Introduction
You open WhatsApp 50 times a day, but are you actually using it correctly? Most of us just send messages and close the app. But in late 2024 and 2025, WhatsApp released some massive updates that most people completely ignore.
From locking your private chats with a secret code to sending videos that disappear after one view, the app has changed. In this guide, Iโm breaking down the 10 Best Hidden Features that will change how you use WhatsApp forever.
The Top 10 Hidden Features (2025 List)
1. Chat Lock with Secret Code
Gone are the days of archiving chats to hide them. You can now lock specific chats that only open with a secret code (even different from your phone password!).
- How to Enable: Long press a chat > Tap Lock Chat > Go to “Locked Chats” folder > Settings > Secret Code.
- Why it’s Useful: Even if someone knows your phone unlock pattern, they still can’t open your private chats.
2. Edit Sent Messages
Made a typo? Don’t delete the whole message. You can now edit it within 15 minutes of sending.
- How to Enable: Long press the sent message > Tap three dots (top right) > Select Edit.
- Why it’s Useful: Saves you from the embarrassment of “This message was deleted” notifications.
Just like editing videos on No Watermark, No Problem: Top 5 Free Video Editors for Android (2025), editing messages on WhatsApp is now easy.
3. HD Photo & Video by Default
Stop sending blurry photos! You can now set WhatsApp to always upload in HD Quality, so you don’t have to select it every single time.
- How to Enable: Settings > Storage and Data > Media Upload Quality > Select HD Quality.
- Why it’s Useful: Your festival and trip photos will finally look crisp on your family group.
4. Silence Unknown Callers
Tired of scam calls or random international numbers ringing your phone? This setting automatically silences them.
- How to Enable: Settings > Privacy > Calls > Turn on Silence Unknown Callers.
- Why it’s Useful: The phone won’t ring, but youโll see a notification in case it was important. Best for peace of mind.
5. Instant Video Notes (Circle Video)
Voice notes are old school. You can now send instant 60-second video bubbles directly in the chat.
- How to Enable: Tap the Camera Icon next to the text box (or tap the Mic icon once to switch to Video mode) > Hold to record.
- Why it’s Useful: Perfect for quick birthday wishes or showing where you are without opening the camera app.
6. WhatsApp Channels Directory
Looking for a job or breaking news? The new “Updates” tab has a powerful search directory to find channels relevant to you.
- How to Enable: Go to Updates Tab > Tap Explore > Filter by “News”, “Organizations”, or “Popular in India”.
- Why it’s Useful: It’s like a mini social media feed without the clutter of your friends’ posts.
7. Passkey Support
Forget waiting for SMS OTPs. You can now log in to WhatsApp using just your face, fingerprint, or screen lock.
- How to Enable: Settings > Account > Passkeys > Create Passkey.
- Why it’s Useful: If you travel abroad or lose SIM network, you can still log in easily.
8. Companion Mode (2 Phones, 1 Number)
Yes, you can officially use the same WhatsApp account on two different mobile phones simultaneously.
- How to Enable: On the 2nd phone, install WhatsApp > Tap “Agree & Continue” > Tap three dots > Link as Companion Device. Scan the QR code with your main phone.
- Why it’s Useful: Great if you have a work phone and a personal phone but want to manage one WhatsApp account.
9. Create AI Stickers
Why use boring stickers? You can generate custom stickers just by typing text. (Note: Currently rolling out to specific users in India).
- How to Enable: Open Chat > Emoji/Sticker icon > Tap Create > Select Generate with AI > Type “Cat eating samosa”.
- Why it’s Useful: Unlimited, unique stickers that no one else has!
10. View Once for Voice Notes
You knew about View Once photos, but now you can send audio that disappears after one listen.
- How to Enable: Record a voice note (lock the mic up) > Tap the “1” icon before sending.
- Why it’s Useful: Perfect for sharing passwords or secrets that you don’t want forwarded or saved.
Pro Tip: Stay Safe! ๐ก๏ธ
Warning: Please avoid using modded apps like GBWhatsApp or WhatsApp Plus. WhatsApp is strictly banning accounts using these third-party versions in 2025. Stick to the official app to keep your data safe.
Conclusion
WhatsApp is no longer just a chatting app; it’s a super-tool if you know these tricks. My personal favorite is the Silence Unknown Callers featureโit has stopped 99% of spam for me.
Which feature is your favorite? Did you know about the Secret Code? Tell us in the comments below! ๐
