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Are You Using WhatsApp the "Old School" Way?

Let’s be honest 99% of us in Nigeria just use WhatsApp to reply to messages, view status, and forward broadcast messages to our family group. But did you know the app has "secret" tools that can actually save you from embarrassment, protect your privacy from amebo friends, and even save you money?

If you are still sending pictures as "Documents" to keep them clear, or you are tired of unknown numbers flashing you video calls, this guide is for you.

Here are 5 hidden WhatsApp features you probably didn't know existed, and exactly how to use them on your Android or iPhone.

1. Chat Lock: The Ultimate "Amebo" Blocker

The Problem: You hand your phone to a friend to check a picture, and suddenly they start scrolling through your chat list. Fear catch you.

The Solution: WhatsApp now has a native Chat Lock feature. This is different from locking the entire app. This feature lets you take specific confidential chats (like your babe or your business partner) and hide them in a "Secret Folder" that only your face or fingerprint can open. Even if someone unlocks your phone, they can't see these chats.

How to Activate It:

1. Open WhatsApp and tap on the Name of the person or group you want to hide.

2. Scroll down and look for Chat Lock.

3. Toggle the switch to On.

4. Confirm with your Fingerprint or FaceID.

5. Boom! The chat will vanish from your main list. To see it again, just pull down slowly on your chat screen, and the "Locked Chats" folder will appear.

2. Send HD Quality Photos (Stop Using "Document" Format!)

The Problem: You snap a fresh picture with your iPhone or Samsung, it looks crisp. You send it to your friend on WhatsApp, and it looks like a blurry potato. Why? Because WhatsApp compresses images to save data.

The Solution: You no longer need to send photos as "Files" or "Documents." You can now send HD (High Definition) photos directly.

How to Use It:

1. Select the photo you want to send.

2. Before you press send, look at the top of the screen next to the crop icon. You will see a small "HD" button.

3. Tap it and select "HD Quality" (instead of Standard Quality).

4. Hit send. Your friend will see a small "HD" tag on the corner of the image, knowing they are getting the full quality.

3. Edit Sent Messages (The "God, Abeg" Button)

The Problem: You are typing fast in an argument, and you make a terrible typo. Or worse, you send a message to your boss that was meant for your babe.

The Solution: In the past, you had to "Delete for Everyone," which looks suspicious. Now, you can just Edit the message quietly.

How to Use It:

1. Long press the message you just sent (you have 15 minutes to do this).

2. Android: Tap the three dots at the top right corner and select Edit. iPhone: Tap "Edit" from the pop-up menu.

3. Correct your mistake and press send.

4. Note: It will show a tiny "Edited" label next to the time, but nobody will know what the original error was!

4. Silence Unknown Callers (Stop the Spam)

The Problem: You are in a meeting or sleeping, and suddenly a +234 number you don't know starts video calling you. It’s annoying, and sometimes it’s a scammer.

The Solution: You can tell WhatsApp to automatically silence any call from a number that is not saved in your contacts. Your phone won't ring, but you will get a notification so you can check later if it was important.

How to Activate It:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy.

2. Tap on Calls.

3. Turn on the switch for "Silence Unknown Callers."

4. Now, only your real friends can make your phone ring.

5. Two Accounts on One App (Bye Bye GBWhatsApp)

The Problem: You have an MTN line for business and an Airtel line for personal use. You are tired of carrying two phones, or risking your data with "GBWhatsApp" just to run two accounts.

The Solution: The official WhatsApp now lets you log in to two accounts on the same app. You can switch between them instantly.

How to Use It:

1. Go to Settings.

2. Next to your name and QR code, you will see a small downward arrow (⌄).

3. Tap it and select "Add Account."

4. Follow the instructions to add your second number.

5. Now you can switch between your "Business" profile and your "Personal" profile with one click, without needing a second phone!

Final Thoughts

WhatsApp is constantly updating, but these 5 features are the ones that will actually change how you use the app daily.