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Having switched phones multiple times, I’ve learned that tweaking a few key WhatsApp settings right away can make a huge difference in how I use the app. Here are the essential settings I always make sure to change first.
Turning Off Automatic Downloads
One of the most frustrating moments is when someone sends you a bunch of pictures and videos on WhatsApp and they all start downloading while you’re on cellular data. So to avoid these situations, here’s how you can stop photos, videos, audio, and documents from downloading automatically on an iPhone:
On an Android, here’s what you need to do:
Even if you’re not looking to save data, preventing automatic downloads is a great way to prevent WhatsApp media sent in groups from hogging all your phone’s storage.
Stopping WhatsApp From Saving Photos to My Camera Roll
If you’re in multiple group chats, you’re probably used to seeing random images appear in your device’s camera roll. Even if you don’t open certain chats, or you’ve archived several group chats and conversations, images and videos they send will still be saved to your camera roll.
So it may also be a good idea to turn offSave to Photosso images and videos you receive aren’t automatically downloaded to your camera roll. On an iPhone, head to theSettingstab and tapChats. Now toggle off the switch next toSave to Photos.
On an Android, tap thethree-dot menuand go toSettings. TapChatsand toggle off the switch next toMedia visibility.
If you want to adjust these settings for specific contacts or group chats, open the conversation and tap the contact or group name at the top. On the Contact/Group Info page, tapSave to Photos/Media visibilityand choose from the following options:Default (Off/On), Always,orNever.
Toggling on Automatic Backups
I’ve had my fair share of bad experiences losing valuable data. For instance, a recentInstagram bug deleted several of my archived Stories. When it comes to WhatsApp, a few months ago I switched devices and didn’t realize my last chat backup was from six months prior.
In my haste to transfer chats, I lost many valuable conversations. These experiences taught me two key lessons — always be prepared for the worst andregularly back up your data. Since then, I’ve turned on automatic backups.
Here’s how you can turn it on:
Limiting my Profile Picture to Only Contacts
Since I’m in multiple group chats and often get contacted by delivery riders via WhatsApp, I’m not comfortable with strangers viewing my profile picture. To address this, I’ve limited my profile picture visibility to only my contacts.
To do the same, head toSettings > Privacy. Then tapProfile photoand chooseMy contactsunder theWho can see my profile photosection. You can also limit your profile photo to certain contacts by choosingMy contacts except.
Turning Off My Last Seen and Online Status
One of the primaryreasons why I don’t open Snapchat much anymoreis because of how anxious I’d get when the “[Person’s Name] is typing…” notification would appear on my device’s lock screen. WhatsApp’s Last Seen feature gives me a similar feeling, especially when I’ve texted someone and they don’t reply, even though their Last Seen has changed.
There are also times when I just don’t have the mental energy to respond to messages and I don’t want people to know I’m online. Because of this, I’ve decided to turn off my Last Seen and Online status.
To do so, head to WhatsApp’sSettings. Now, tapLast seen & online, and selectNobodyunderWho can see my Last Seen. One limitation is that you may only choose between allowing everyone to see when you’re online or restricting it to the same group as your Last Seen. So, you can choose betweenEveryoneandSame as last seenunder theWho can see who when I’m online.
Protecting My IP Address in Calls
If you’re big on privacy, you’ll be pleased to know that WhatsApp allows you to hide your IP address during voice and video calls. Once enabled, the featurehides your location during WhatsApp callsby relaying your call through WhatsApp servers.
You can enable this feature by heading to theSettingspage on WhatsApp. TapPrivacyand keep scrolling until you seeAdvanced. Once you tap it, toggle on the switch next toProtect IP address in calls.
Modifying My Notification Settings
Receiving notification after notification on WhatsApp can become incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of an important conversation with someone or when you’re trying to focus on a task. Thankfully, WhatsApp offers a lot of flexibility when it comes to notification settings.
On an iPhone, go to theSettingstab and tapNotifications. On an Android, tap thehorizontal three dotsand go toSettings. Then, tapNotifications. While the options are similar on both platforms, the exact names of the settings may differ.
I’ve personally toggled offReaction notificationsunder bothMessage notificationsandGroup notificationsto avoid being notified every time someone reacts to a message I sent.
On the same page, you can also change theSoundalert, which can help you identify who messaged you without needing to look at your device’s screen.
I can’t count how many times my friends have asked me to send them the photos we took after a night out. One of the biggest drawbacks of sending images on WhatsApp is how pixelated they can get. While WhatsApp has introduced an HD Quality option, there have been countless times when I’ve forgotten to toggle it on before sending an image.
Recently, I discovered a setting within WhatsApp that allows you to set the default Media Upload Quality. To enable this, go to theSettingspage in WhatsApp, tapStorage and data, then tapMedia upload qualityunderMedia qualityand selectHD quality.
I’ve only mentioned a few of the most important settings I’ve tweaked, but these small changes can significantly enhance your WhatsApp experience.
