10 best WhatsApp features introduced in 2023

Voice Status

(Image: WhatsApp)

Released this year, Voice Status lets you record and post voice messages as your status update. Voice status works just like the regular text-based status, except you can speak your thoughts instead of typing them out. To create a voice status, go to your profile’s Status tab, tap the pencil icon, press and hold the mic icon, and record your message. Your voice status will be available for friends to listen to for 24 hours.

Calendar search

Searching for an old text, especially if you can’t recall any keywords from it, just got easier with calendar search. When using the search bar within a chat, tap the calendar icon to jump directly to results from a specific date. With this addition, you no longer need to scroll endlessly to find that message from last month or even last year. Just keep in mind that this feature is currently being beta tested so you may not necessarily be seeing it as of yet.

Pin chats and messages

(Express image)

Tired of losing track of important chats? Pin up to 3 conversations to the top of your chat list so they never get buried. Just long press any chat and tap “Pin Chat”. On iOS, you can also pin the chat by simply swiping right on it. Pinned chats will stay at the top until you unpin them, making them easily accessible. Similarly, you can also pin individual messages within chats now by holding down on them, opening up the three-dot menu, and hitting the ‘Pin’ option.

Screen sharing

Starting this year, users are able to share their screen over video calls on WhatsApp for easy collaboration. When in a video call, look for the screen sharing icon (a phone with an arrow), tap it and your friend can view your screen. It’s perfect for tech troubleshooting, online shopping together, and more.

Silence Unknown Callers

You can cut down on disruptive spam calls by silencing unknown numbers. Enable this in Settings > Privacy > Calls > Silence Unknown Callers. You’ll still see missed calls from unknown numbers in your call log, but your phone won’t ring or vibrate when they call.

Companion Mode

(Image: WABetaInfo)

Did you know you can link your WhatsApp account across multiple devices now? Companion mode lets you sync chats between your phone and one additional device, like an iPad or second phone. To use companion mode, just launch WhatsApp on your second phone, select “Or link this device to an existing account” and scan the QR code.

Send photos in HD

Images sent through WhatsApp have always had the reputation of looking like they were shot on a potato. That changed this year with a new option that lets you send full-resolution photos and videos without quality reduction. Look for the “HD” icon when attaching media and tap it to send files in original quality. Just keep in mind it will use more data.

WhatsApp Channels

One of the most significant changes to WhatsApp this year arrived in the form of Channels, a feature that turned it into something of a half-baked social media app. Channels let you discover new content through public broadcast channels on diverse topics. Check the Updates tab to browse available channels and follow those you like to receive posts in your chat list.

Redesigned UI

(Image: WABetaInfo)

WhatsApp’s interface on Android got a proper makeover this year with a navigation bar on the bottom for easier one-handed use. The redesign makes Android navigation more similar to iOS for a streamlined experience across devices.