THERE are three WhatsApp settings that all self-respecting textaholics should check.
We reveal exactly how to get some of the latest and greatest WhatsApp features for 2023.
1
Stealth mode
WhatsApp now lets you hide your online status using what’s become known as “stealth mode”.
At one stage all you could do was hide your Last Seen status – but not the fact that you were online.
To begin with, make sure you’re using the latest version of WhatsApp.
- Open WhatsApp and go into Settings.
- Then move into Privacy > Last Seen and online which under Account.
- You’ll find the new options under the bottom section, titled: Who can see when I’m online
“Seeing when friends or family are online helps us feel connected to one another,” said WhatsApp following the update.
“But we’ve all had times when we wanted to check our WhatsApp privately.
“For the times you want to keep your online presence private, we’re introducing the ability to select who can and can’t see when you’re online.”
WhatsApp self-deleting texts
Meta-owned WhatsApp also has a recently-added feature that will automatically self-destruct new texts after a day.
Most read in Tech
The new update is aimed at boosting your privacy – by destroying old WhatsApp messages.
You can set Disappearing Messages to automatically turn on for all new chats – without affecting existing conversations.
And two new durations have been added for Disappearing Messages, 24 hours and 90 days.
So now you can choose from four options in total: 24 hours, 7 days, 90 days or Off.
Go to Settings > Account > Privacy and then turn on Default Message Timer.
This feature only rolled out a few weeks ago, so make sure you’ve updated WhatsApp to its latest version.
Bear in mind that this system isn’t perfect.
Someone could still screenshot or copy your texts to keep a record of them.
So if you really want to keep something off the internet, consider not posting it – unless you’re messaging someone you absolutely trust.
WhatsApp avatars
You don’t want to go into 2023 without a metaverse avatar.
An update late last year added new Meta Avatars to WhatsApp.
If you make one, you can use it to share the avatar in any one of 36 different sticker styles while chatting on the app.
“Your avatar is a digital version of you that can be created from billions of combinations of diverse hair styles, facial features, and outfits,” WhatsApp explained.
“Sending an avatar is a fast and fun way to share feelings with friends and family.
“It can also be a great way to represent yourself without using your real photo so it feels more private.
“For many people this will be the first time creating an avatar and we’ll continue to deliver style enhancements including lighting, shading, hair style textures, and more that will make avatars even better over time.”
But did you know that it’s also possible to directly set your avatar as a WhatsApp profile picture – rather than your own face, a picture of your car, or a silly meme.
To create a WhatsApp avatar, go into Settings.
Now tap Avatar > Create Your Avatar.
Then follow the steps to create your avatar and tap done.
If you want to use it as your profile picture, tap Settings and then tap your profile photo.
Now tap Edit > Edit and then choose Use Avatar.
Latest tips and tricks for social media apps
Social media apps like Facebook, TikTok and WhatsApp have become vastly popular – but are always hiding new features or leading viral trends. So here are some of the best things to know…
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at [email protected]
This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
