WhatsApp is the most popular instant messaging app in the world., currently surpassing the figure of more than 2.000 billion active users worldwide. Its dominance in the sector is undisputed, although alternatives like Telegram have been growing, especially due to their advanced features. Despite the competition, WhatsApp remains the preferred option for most due to its intuitive interface, multiplatform support, and features that facilitate personal and professional communication, and even daily organization.
Among its many uses, one of the One of the most useful and least known tricks is to send messages to yourself.It may seem strange at first, but having a private chat with yourself on WhatsApp is extremely practical: it serves as a quick notepad, a space for reminders, a shopping list, temporary storage for photos, documents, and locations, and as a simple personal cloud for transferring files between devices.
This article goes in-depth on all the current ways to send messages to yourself on WhatsApp, their real-world benefits, recommended uses, and how to get the most out of this useful feature, with updated tips and tricks based on both the official options and alternative methods that are still valid.
Why send messages to yourself on WhatsApp? Advantages and practical uses
Having a conversation with yourself on WhatsApp goes far beyond simple technological curiosity. It offers enormous versatility and becomes a multipurpose toolThese are the main reasons and benefits that have made this feature a favorite among advanced users:
- take quick notes: Forget about pen and paper, jot down ideas, lists or reminders anytime, anywhere.
- Save important links, images, and documents: Centralize relevant information (such as web addresses, photos, PDFs, or tickets) without cluttering other chats and accessing them easily.
- Transfer files between mobile and PC: Use WhatsApp Web or the desktop app to transfer files, messages, or photos from one device to another easily and instantly.
- Create to-do lists: Jot down your to-dos, add, edit, or delete tasks, and stay organized within your main messaging app.
- Secure storage of information: Your personal chat is protected with end-to-end encryption, so everything you send is safe and available only to you.
- Perform tests on WhatsApp: Test features, messages, or stickers without disturbing any real contacts.
- Receive reminders and alerts: Use starred messages, forward important notifications, and always have them at hand.
- Organize personal or work information: Use it as a private space for your daily agenda, event calendar, recipes, voice notes and even to collect ideas or inspiration.
The immediacy and versatility of WhatsApp make your personal chat much more accessible than other apps dedicated to notes or reminders., since it is an application that you use daily and that you can consult from any linked device.
Official and alternative methods for sending messages to yourself on WhatsApp
Recently, WhatsApp has made the process easier thanks to the "Message Yourself" feature, available on all official platforms. However, several alternative methods still exist that can be useful in different circumstances. We explain each system step by step:
1. Use the official “Send messages to yourself” feature
WhatsApp has implemented the option to send messages directly to your number for all users, both on Android and iOS, as well as on the web. This is the simplest, most convenient, and most secure method, and doesn't require any tricks.
- Open WhatsApp on your device.
- Tap the icon to start a new chat (on Android it's usually a floating button in the bottom right; on iOS it's in the top right).
- At the top of your contacts list, you'll see your own name with the suffix “(You).”
- Click on your name or number. A private conversation with yourself will open.
- From here you can send any type of message, note, file, photo, video, location, PDF, voice memo, sticker, or any other content compatible with WhatsApp.
Tip: You can pin this chat to the top of your conversations for quick access and visibility.
- On Android: Long press on the chat and select the “Pin chat” option.
- An iPhone: Swipe the chat to the right and tap “Pin.”
This option ensures maximum compatibility, synchronization, and privacy, as it is a chat protected with WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption.
2. Add yourself as a contact in your own address book
A valid alternative, especially if you're using an older or limited version, is to create a contact in your address book with your own phone number. WhatsApp will sync this contact and allow you to open a chat with yourself.
- Open the “Contacts” app on your phone.
- Create a new contact with your name and phone number associated with WhatsApp.
- Save the contact.
- Open WhatsApp and refresh your contact list if necessary.
- Find the newly created contact (usually with the name you set) and select it to start the conversation with yourself.
Advantages: It works in versions where the official feature is not yet available and is useful for those who manage multiple accounts or need a visual reference to their number.
3. Create a one-person group (group with just yourself)
Before the official feature arrived, this was the most common system, and it's still valid for more advanced needs, as it allows you to have multiple themed personal chats.
- Launch WhatsApp and tap to create a “New Group.”
- Add at least one trusted person (this could be a friend or family member who you can let know you will kick them out later).
- Give the group a descriptive name (e.g., “Personal Notes,” “Recipes,” “Reminders,” etc.).
- Group creation completes.
- Once created, go to the group's info, locate the invited contact, and expel them. You'll now be the only member of the group.
Why is this method still useful? Because you can create multiple groups to organize different topics: one group for recipes, another for work tasks, another for memes, another for shopping lists... It's an ideal option for those who want to separate different categories and keep everything more organized within WhatsApp.
