The three hidden WhatsApp tricks that everyone who uses app needs to know

YOU'VE probably used WhatsApp to send tens of thousands of texts – but do you know all of its secrets?

We've picked out three of the best "hidden" WhatsApp hacks than any self-respecting texter should know.

WhatsApp text counter

For instance, WhatsApp has a hidden page that you can check to see the true scale of your texting habit.

It counts up your messages on the phone number (and even across devices).

And it splits them up into sent and received, so you can see exactly how you're using the app.

You'll almost certainly have significantly higher received messages, as the balance is usually heavily tipped by group chats.

But it's entirely possible that you've still sent more than you've received, making you a serious serial texter.

Launch the app and tap on Settings in the corner.

Next tap on Storage and Data, which is about halfway down the page.

After that you'll need to look for the Network section and tap on Network Usage.

At the very top, you should see a section called Messages.

And there are two counters: Sent and Received.

This tallies up all of the messages that you've been sending and receiving over the years.

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.

1. Open WhatsApp and go into Settings. 
2. Then move into Privacy > Last Seen and online which under Account.
3. 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."

Metaverse 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.

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.

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