Master WhatsApp Web and Desktop: The Ultimate Guide to Keyboard Shortcuts, Tricks, and Advanced Features

Want to take your experience using WhatsApp Web or the desktop app to the next level? Discover the most complete and detailed guide to Keyboard shortcuts for WhatsApp Web and Desktop with everything you need to save time, type faster, manage your conversations, and improve your productivity without relying on a mouse. Explore step-by-step how each of these shortcuts works, their advantages, how to use them depending on your operating system, and all the extra tricks that make all the difference.

En Android Guides We love that you master all the functionalities of the applications that you use every day, as we already showed you in this compilation of tricks for WhatsApp. If you want to know All about keyboard shortcuts in WhatsApp Web and Desktop, how to make the most of it, and what's new—this is your definitive, up-to-date reference.

What are keyboard shortcuts in WhatsApp Web and Desktop?

The keyboard shortcuts in WhatsApp are specific key combinations that allow you to perform specific actions without lifting your hands from the keyboard or touching the mouse. Their main function is streamline frequent tasks such as opening a new chat, archiving, searching for messages, muting conversations, or switching between chats instantly.

These shortcuts are available in both Web WhatsApp (the version you use in your browser, by scanning the QR code) as in the desktop app (for Windows or Mac). Although they share most of the same features, it is important to know that Key combinations may vary depending on the platformFor example, the web version tends to use more complex combinations to avoid conflicting with the browser's own shortcuts, while the desktop app offers more direct and easy-to-remember shortcuts.

Advantages of using keyboard shortcuts in WhatsApp Web and Desktop

• Save time: Perform all common actions instantly, without moving your hand from the mouse.
• Increase productivity: You can reply, search, archive, and move between chats much faster.
• Better ergonomics: Less repetitive movements and posture changes, ideal for those who spend hours chatting.
• Access to advanced functions: Some shortcuts are not as accessible using the mouse, allowing you to further customize your experience.
• Greater privacy and security: Close chats or access settings without leaving any traces on the screen.

How to check the official keyboard shortcuts on WhatsApp Web?

WhatsApp allows you to access official shortcuts directly from the app menu. To do so:

1. Click the three vertical dots (menu) at the top left of the WhatsApp Web or Desktop screen.
2. Choose Configuration.
3. Sign in Keyboard shortcuts.

A window will open with all the shortcuts supported by your version and operating system. This option is useful if WhatsApp adds or modifies features, as you'll always see an updated list.

Complete list of keyboard shortcuts for WhatsApp Web (in browser)

These shortcuts may vary slightly depending on the operating system, but in general, on WhatsApp Web and browsers like Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, you'll find these main combinations:

Important Note: Some shortcuts may not be available in all browsers, and some may conflict with system or browser-specific shortcuts. If they don't work, try another browser or check your browser's shortcut settings.

Exclusive shortcuts for WhatsApp Desktop (desktop app on Windows and Mac)

If you use the independent WhatsApp application (downloaded from the WhatsApp website or official stores), the shortcuts are usually simpler and more directSome advanced features are only available in the app and not on the web version. Here's a more complete list:

Remember that, in both versions, you can move with Tab y Shift + Tab between fields and active elements for greater speed.

Detailed explanation of the main WhatsApp keyboard shortcuts

• Mark as read/unread: Useful for reminding yourself of important messages or leaving pending conversations. The shortcut alternates the status based on whether they've already been read.
• Mute chat: Essential for groups or contacts that send a lot of messages. You can mute for intervals of 8 hours, a week, or indefinitely (the pop-up appears only on desktop).
• Archive chat: Hide a conversation from the main list without deleting it. You can restore it from the archived folder on your phone.
• Delete chat: Deletes the history on your device only, but does not affect your contacts' history. A warning appears before confirming.
• Pin chat: Pin your favorite chats to the top. Very useful for prioritizing important conversations.
• Search chat or message: Allows you to quickly find words, phrases, or contacts. Ideal for when you need to retrieve specific information.
• Emojis, stickers and GIFs panel: Click the corresponding shortcut and the window will open directly, avoiding searching with the mouse. You can search for emojis by typing : followed by the name of the emoji.
• Switch chat: Quickly navigate between open conversations using the previous and next chat shortcuts.
• Extended search: Perfect for searching for terms across your entire account, not just active chat.

