WhatsApp and Instagram have become part of everyday life, but many users still use only a fraction of the features available on these apps. From protecting private chats to controlling who can interact with your Instagram account, several useful settings can make your social-media experience safer and more convenient.
Here are 10 WhatsApp and Instagram tips and tricks worth trying.
1. Lock private WhatsApp chats
WhatsApp allows users to protect sensitive conversations with Chat Lock.
Locked chats are moved into a separate section and can be protected using your device authentication, such as a fingerprint, Face ID or passcode.
This can be particularly useful if you occasionally hand your phone to someone else and don't want private conversations appearing in your normal chat list.
2. Hide your WhatsApp online status
Don't want everyone to know when you're online?
WhatsApp allows you to control who can see your online status.
Go to Settings > Privacy > Last Seen and Online and choose the appropriate option.
You can restrict your online visibility while still using WhatsApp normally.
3. Send disappearing photos and videos
WhatsApp's View Once feature allows you to send photos and videos that disappear after they have been opened.
When sending media, select the View Once option before sending it.
This can be useful when sharing something that you don't want to remain permanently in the recipient's chat history.
However, users should still remember that no disappearing-media feature can guarantee that the recipient cannot capture the content in another way.
4. Use WhatsApp's message editing feature
Made a typing mistake after sending a message?
WhatsApp allows users to edit sent messages within the permitted time window.
Simply press and hold the message, select Edit and make the correction.
This is especially useful when you accidentally send a message with a spelling mistake or incorrect information.
5. Silence calls from unknown numbers
Getting repeated WhatsApp calls from unknown numbers can be irritating.
WhatsApp has a feature that allows calls from unknown numbers to be silenced.
The calls won't ring on your phone, although they can still appear in the call list.
You can find the option under Settings > Privacy > Calls.
6. Control who can add you to Instagram group chats
Instagram gives users controls over who can add them to group conversations.
If you frequently receive unwanted group invitations, review your messaging privacy settings and restrict who can add you to group chats.
This can reduce unwanted messages and interactions from unfamiliar accounts.
7. Hide your Instagram Story from selected people
You don't always have to block someone to stop them from seeing your Story.
Instagram lets you hide Stories from specific accounts.
Go to your Story privacy settings and select the accounts you don't want to see your Stories.
The selected person won't receive a notification telling them that their access has been restricted.
8. Restrict an Instagram account instead of blocking it
Instagram's Restrict feature is useful when you want to reduce someone's interaction with your account without completely blocking them.
When an account is restricted, its comments can be handled differently and its messages are moved into a more controlled area.
This can be a useful option for dealing with unwanted interactions without taking the more obvious step of blocking someone.
9. Check where your Instagram account is logged in
Think someone else may have access to your Instagram account?
Check your login activity from the account's security settings.
You can review devices where your account is currently or recently logged in and remove sessions you don't recognise.
If you see suspicious activity, change your password and enable two-factor authentication.
10. Turn on two-factor authentication
This is one of the most important security settings for both WhatsApp and Instagram.
Two-factor authentication adds another layer of protection to your account.
Even if someone manages to obtain your password, they may still be unable to access the account without the additional verification step.
For important accounts, using an authenticator app where supported can provide an additional security layer.
Bonus tip: Don't click suspicious links
A message saying "Your account will be deleted today" or "You have won a prize" should immediately raise suspicion.
Scammers often use urgency to make users click links without checking where they lead.
Never share WhatsApp verification codes, Instagram login codes or passwords with anyone.
Make your social-media accounts safer
WhatsApp and Instagram have introduced numerous privacy and security controls, but many users never change the default settings.
Taking a few minutes to review privacy, login and security options can significantly improve control over your accounts.
The best approach is simple: use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, review logged-in devices regularly and think twice before clicking unfamiliar links.
