortcuts and tricks that make chatting even faster.
In this article, we will go over the various shortcut keys and tips available in WhatsApp to help you message more efficiently on Android, iOS, and Web.
Shortcut Keys in WhatsApp Web
When using WhatsApp Web on your computer’s browser, you have access to some useful keyboard shortcuts that improve productivity.
Navigation Shortcuts
| Ctrl + Shift +] | Go to next chat |
| Ctrl + Shift + [ | Go to previous chat |
| Ctrl + E | Go to search bar |
| Esc | Close active menu |
The navigation shortcuts allow you to quickly switch between different chats and access the search bar without touching the mouse.
Message Shortcuts
| Ctrl + Enter | Send message |
| Shift + Enter | New line |
| Ctrl + Shift + M | Toggle dark mode |
These shortcuts make sending messages quicker. The dark mode toggle is also very handy for switching between light and dark themes.
Media Shortcuts
| Ctrl + Alt + M | Toggle mute |
| Ctrl + Alt + E | Toggle ephemerality |
| Ctrl + Shift + X | Toggle markdown formatting |
The media shortcuts give you quick access to mute, ephemerality (disappearing messages), and markdown formatting options.
Shortcut Keys on WhatsApp for Android
Android users can take advantage of several handy keyboard shortcuts in WhatsApp for faster messaging.
Navigation Shortcuts
| Volume Up | Next chat |
| Volume Down | Previous chat |
You can quickly switch between chats using the Volume Up and Volume Down keys.
Voice Message Shortcuts
| Volume Up (long press) | Fast forward voice message |
| Volume Down (long press) | Rewind voice message |
Long pressing the volume keys allows easy navigation through voice messages.
Message Shortcuts
| Enter key | Send message |
| Shift + Enter | New line |
The Enter key sends a message instantly. Shift + Enter is useful for creating new lines without sending the message.
Shortcut Keys for WhatsApp on iPhone
Despite some limitations, iPhone users can also take advantage of shortcuts for a better WhatsApp experience.
Navigation Shortcuts
| Swipe right | Next chat |
| Swipe left | Previous chat |
Swiping right and left on the chat list screen helps quickly shuffle between conversations.
Voice Message Shortcuts
| Tap and hold microphone | Record handsfree |
| Tap and hold send button | Record voice message |
Long pressing the microphone and send button are shortcuts to record voice messages handsfree or keep the phone on your ear.
Document Shortcuts
| Two finger single tap | Save image (in chat) |
| Touch and hold | Preview links and images |
Two finger tap saves images quickly from a chat. Touch and hold gives a peek preview of links and media.
Top WhatsApp Web Tips and Tricks
Beyond just keyboard shortcuts, WhatsApp Web has some useful tips and tricks to enhance productivity.
Pin Important Chats
Pinning chats ensures constant access to up to 3 important conversations on top of the chat list.
Enable Dark Mode
Dark mode switches the theme to black backgrounds and white text to reduce eye strain.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts boost efficiency by reducing mouse usage for frequent actions.
Search Messages
The search bar allows quickly finding messages, links, documents etc. even from years ago.
Send Documents Upto 100MB
WhatsApp Web lets you send documents up to 100MB in size without compression.
Group Video Calls
Video calls on WhatsApp Web can include up to 8 participants for free group video chats.
Multi-device Support
WhatsApp can be used simultaneously on up to 4 linked devices with WhatsApp Web.
Hide Blue Ticks
Disabling read receipts prevents showing blue ticks to contacts when you read their messages.
Top WhatsApp Tips and Tricks for Android
Besides shortcuts, Android WhatsApp has some useful hacks and features for better messaging.
Use Swipe Typing
Swipe typing allows faster typing by sliding fingers across letters instead of tapping.
Pin Chats
Pin up to 3 conversations to the top of the chat list for quick access.
Bookmark Important Messages
Star or bookmark key messages to easily find them later from your Starred Messages.
Forward Messages Privately
Forwarding messages to contacts privately prevents exposing the original sender.
Make Video Calls
Video calls on WhatsApp allow free face-to-face conversations with contacts.
Share Your Location
Quickly share your live location with contacts from chats for meetups or emergencies.
Hide Blue Ticks
You can hide your read receipts so contacts can’t see if you’ve read their messages.
Schedule Messages
Scheduling messages allows sending text later at a more convenient time.
Top WhatsApp Tips and Tricks for iPhone
Despite lack of shortcuts, iPhone WhatsApp has some neat tips and hacks.
Pin Important Chats
Pin up to 3 conversations to the top of your chat list for quick access.
Swipe to Reply
Swipe right on a message and tap Reply to respond quickly without opening it.
Preview Links
Touch and hold messages with links to preview the webpage content.
Share Your Location
You can share your live location or an address easily from chats.
Bookmark Key Messages
Tap and hold a chat bubble and tap Star to bookmark it for accessing later.
Make FaceTime Calls
If your contact has an iPhone, you can make FaceTime video calls.
Hide Blue Ticks
Turn off read receipts in settings to prevent contacts from knowing if you’ve read their texts.
Schedule Messages
You can schedule messages in advance to send automatically at the chosen time.
FAQs
How do I pin a chat on WhatsApp?
On Android and WhatsApp Web, long press the chat you want to pin and tap the pin icon. On iPhone, swipe left on the chat, tap More, and choose Pin.
Can I use WhatsApp on multiple devices?
Yes, with WhatsApp’s multi-device feature, you can use WhatsApp Web, Desktop, and Portal simultaneously with your phone app.
Is dark mode available on WhatsApp?
Yes, dark mode can be enabled in WhatsApp settings on Android, iOS, and Web for easier viewing in low light.
Can I schedule WhatsApp messages?
Scheduled messaging is a native feature in WhatsApp for Android and iOS letting you compose and send messages at a later time.
How do I quickly save images from WhatsApp?
On Android, touch and hold the image and tap Download. On iPhone, touch and hold to preview, then tap the Share button > Save Image.
Conclusion
WhatsApp offers a ton of handy shortcuts, hacks, and features to help you message faster across platforms. Learning and using these tips can significantly boost your productivity and improve the WhatsApp experience. Your most frequently contacted chats are now just a tap or swipe away thanks to chat pinning.
So explore all the shortcuts and features tailored for your device and transform the way you use WhatsApp! With time, these handy tricks will become second nature when chatting on WhatsApp.