The keep in chat feature allows users to pin or bookmark messages in a chat conversation so they can easily refer back to important details later. This can be especially useful in long chats where key information might get lost in the message history over time.
How does the keep in chat feature work?
The keep in chat function enables users to pin select messages in a one-on-one or group chat. On platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and Signal, users can press and hold on a chat bubble to open up a menu. There will be an option to keep or pin the message.
Once a message is pinned in a chat, it will no longer get pushed further up the message queue as new incoming messages arrive. The pinned message will always remain at the top of the chat history.
This makes it easy to refer back to key details sent earlier in the conversation without having to scroll back extensively to find it. The pinned message acts as a quick reference point.
Why is the keep in chat feature useful?
There are several reasons why users may want to take advantage of the keep in chat feature:
- To bookmark important logistical details like addresses, meeting times, phone numbers, links, or documents
- To save key decisions, action items, or next steps discussed in a chat
- To highlight important reminders you want to easily refer back to later
- To bookmark meaningful messages from loved ones you want to easily rediscover
Rather than screenshotting or copying every crucial bit of info from a chat, the keep feature lets you conveniently flag the exact messages with essential information. This saves time searching back through long chat histories.
How to use the keep in chat feature
The steps to pin a message in chat will be similar across different platforms. Here is how to do it on WhatsApp for Android:
- Open the WhatsApp chat with the message you want to pin
- Tap and hold your finger on the message to bring up the menu
- Select the pin icon (it looks like a thumbtack)
And that’s it! The selected message is now pinned. You’ll see it marked with a small thumbtack icon in the chat window.
To unpin the message later, just tap and hold it again and select the unpin option.
What are the limitations?
While handy, there are some limitations to be aware of with the keep in chat feature:
- Only a limited number of messages can be pinned in each chat (usually around 5)
- Long messages may get cut off or truncated when pinned
- Pinned messages get unpinned when a user clears chat history or leaves a group
- If the original message is edited or deleted, the pinned version will reflect those changes
- Photos and videos can’t be pinned, only text messages
So while pinned messages are useful as quick references, they may not be reliable for permanent storage of crucial information. You’ll still want to back up key details outside the chat itself.
Tip: Pin strategically
To get the most value from pinned messages, be selective about which ones you keep. Avoid pinning trivial messages.
Reserve pinned spots for truly vital information you need to frequently refer back to. This keeps the pin feature uncluttered and focused.
Benefits of the keep in chat feature
When used effectively, pinning chats can provide a number of helpful benefits:
- Convenience: Instantly access key details without extensive scrolling or search
- Time savings: Avoid wasting time hunting for important past messages in busy chats
- Organization: Pinning organizes and highlights the most essential information in chats
- Focus: Keeps crucial messages literally at your fingertips for quick reference
- Utility: Handy for bookmarking info you need to routinely look back up
The bottom line is pinned messages can significantly improve the utility and efficiency of messaging by making important details readily available.
Examples of effective pin usage
Here are some examples of smart ways to leverage the keep in chat feature:
Coordinate plans
Pin messages with the when and where details for upcoming plans with friends or colleagues. This makes it easy to quickly check event info.
Share key resources
Keep useful links, documents, or media pinned in work chats for easy ongoing reference.
Preserve memorable moments
Pin touching or funny messages from loved ones you want to be able to easily revisit.
Highlight decisions and tasks
Use pinned messages in project chats to flag important decisions, action items, and next steps.
Tips for using the keep feature effectively
Follow these tips to get the most from pinning chat messages:
- Be selective – only pin truly important messages
- Add context – briefly summarize what a pinned message is about
- Stay organized – group similar pinned messages together
- Periodically refresh – evaluate if pinned messages are still relevant
- Use strategically in group chats – pin need-to-know info for all participants
The bottom line
The ability to pin messages in chat is a simple but game-changing feature. It enables you to conveniently bookmark key information you need rapid access to within ongoing conversations.
Strategic use of the keep in chat function allows you to reap enormous productivity benefits. You save time, stay organized, and never lose track of crucial details.
While pinning has some minor limitations, it delivers ample utility when applied thoughtfully. Keep your chats functional and focused by only pinning the most vital content.
With the growing prominence of messaging across work and life, intelligent use of pinning has become a valuable digital skill. Master this feature to boost efficiency and streamline teamwork through better in-chat information curation.
| Platform | Steps to Pin Message | Pin Message Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Long press on message, tap pin icon | 5 pins per chat | |
| Facebook Messenger | Hover over message, click pushpin icon | 5 pins per chat |
| Telegram | Swipe left on message, select pin | 5 pins per chat |
| Signal | Long press on message, choose pin | 5 pins per chat |
As shown in the table above, the overall process for pinning messages is quite similar across the major chat platforms. They all allow pinning up to 5 messages per chat conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pin messages in Telegram group chats?
Yes, Telegram does allow pinning messages in both private and group chats. In groups, pinned messages are visible to all participants.
Do pinned chats take up more storage space on my phone?
No, pinning a message does not increase storage usage on your device. Pinned chats don’t take up any additional space.
Can I pin videos or pictures in WhatsApp?
Unfortunately, WhatsApp does not currently allow pinning media like videos, gifs, images, or audio. Only text messages can be pinned.
Is there a way to pin chats on an iPhone?
Pinned chats are available on both iPhones and Android phones for messaging apps like WhatsApp. The process for pinning chats is the same.
How many messages can I pin in Signal?
Like other platforms, Signal allows pinning up to 5 messages per chat. So you can keep up to 5 pinned messages in each conversation.
Conclusion
Pinning important messages in chat is an underutilized but highly valuable feature. With some strategic effort, you can use it to boost organization, productivity, and efficiency in your messaging.
Take the time to properly familiarize yourself with how to pin chats in your favorite messaging apps. Follow best practices to keep pinned messages crisp and relevant over time.
With the right approach, the humble pinned message can become one of your closest digital allies. Use it wisely to support your objectives and get more out of your conversations.