4. Start the chat using a web link (“wa.me”)
WhatsApp allows you to open direct chats with any number, even if they're not in your address book, using a personalized web link. You can use this method from your mobile device, the web version, or the desktop version.
- In the browser, type the following address: https://wa.me/tu_número where “your_number” must include the international prefix (for example, for Spain it would be 34XXXXXXXXX, without signs or spaces).
- Press Enter and a window will open allowing you to start the chat on WhatsApp Web, the desktop app, or your mobile device (depending on where you're chatting).
- Confirm to start the chat with yourself.
This method is especially useful If you need to access your personal chat from someone else's computer, a temporary device, or simply prefer not to have your number duplicated as a contact in your address book. Plus, you only need to use it once: after that, the conversation will be saved in your chat list.
5. Forward messages to yourself from other chats
One of the most practical options is to directly forward files, text, images, or messages from any chat to your personal conversation. This way, you can centralize relevant information without having to manually copy and paste everything.
- Go to the message you want to forward.
- Select the “Forward” option.
- Find and select your own chat (either through the official function, your own contact, or your own group).
- Confirm and the message/information will appear in your personal chat immediately.
This is useful for archiving information sent to you by others, saving important documents, or quickly jotting down information without leaving the app flow.
Advanced tips to get the most out of your personal WhatsApp chat
Mastering your personal chat will allow you to increase your productivity and daily organization.Here are some valuable tips to help you maximize this resource:
- Use highlighted messages: Keep your most relevant notes handy by marking them as starred (tap on the message and select the star). This will quickly access them from the "Starred Messages" menu.
- Create lists or themes using individual groups: If you use the group method, you can have different "private" chats for each type of content, making it easier to organize and find information.
- Access and edit from any platform: Sync your WhatsApp across your phone, tablet, and PC to send or view notes and files across all your devices in real time.
- Save important documents: You can use your personal chat to store documents like boarding passes, receipts, invoices, show tickets, prescriptions, and more, keeping everything organized and available when you need it.
- Quickly share content between devices: If you work with multiple phones, tablets, or computers, use this chat as a "bridge" to send files back and forth without losing quality or using external apps.
- Use your personal chat as a visual diary: Send important photos or videos you want to keep for yourself and check your “history” at any time.
- Total privacy and encryption: WhatsApp encrypts all messages end-to-end, but keep in mind that this chat doesn't allow calls, blocking, or displaying your own online status in that chat.
- Personalize with stickers and emojis: Make your notes more visual or fun by sending yourself personalized stickers, emojis, or GIFs.
Frequently asked questions and common problems when sending messages to yourself on WhatsApp
- Can I schedule messages for myself? WhatsApp doesn't natively allow you to schedule messages, but you can write and send them manually whenever you need to. Third-party apps, such as SKEDit, allow you to schedule messages, but they require advanced permissions and some limitations.
- Can I assign a different name to my personal chat? If you use the official feature, the name will be your account name or number. But if you create a personal group, you can add any name and image you prefer, making it easier to identify.
- Can I have multiple private conversations on WhatsApp with myself? Yes, if you create multiple groups with different themes (e.g., “Ideas,” “Shopping,” “Reminders”), you’ll have multiple organizational spaces.
- What is the difference between using the official function and the group method? The official feature is simpler and more straightforward, but the group allows for more customization. Both are encrypted and secure.
- Are my messages secure? Yes, all messages on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted, including those you send to yourself.
- Can I access my personal chat from another phone if I change devices? Yes, if you restore your WhatsApp backup, the chat with yourself will appear just like any other chat.
Original uses and creative ideas for your personal WhatsApp chat
- Personal Diary or Mood Tracker: Write down your moods, small achievements, or daily reflections.
- Favorite meme or sticker store: Create a personal bank of visual resources to quickly access and share in other chats.
- Habit log: Keep track of daily tasks, reading habits, sports, etc.
- Travel Planner: Store tickets, maps, schedules, checklists, and everything you need for your travels.
- Event planner: Use your personal chat/group to coordinate guest lists, music, tasks, and suggestions for family or friend events.
- Space for reminder passwords (with caution): Use it as a password hint reminder, without writing literal text (use keys that only you understand).
- Inspiration Collector: Save quotes, ideas, phrases, or images that you want to remember or refer to later.
Sending messages to yourself on WhatsApp is a versatile and valuable feature for organization, productivity, and quick transfers between devices.Whether you use the latest official tools, traditional methods like one-person groups, or web links, having this private space will allow you to manage useful information, ideas, and files in a centralized and secure way. Integrate this practice into your daily routine and make the most of one of WhatsApp's most underrated features.