WhatsApp has become an everyday communication tool for millions of people, but many users still rely only on its basic messaging and calling features. Hidden inside the app are several settings that can improve privacy, reduce distractions and make managing conversations much easier.

Here are seven WhatsApp features worth checking today.

Lock your private chats

If you have conversations containing personal information, WhatsApp's Chat Lock feature can add an extra layer of privacy. Locked chats are separated from your regular inbox and can require your device authentication to access.

This can be particularly useful if you occasionally hand your phone to someone else.

Silence calls from unknown numbers

Repeated calls from unfamiliar numbers can be annoying and, in some cases, may be linked to spam attempts.

WhatsApp allows users to silence calls from unknown numbers. The calls won't ring normally, while they can still appear in the call list.

Control who can add you to groups

Being added to random WhatsApp groups can quickly become frustrating. Instead of allowing everyone to add you, check the privacy settings for Groups and choose who can add you.

This gives you greater control over unexpected group invitations.

Hide your online status

You don't always want other people to know when you're using WhatsApp.

Under Privacy settings, you can control who can see when you're online. You can also adjust your Last Seen visibility separately, giving you more control over your availability.

Use disappearing messages when appropriate

Some conversations don't need to remain in your chat history forever. WhatsApp's disappearing messages feature can automatically remove messages after a selected period.

It's useful for temporary conversations, although it shouldn't be treated as a guarantee that information cannot be saved or copied.

Protect your account with two-step verification

Two-step verification adds an additional security layer to your WhatsApp account. Once enabled, you'll need a PIN when registering your phone number with WhatsApp again.

Make sure the associated email address is secure as well, since it can be important for account recovery.

Manage storage before your phone runs out of space

WhatsApp can accumulate a huge amount of photos, videos, documents and GIFs over time.

Open the app's storage management section to identify large files and unnecessary media. You can delete unwanted content without having to remove entire conversations.

Take a few minutes to review your settings

WhatsApp's default settings may not always match your personal preferences. Spending a few minutes reviewing privacy, security, notifications and storage settings can make the app more convenient while giving you greater control over your personal information.