WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging platforms in the world, with billions of monthly active users. Its end-to-end encryption, voice notes, video messages, and seamless cross-device syncing make it a daily essential for personal and professional communication.
Despite its popularity, many users are unaware of several powerful settings hidden within the app. With just a few adjustments, you can enhance privacy, improve security, manage storage better, and take full control of your messaging experience.
Here is a complete guide to the most useful WhatsApp settings you should enable today.
1. Use WhatsApp on Your Computer or Second Device
Typing long messages on a phone isn’t always convenient. WhatsApp allows you to link your account to a computer or secondary device using QR-based authentication.
How to link a device:
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Open WhatsApp on your primary phone.
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Go to Settings.
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Tap Linked Devices.
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Select Link a Device.
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Scan the QR code displayed on the secondary device.
Once linked, your chats sync automatically, allowing you to send and receive messages directly from your computer.
2. Silence Calls from Unknown Numbers
Spam and promotional calls can disrupt your day. WhatsApp offers a simple privacy tool to reduce such interruptions.
To enable it:
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Go to Settings
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Tap Privacy
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Select Calls
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Turn on Silence Unknown Callers
This setting does not block calls entirely. Instead, it silences the ringtone while still logging the missed call in your notifications and call history.
3. Strengthen Account Security with Passkeys and Two-Step Verification
Your WhatsApp account contains personal conversations and sensitive information. Adding extra security layers is highly recommended.
Enable Passkeys
Passkeys allow login using fingerprint or facial recognition, offering stronger protection than traditional passwords.
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Go to Settings
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Tap Account
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Select Passkeys
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Follow on-screen instructions
Turn On Two-Step Verification
This adds a PIN requirement during account registration on new devices.
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Go to Settings
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Tap Account
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Select Two-step verification
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Create a secure PIN
Even if someone gains access to your SIM card, this extra layer helps prevent unauthorized access.
4. Lock the App or Individual Chats
If you share your phone with others, locking your app or specific chats can protect your privacy.
App Lock
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Go to Settings
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Tap Privacy
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Select App Lock
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Enable biometric authentication
This prevents anyone from opening WhatsApp without verification.
Chat Lock
For additional privacy, you can lock specific conversations. Locked chats are moved to a separate folder and can only be accessed using fingerprint, face ID, or a passcode.
This is ideal for keeping sensitive discussions secure.
5. Hide Message Preview in Notifications
If you do not want others to read your incoming messages from the lock screen, disable message previews.
Steps:
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Go to Settings
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Tap Notifications
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Turn off Show Preview
After this, notifications will show that you received a message, but the content will remain hidden until you unlock your phone.
6. Manage Storage Efficiently
Photos and videos can quickly consume your phone’s storage. WhatsApp provides built-in tools to help manage space.
To clean up storage:
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Go to Settings
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Tap Storage and Data
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Select Manage Storage
You can view large files, frequently forwarded media, and delete unnecessary content.
You can also:
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Adjust media upload quality (Standard or HD)
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Disable automatic media downloads under Media Auto-Download
This prevents unwanted files from filling your device storage.
7. Schedule and Secure Chat Backups
Backing up your chats ensures you do not lose important conversations if you switch devices. WhatsApp allows automatic backups to cloud services such as Google Drive or iCloud.
How to back up chats:
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Go to Settings
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Tap Chats
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Select Chat Backup
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Tap Back Up Now
You can also schedule automatic backups daily, weekly, or monthly.
For enhanced protection, enable End-to-End Encrypted Backup. Make sure to securely store the backup password, as it cannot be recovered if forgotten.
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp is more than just a messaging app — it is a powerful communication tool packed with privacy, security, and productivity features. By exploring and activating these hidden settings, you can improve your experience, safeguard your data, and manage your device more efficiently.
Take a few minutes today to review these settings. Small adjustments can make a significant difference in how securely and smoothly you use WhatsApp every day.
