3 underrated WhatsApp features that will change how you use the app

Let's be real, WhatsApp isn't just an app; it's practically a family member. It's where you get your daily dose of "Good Morning" forwards from your uncles, where your friends spam you with memes, and where your mom sends you cryptic emojis.

But if you’re only using the app for basic messaging, you’re missing out on a world of incredibly useful, often overlooked features. These aren't just minor conveniences; they are tools that can streamline your daily life, boost your productivity, and provide an extra layer of digital security.

Let's dive deeper into three of WhatsApp’s most powerful, yet underrated, features.

Turn Voice Messages into Text

Voice messages are super convenient, but what if you're in a library, a meeting, or a noisy crowded place(something convenient as the Mumbai local)? You can't just press play. This is where WhatsApp's voice message transcription feature comes in handy. It's a true lifesaver for those moments when you can't listen.

While not a brand-new feature, many people still don't know it exists. By enabling it, you can convert a voice message to text with a simple tap. Since the transcription happens on your device, your privacy is protected. It's a game-changer for anyone who gets a lot of voice notes and needs to stay in the loop on the go.

To turn it on, go to Settings, then Chats, and look for Voice Message Transcripts to enable it. Once it's on, you'll see a "Transcribe" option appear when you long-press a voice message.

Your Personal Assistant: Message Yourself

Ever need to quickly jot down a thought, save a link, or send yourself a reminder? In the past, you might have sent a message to a friend with a note like, "Hey, ignore this," or created a one-person group. WhatsApp has a much better solution: Message yourself.

This feature turns a private chat with yourself into a versatile digital notepad. It's a secure space that syncs across all your devices, perfect for:

• Quick notes: Have a brilliant idea? Type it into your self-chat.

• Important links: Save articles or videos you want to check out later.

• Reminders: Create a to-do list that's always a tap away.

• Media transfer: Use it to easily move photos or documents between your phone and computer.

To use it, just start a new chat, and you’ll see your own profile at the very top of your contact list labeled "Message yourself." Tap on it and start saving your notes. It transforms WhatsApp from just a messaging app into a productivity tool.

A Shield Against Scammers

Unfortunately, the digital world is full of threats, and scams are a growing concern. Scammers often use automated messages and calls to target people, leading to everything from phishing attempts to financial fraud. WhatsApp has a powerful new security feature to help you take back control: automatically blocking messages and calls from unknown accounts.

This feature is great for anyone who wants to avoid spam and stay safe from potential scams. When you enable it, messages and calls from numbers not in your contacts list are filtered into a separate "Spam" folder. This keeps your main chat list clean and significantly reduces your exposure to dangerous scams.

To enable it, go to Settings, then Privacy, and select Advanced. From there, turn on the Block unknown account messages option. Once active, you won't get notifications for messages or calls from unknown numbers. They'll be silently filtered, allowing you to review them later or just ignore them. It’s an easy but effective way to protect yourself and get peace of mind.

Well, these three features are just a few of the hidden gems within WhatsApp. By adding them to your daily routine, you can make the app a more efficient, secure, and personalized part of your digital life. Go ahead and give them a try; you might be surprised at how much they simplify things.