WhatsApp is constantly evolving, and while some "hidden" features become mainstream, new ones emerge or gain popularity. Here are 10 top WhatsApp tricks and hacks for 2024, focusing on privacy, productivity, and enhanced communication:

1. Chat Lock with a Secret Code (Enhanced Privacy)

This feature takes chat archiving to the next level. You can lock individual or group chats, moving them to a "Locked Chats" folder accessible only with your device's authentication (fingerprint, Face ID, or passcode). What's new for 2024 is the ability to create a secret code for this folder, making it even more discreet than just your phone's biometrics. You can even hide the "Locked Chats" folder completely, revealing it only when you type your secret code in the search bar.

How to: Long-press on a chat > Tap the three dots (Android) or More (iPhone) > Lock chat. Follow the prompts to enable device authentication. To set a secret code, go to Settings > Privacy > Chat lock and follow the instructions.

2. Silence Unknown Callers

Tired of spam calls on WhatsApp? This feature automatically silences calls from numbers not in your contacts, while still showing them in your Calls tab in case it was legitimate.

How to: Go to Settings > Privacy > Calls and toggle on Silence unknown callers.

3. HD Photo and Video Sending (Better Media Quality)

No more pixelated photos! WhatsApp now allows you to send photos and videos in higher quality, preserving more detail.

How to: When selecting a photo or video to send, look for an "HD" button at the top of the screen before sending. Tap it and choose "HD Quality." You can also set HD as default by going to Settings > Storage and Data > Media upload quality.

4. Message Editing (Correct Typos After Sending)

A lifesaver for correcting embarrassing typos or missing information. You can now edit messages for a limited time after sending them.

How to: Long-press on the message you want to edit > Tap the three dots (Android) or Edit (iPhone) > Make your changes and send. There's a small "Edited" label next to the message.

5. Create AI Stickers (Personalized & Fun)

Leverage AI to generate unique stickers based on your text prompts. This adds a fun and personalized touch to your conversations.

How to: In a chat, tap the sticker icon > Look for the "Create" or "AI Sticker" option (this may be integrated with Meta AI) and follow the prompts to describe the sticker you want.

6. View Once Media with Enhanced Privacy

While "View Once" media has been around, recent updates focus on preventing screenshots and screen recordings of these self-destructing messages, adding an extra layer of privacy for sensitive content.

How to: When selecting an image or video to send, tap the "1" icon surrounded by a circle (next to the send button) before sending.

7. Multi-Device (Phone Not Online)

This isn't new in 2024, but it's a game-changer if you haven't used it. You can now link multiple devices (up to 4) to your WhatsApp account and use WhatsApp Web/Desktop even when your primary phone is offline.

How to: Go to Settings > Linked Devices. Scan the QR code on web.whatsapp.com or the desktop app.

8. Screen Sharing During Video Calls

Perfect for quick collaborations, showing off photos, or troubleshooting with a friend or family member. You can share your phone's screen during a WhatsApp video call.

How to: During a video call, look for the screen sharing icon (often a phone with an arrow) in the call controls.

9. Keep Disappearing Messages (Bookmark Important Ones)

Even if you have disappearing messages enabled, you can "keep" specific messages from disappearing, essentially bookmarking them for later reference.

How to: Long-press on a disappearing message you want to keep > Tap the "Keep" icon (often a bookmark or star). The message will then be "kept" and visible even after the timer expires.

10. Advanced Text Formatting (Beyond Bold, Italic, Strikethrough)

While bold (text), italic (text), and strikethrough (~text~) are well-known, you can also use:

Monospace: Use three backticks (text) before and after your text.

These features, especially Chat Lock with a secret code, HD media, and message editing, significantly enhance the WhatsApp experience in 2024. Make sure your app is updated to the latest version to access all these functionalities!