WhatsApp is one of the most used messaging apps in the world, but many users don’t know about the hidden WhatsApp shortcuts that can make chatting faster and easier. Whether you use WhatsApp on Android, iPhone, or WhatsApp Web, learning these shortcuts can help you save time and use the app like a pro.
In this blog post, we’ll share the best WhatsApp shortcuts, explain how they work, and show how they can improve your daily messaging experience.
What Are WhatsApp Shortcuts?
WhatsApp shortcuts are quick commands, gestures, or keyboard combinations that help you perform actions faster—such as replying to messages, formatting text, searching chats, or managing conversations—without extra steps.
These shortcuts are especially useful for students, professionals, and anyone who chats frequently on WhatsApp.
Best WhatsApp Text Formatting Shortcuts
You can format text in WhatsApp without using any menu. Just type these symbols before and after your text:
🔹 Bold Text
Your text → Your text
🔹 Italic Text
Your text → Your text
🔹 Strikethrough
~Your text~ → Your text
🔹 Monospace
Your text → Your text
These shortcuts work on Android, iPhone, and WhatsApp Web.
Useful WhatsApp Chat Shortcuts
⭐ Star Important Messages
Long press on a message
Tap the ⭐ star icon
You can later find it in Starred Messages.
📌 Pin Chats
- Long press on a chat
- Tap Pin
Pinned chats stay at the top for quick access.
🔍 Search Messages Quickly
- Open a chat
- Tap the search icon
- Type a keyword
This saves time instead of scrolling endlessly.
WhatsApp Web Keyboard Shortcuts
If you use WhatsApp on a laptop or PC, these shortcuts are extremely helpful:
Ctrl + N → New chat
Ctrl + Shift + ] → Next chat
Ctrl + Shift + [ → Previous chat
Ctrl + E → Archive chat
Ctrl + Backspace → Delete chat
Ctrl + Shift + M → Mute chat
(Mac users can replace Ctrl with Cmd.)
Quick WhatsApp Privacy Shortcuts
🔒 Mute Notifications Fast
- Long press on a chat
- Tap Mute
- Choose duration
🚫 Block a Contact Quickly
- Open chat
- Tap contact name
- Scroll down and tap Block
These shortcuts help protect your peace and privacy.