Can I filter contacts in WhatsApp?

Yes, it is possible to filter your contacts in WhatsApp to make it easier to find specific people or groups. WhatsApp has a search function that allows you to search for contacts by name. You can also create and save specific contact filters based on various criteria. This article will provide an overview of the different ways to filter your WhatsApp contacts on both iPhone and Android devices.

Filtering Contacts by Name

The easiest way to filter your WhatsApp contacts is to use the search bar at the top of the Chats tab. Here you can enter a contact’s name to quickly find their chat. WhatsApp will display results based on the name, number, or info saved in your phone’s contacts.

To filter contacts by name:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to the Chats tab.
2. Tap on the search bar at the top.
3. Type in the name of the contact you want to find.
4. Matching results will appear below the search bar. Tap on the contact to open the chat.

This search also works for group names. You can type in all or part of a group’s name to filter your list of groups.

Creating Custom Contact Filters

In addition to searching, you can also create and save custom contact filters in WhatsApp based on specific criteria. This allows you to quickly access certain contacts without having to search each time.

Some examples of custom filters you could create include:

• Close friends or family
• Work colleagues
• Classmates or study groups
• Sports teammates
• Contacts in a certain city or country

Here are the steps to create a custom filter on both iPhone and Android:

iPhone

1. Open WhatsApp and tap on the Chats tab.
2. Tap on the Filters button in the top left corner.
3. Tap on Create New Filter.
4. Give the filter a name, like “Family” or “Work Colleagues”.
5. Tap on the “+” icon to select contacts to add to the filter.
6. Choose contacts from your phone’s address book to add.
7. Tap Done once you’ve finished adding contacts.
8. Tap Create Filter at the bottom.

Your new filter will now show under the Filters section. Tap on it anytime to quickly access those chats.

Android

1. Open WhatsApp and tap on the Menu button (3 vertical dots).
2. Select New broadcast.
3. Give the broadcast a name, like “Family” or “Work”.
4. Tap the arrow icon to add recipients.
5. Select contacts to add to the broadcast filter.
6. Tap the checkmark when finished.
7. Tap the back arrow to save the filter.

Your filter will be saved under the Broadcast Lists section. Tap on it to quickly access those contacts again.

Filtering by Last Active Time

You can also filter your WhatsApp contacts based on when they were last active or online. This can help you quickly see who may be available to chat in real-time:

iPhone

1. Go to the Calls tab in WhatsApp.
2. Tap on the Filters button.
3. Choose the “Active” filter option.

This will sort your chats to show your contacts that were most recently active at the top.

Android

1. Open WhatsApp and tap on the Menu button.
2. Select Starred messages.
3. Tap the 3-dot menu in the top right corner.
4. Choose Sort by > Last seen.

Your contacts will be sorted by who was active most recently.

Filtering Unread Chats

You can also filter your chat list to only show unread conversations. This filters out chats you’ve already read so you can catch up on messages you haven’t seen yet:

iPhone

1. Go to the Calls tab.
2. Tap Filters.
3. Choose the Unread filter option.

This will display only chats with unread messages at the top.

Android

1. Open the Menu and choose Starred messages.
2. Tap the 3-dot menu.
3. Select Sort by > Unread.

Your chats will be filtered to show unread ones first.

Pinning Important Chats

You can “pin” up to 3 important chats to the top of your WhatsApp list for quick access:

iPhone

1. Swipe right on a chat.
2. Tap Pin.

This chat will now stay pinned to the top of your Chats tab.

Android

1. Long press on a chat.
2. Tap the pin icon.

That chat will remain at the top of your list.

Conclusion

Filtering your WhatsApp contacts can make it much easier to stay organized and quickly find the chats you need. Key options include:

• Searching for contacts by name.
• Creating custom contact filters.
• Sorting by last active time.
• Viewing unread chats.
• Pinning important conversations.

Take advantage of WhatsApp’s filtering and sorting features to streamline your messaging and stay on top of important conversations. With customized contact groups, pinned chats, and activity sorting, you can eliminate clutter and focus on the WhatsApp chats that matter most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I filter my contacts on WhatsApp Web/Desktop?

