WhatsApp, an interactive messaging platform that has become an essential tool in the lives of millions of people, has remained key in the lives of most Nigerians. From informal phone calls to parents and friends to running a business, its convenience and adaptability are impossible to overemphasize. However, the truth is that few people have no idea of the wide variety of tricks that can be implemented into the already exciting WhatsApp application. This article will attempt to explain some WhatsApp tricks for Nigerian users and will use data from recent days.
- Pin Important Chats
That is why it is barely possible to pay attention to important messages while their number constantly increases. WhatsApp also lets clients pin up to three messages at the top of the chat list so that clients can gain easy access to them.
How to Pin a Chat
Android: Tap and hold the chat which you would wish to pin then at the top, you will see a pin icon tap it.
iPhone: Open the chat you would like to pin and Press down on it then select the pin button.
- How to Use WhatsApp On Multiple Devices
One of the WhatsApp tricks for Nigerian users is the multi-device where a user can connect up to four devices other than a phone. This feature especially comes in handy for those who use multiple devices or those who switch from one device to another very often especially in Nigeria.
How to Set Up:
To do this click on the search button and type the following www.whatsapp.com/ and select WhatsApp Web/Desktop.
Launch the WhatsApp on your phone and then click on settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device then scan the QR code.
Here’s an image showing a step-by-step guide to link devices
Click on the “Linked Devices” button as shown on the image above.
You’ll be taken to a screen asking you to “Link a device,” kindly click on it.
A pop up screen with instructions to either connect to WiFi or use your mobile data to continue. Choose “Use mobile data” or you can simply connect to a WiFi to continue.
Next you’ll be taken to a screen asking you to scan the code on the device you’ll want to link to.
Once scanned your device is linked.
- Custom Notifications
In the case of not wanting to miss any message or to be able to distinguish between personal and business conversation with a certain person or with certain people only, it is possible to set individual sounds for the concerned contact or the concerned contact list.
How to Customize Notifications:
Open WhatsApp and hover to “Settings
Navigate to Notifications and from the drop down list select “Notifications” and then set up your preferences.
- Disappearing Messages
The disappearing messages feature that has a default time of 7 days after which any message that was sent in the chat is deleted is a plus for the privacy-focused users. This is particularly helpful where the things being discussed are rather personal.
How to Enable:
To give a message, open the chat, and press the contact or group name at the top.
Choose Disappearing messages and set your preferred self-deletion for messages, that is, 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days.
- Promoting Business through Status Updates
Currently, the majority of the Nigerian small business owners advertise products or services on users’ WhatsApp Status. Once you post statuses often, you will be able to attract more people and expand the circle.
Tips for Effective Status Updates
- Upload high-quality pictures and videos.
- Be specific and have concrete calls to action.
This way, it will be imperative to update it often so that the audience will remain interested.
- Backup Your Chats
To avoid missing a relevant conversation, always sync the conversation history to Google Drive or iCloud. This way the messages are saved even if you shift from one device to the other or even if you have to re-install the application.
How to Backup:
Android: It is under the settings icon on the top right hand corner of the app, then chats, then chat backup and then ‘Back up to Google Drive’.
iPhone: Press the three horizontal lines on the top right corner then go to settings that opens up, then chats, then press on chat backup, and finally press on back up now.
- Two-Step Verification
For added security of your account in WhatsApp, – activate two-step verification. Adding to the security, this feature seeks to ask for a PIN when you are registering your phone number with whatsApp.
How to Enable:
They have their settings located in the Account tab which has a Two-step verification tab where one can enable it.
At this point, make a PIN and a recovery email address following the prompt.
- Broadcast Lists
To forward the same message to many people, without having to create a group, use the broadcast lists. This is very convenient especially when making an announcement or when issuing an invitation.
How to Create a Broadcast List
Android: Click on three lines at the upper right corner and go to the section New broadcast.
iPhone: At the performer’s window, click on the crown on top of the chat list and choose the option for New List.
You put in the contacts you wish to retain and dispatch your message out.
- Dark Mode
Using dark mode can help reduce eye strain and save battery life on OLED screens. WhatsApp offers a dark mode option for both Android and iPhone users.
How to Enable Dark Mode:
- Android: Go to Settings > Chats > Theme > Dark.
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Display & Brightness > Dark.
- Manage Storage
WhatsApp has the ability of consuming much space in the phone’s memory within a short span of time with different media files. The management of storage will assist in ensuring your device does not drag behind.
How to Manage Storage:
One WhatsApp tricks for Nigerian users to manage their storage Navigate to the Settings of your phone and look for Storage and Data and click on Manage Storage.
Clean up excessively large files or messages in certain conversations.
- WhatsApp Web Shortcuts
In users that regularly apply WhatsApp Web, keyboard shortcuts can be helpful.
Useful Shortcuts:
- Ctrl + N: You will begin a new conversation with a friend or someone you know online with.
- Ctrl + Shift + : After that, the next chat.
- Ctrl + Shift + : Previous chat.
- Ctrl + E: Archiving chat.
- Mute Annoying Groups
If for instance, you are in several groups then notifications become hectic. This way, certain notable groups can be muted so that there will be rare interruptions of what is being discussed.
How to Mute:
To this, open the group chat then tap on the topmost group name.
Click on Mute notifications and click on the timer button and select 8 hours, 1 week and Always.
- Mark Messages as Unread
With the kind of messages that require a reply but you cannot reply at that time, you can simply star it to remind you later.
How to Mark as Unread
Android: Right on the chat, go to Actions and from there choose Mark as unread.
iPhone: Go to the chat you want and simply swipe right on the chat and tap on Unread.
14. Search Chats Efficiently
Searching for certain messages with different people can be tiresome. WhatsApp has a search bar where you can search for messages if you lose them in the chat list or among other chats.
How to Search:
Press the search button, located on the top right corner of the list of chats.
Type in the keyword of the phrase you are searching for.
15. Location Sharing
In case of a meetup or emergency, sharing their live location with friends or family may be very helpful.
How to Share Location:
- Go to the chat, click on the attachment icon and then on Location.
- Select Share live location and then set the time for sharing the location.
Conclusion
Considering the fact that WhatsApp has now become a necessity in communication in Nigeria, it is necessary to arm oneself with these tips as it would go a long way to improving the efficiency of using the app. Whether dealing with notifications and account protection, or ensuring the productivity of the business layers of the application, these tips will assist in staying effective and safe. This app has many features, and exploring this array of opportunities is a good way of making the best of it; there are also updates that are worth considering.
Pingback: Big Brother Naija WhatsApp Channel Link