- New chat organization tools using swipe gestures and custom filters.
- Implementation of reactions and the request to speak system in group video calls.
- Clarification regarding augmented reality visual effects exclusive to iOS and FaceTime.
- Access to experimental features through Beta programs on Android and iOS.
If you think you know WhatsApp inside and out, think again, because the app from Meta always has a trick up its sleeve. Between updates, they've been subtly adding features and gestures that go unnoticed by most users, but which actually make your daily life much easier, especially if you manage dozens of conversations.
It's not just about sending messages and photos; the app has evolved into a much more comprehensive tool. From shortcuts to clean up your inbox to nonverbal communication techniques for calls, there are plenty of tricks that can transform your chaotic chats into a perfectly organized and professional system.
Bring order to the chaos of your conversations
Many users feel overwhelmed by the number of groups and pending messages piling up on their home screen. To solve this, there's a very simple trick: just swipe down slightly on the chats tab. This will bring up a smart filter bar that acts like a smart inbox, allowing you to separate what's important from the noise.
Within this bar, you'll find several preset options. The unread message filter is a breeze to quickly locate messages you might have missed, while the favorites tab keeps your most frequently checked contacts within easy reach. Additionally, you can filter for groups only to manage group notifications and focus on group conversations.
The most powerful aspect of this system is that you're not limited to the default settings. By tapping the "+" button, you can create custom lists . This allows you to categorize your chats by topic, such as "Work," "Family," or "Travel," preventing you from having to scroll endlessly every time you search for messages and chats in WhatsApp . To modify these lists, simply tap and hold the category to edit its contents or change the order.
And for those who hate seeing the number of pending messages, there's an extra trick: if you press and hold the unread filter , WhatsApp lets you mark them all as read at once, saving you the trouble of going into each chat one by one.
Gestures and reactions in video calls
WhatsApp has begun adopting features from platforms like Zoom and Google Meet to make group calls less chaotic. One of the most useful new features is the ability to request to speak in an elegant way. Instead of interrupting the person who is speaking, you can use the virtual gesture of raising your hand.
To activate this option, simply tap the three-dot menu (on mobile) or the emoji icon (on PC) and select "Raise hand ." The other participants will see the raised hand emoji on screen, indicating that you want to speak. Once you've finished speaking, remember to tap "Lower hand" to clear the screen.
In addition, video calls now allow you to add emoji reactions in real time. Simply go to the options menu, choose the emoji that best describes your mood at that moment, and you can optimize your emoji reactions by tapping the current emoji.
Confusion surrounding iOS and FaceTime gestures
It's very common to read in forums that some users can activate balloons, hearts, or thumbs-up gestures with their hands in front of the camera. It's crucial to clarify that these 3D augmented reality reactions are not a native WhatsApp feature. They actually belong to the FaceTime app and the iOS 17 operating system on iPhone 12 models and later.
If you see these effects working for someone while using WhatsApp, it's likely due to an integration with the iPhone's operating system and not the Meta app itself. WhatsApp, for its part, prefers to standardize the experience between Android and iOS, prioritizing tools that work in both worlds, such as the aforementioned raised hand button.
How to test the features before anyone else
If you're one of those impatient users who wants to try everything before the stable version arrives, you can join the WhatsApp Beta program . On Android, the process is very straightforward: search for the app in the Play Store and, if there are available slots, join the Beta Program section . On iOS, you manage this through the TestFlight app.
However, keep in mind that these versions are experimental. It's normal to encounter some stability issues or unexpected crashes , as they are test versions. For example, the raise-hand feature first appeared in specific versions like 2.25.19.7 on Android before being rolled out more widely.
The combination of an organized inbox controlled by swipe gestures and smoother communication during calls makes WhatsApp a much more professional tool. By integrating custom filters and turn-taking systems, the app adapts perfectly to the needs of remote work and online education , ensuring orderly interaction regardless of the device used.