Advanced WhatsApp keyboard shortcut tips and tricks

• Using emoticons and emojis with shortcuts: press Ctrl+Alt+E on the Web or Ctrl+Shift+E on Desktop to open the emoji panel. Navigate with the keyboard arrows and select with Enter. You can also type : and a term for WhatsApp to show suggested emojis.
• Quick group management: With the new group shortcut, you can instantly create joint conversations, select members with the keyboard, and streamline coordination.
• Profile editing via shortcut: If you need to modify your profile, name, status or image, Ctrl + P (or Cmd + P) takes you directly to editing.
• Audio speed control: Although some browsers may limit functionality, Shift + . y Shift + , They attempt to modify the speed of the selected voice message. Useful for listening to voice notes quickly or slowing down complex ones.
• Switching between chats without a mouse: Use Tab to move between the search bar, chat list, and message window. With Ctrl/Cmd + number You can jump directly to a recent chat (1 to 9).
• Quick access to settings: The shortcut Ctrl + Alt + , (o Cmd + Ctrl + , on Mac) opens settings for privacy, notifications, wallpaper, and more.

Customization and advanced writing in WhatsApp: bold, italics, strikethrough, and monospace

Beyond the classic shortcuts, WhatsApp allows you to apply different text formats directly from the keyboard to make your messages clearer and more impactful:

• Bold font: Write the text between asterisks. Example: *text* → text
• Italics: Write between underscores. Example: _text_ → text
• Strikethrough: Write in tildes. Example: ~text~ → text
• Monospaced: Write between three grave accents. Example: «`text«` → text

These tricks are compatible on both mobile and web and desktop.

Essential tips for using WhatsApp shortcuts like a pro

• Memorize the most useful shortcuts: You don't need to learn them all at once. Write down the ones you use most often (for example, new chat, search, mute, and switch chats) on a Post-it note until you can remember them.
• Check the official list of shortcuts: If WhatsApp releases new features, you can check the shortcuts section in WhatsApp tricks.
• Use shortcuts to protect your privacy: The close chat shortcut (Esc) prevents messages from being left open on the screen if someone approaches your computer.
• Take advantage of quick searches: Combine the search bar with shortcuts to find past chats, numbers, names, or keywords in seconds.
• Customize notifications and settings: Quickly access the settings shortcut to modify sounds, backgrounds, or privacy.
• Beware of shortcut conflicts: Some browsers may overlap with WhatsApp shortcuts; if a shortcut isn't responding, check the shortcut combinations in your browser or try using the desktop app.

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Common mistakes and frequently asked questions about WhatsApp keyboard shortcuts

• Why don't some shortcuts work in my browser? There may be a conflict with browser shortcuts, plugins, or the operating system. Try a different browser or the desktop version.
• Are there differences between WhatsApp Web and Desktop? Yes, some shortcuts are exclusive to the desktop app, and the combinations are usually simpler there.
• Can I customize the shortcuts? WhatsApp currently doesn't allow you to change combinations, but you can suggest it in the help center.
• What to do if a chat is accidentally deleted using a shortcut? Deleted chats are erased from your device only, but if it was a mistake, you can ask the contact to resend you important information.
• How do I quickly search for emojis? Use the shortcut to open the emoji panel and type “:word” to bring up related suggestions.

Related article:

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Advanced tips and tricks for power users

• Read messages without them knowing: Hover your mouse over a message without clicking to see the preview, so you can read it without activating the blue double check.
• Use WhatsApp Web even if your phone is off: Thanks to the multi-device feature, you can continue using the website or app even if your phone isn't connected to the internet.
• Manage multiple accounts: If you use WhatsApp Business and Personal, you can open both with different browsers or user profiles.
• Streamline repetitive tasks: If you work in teams that use WhatsApp for daily communication, assign priority shortcuts like "mark as read," "new group," or "mute chat."
• Accessibility: Shortcuts make it much easier for people with mobility or vision difficulties, helping them navigate the app without a mouse.
• Safety: Use the lock screen shortcut if you share your computer with others to protect your conversations.

Master the WhatsApp Web and Desktop keyboard shortcuts It allows you to work faster, be more organized, and take full advantage of the platform's less obvious features. The more you use them, the more you'll notice the difference in your daily life, allowing you to respond to, search, or manage chats in seconds. Whether for professional or personal use, keeping these shortcuts in mind will make your experience much more fluid, efficient, and private.