'APPY DAYS!
From dodging blue ticks to clearing up memory, these 16 WhatsApp tips will change the way you use the app forever
Avoid the inevitable arguments by getting around WhatsApp's tracking features
HUNDREDS of millions of us now use WhatsApp every single day. But, as we all know, those annoying blue ticks can cause arguments.
While the messaging app can also drain your data, clog up your phone's storage and be an unnecessary distraction at work - none of which is very good.
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From dodging blue ticks to using it hands-free, these 16 little-known WhatsApp tips will change the way you use it forever.
Have I got blues for you
WhatsApp's blue ticks are both a blessing and a curse.
Most people dodge them by turning off read receipts (Settings - Account - Privacy - Read Receipts), but this also means you'll no longer know when others have read your messages.
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There is another way. Simply enable Aeroplane Mode before launching the app, and you can read in peace.
Just remember to close the app before turning Aeroplane Mode off again.
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Last seen scream
Not reading someone's message can also cause you unnecessary stress, if they think you're deliberately ignoring them.
Hide your Last Seen time by going to Settings - Account - Privacy - Last Seen.
As with the Read Receipts, you'll also lose the ability to see when your mates were last on the app.
Go hands free
Driving home? Applying your make-up? Doing the washing up?
Make Siri send your WhatsApps for you. Just don't blame us if he hears you wrong.
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Keep your secrets safe
Friend borrowing your phone? Hide the WhatsApp preview by going to Settings - Notifications - Show Preview on an iPhone.
This will stop messages previewing at the top of the screen, and the notification will show the person's or group name instead.
Unfortunately, Android users can't unlock this feature yet.
Don't go mobile
Both Windows computers and Macs allow you to download WhatsApp on your desktop, or you can .
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Your boss will never tell you off for looking at your phone again... result!
It's coming home
Save your favourite chats to your Home Screen on Android by tapping and holding a chat, and selecting Add Chat Shortcut.
Your friends will seem closer than ever - unless you have an iPhone, in which case this isn't an option.
The star attraction
Mark your mate's address with a star, so you can find these sort of important messages easier.
Tap and hold a message to unlock the star function.
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Save it for later
You can mark a chat as unread by long-pressing the conversation on an Android, or swiping from left to right on an iPhone.
Spread the word
Send multiple contacts the same message, without adding them to a group chat, by selecting the New Broadcast option on the main menu.
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You've got mail
Did you know you can export your chat as an email, and even the emojis will embed?
Go into your convo menu, then hit More and Email Chat on Android, or just Email Chat on iPhone.
Care about one chat more than others?
Give your chat a custom notification so you can tell which conversation is blowing up by the sound.
Simply click the top bar above the chat, and select Custom Notifications.
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Why so quiet?
Sent a message to a group chat and had no response? Worried your phone's broken?
Either long press your sent message and hit the Information key on Android, or swipe from left to right on iOS to see who has read it.
If everyone's read the message, the blue ticks will appear.
Worth remembering
Clear up memory by going to Settings and Storage Usage, where you can clear chats.
This function will also tell you who you speak to most, and how many WhatsApp messages are saved on your phone.
In case you're wondering, I had 55,000 - so it's probably time for a clear out, or to find some less chatty friends.
Mute the group
Did you know you can mute group chats for eight hours, a day or an entire year?
Either go to Group Info on iPhone or hit the Menu button on Android to keep your friends quiet while you're at work.
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Got data dread?
Are you on your final gigabyte of data? Go to Settings then Data Usage to stop pictures and videos automatically downloading when you're not connected to WiFi.
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Be bold
If caps locks aren't dramatic enough, make your messages bold with asterisks (like *this*), italic with underscores (like _this_) or cross out certain words with tildes (like ~this~).
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