Yes, filtering options are also available when using WhatsApp Web or Desktop:

• Use the search bar to find chats by name.
• Click on the Chats tab label to sort by unread chats, groups, or broadcast lists.
• Right-click on a chat to pin or mute it.

Filters may be saved differently than on mobile, but the core functionality is the same.

How do I filter business accounts on WhatsApp?

Business accounts have a little badge next to their names. To filter them:

iPhone

1. Go to Filters.
2. Tap Contacts.
3. Choose Business Accounts.

Android

1. Open the Menu.
2. Tap Broadcast Lists.
3. Create a new list and add business accounts to it.

This will create a filter with just your business contacts.

Can I filter groups and broadcast lists?

Yes, you can filter groups separately from individual chats:

iPhone

1. Go to Filters.
2. Choose Broadcast Lists.

Android

1. Open the Menu.
2. Tap Broadcast Lists.

This will show just your group and broadcast list conversations.

Summary

– Use WhatsApp’s search bar to filter contacts by name.
– Create custom contact filters to easily access frequently messaged groups.
– Sort your list by last active time to see who’s online.
– Filter by unread chats to catch up on messages.
– Pin up to 3 important chats to the top of your list.
– Take advantage of filters on WhatsApp Web/Desktop as well.
– Filter business accounts, groups, and broadcast lists when needed.

The Benefits of Filtering Contacts in WhatsApp

Filtering your contacts in WhatsApp provides a number of benefits:

Improved Organization

Filtering helps keep your chats neatly organized so you can quickly find what you need. Things don’t get lost in the shuffle.

Better Focus

Pinning or sorting chats allows you to focus on the most important conversations first.

Save Time

Cut down on time wasted searching through dozens of chats to find the person you want. Filters let you jump right to key contacts.

Reduce Overwhelm

Too many unread chats can feel overwhelming. Filter by unread chats to break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces.

Stay on Top of Things

Sorting by last active lets you respond in a timely manner and not miss messages from key people.

Personalize WhatsApp

Custom contact groups add a personal touch to organize WhatsApp the way that suits you best.

So in summary, taking advantage of WhatsApp’s filtering options helps boost your productivity, focus, and overall messaging experience. It’s a useful way to personalize WhatsApp and make it work for your needs.

Comparing WhatsApp’s Filter Options to Other Messaging Apps

WhatsApp provides a robust set of tools for filtering contacts. How does this compare to other popular messaging apps?

Telegram

• Lets you search chats by name, but no custom contact groups.
• Can sort chats by last active time.
• Lets you pin up to 5 chats.
• Doesn’t allow sorting unread chats.

Telegram has basic filtering options, but lacks custom contact filters.

Signal

• Can search contacts by name.
• No options for custom contact groups.
• Cannot sort by last active or unread.
• Allows you to pin important chats.

Signal’s filtering capabilities are fairly limited.

Facebook Messenger

• Lets you search for contacts and groups.
• You can create custom contact favorites.
• Sort by most active contacts.
• Doesn’t filter by unread count.

Facebook Messenger has good filters, but not as robust as WhatsApp.

iMessage

• Search chats by name or title.
• No option for custom contact groups.
• Can filter unread messages.
• Doesn’t sort by active status.

iMessage has very basic filters compared to WhatsApp.

So in summary, WhatsApp generally provides the most advanced and customizable filtering options compared to other popular messaging apps. The ability to create custom contact groups and filter by detailed criteria makes WhatsApp stand out.

What’s Coming Next for WhatsApp Filters

WhatsApp is continually updating and improving its messaging app over time. Here are some potential updates we might see for contact filters in the future:

Filter by Multimedia Type

WhatsApp could add filters to show only chats containing photos, videos, voice messages, documents, or links. This would provide more options to filter your list by content type.

Filter by Group Member Count

Sorting group chats by number of members would help you distinguish between large and small groups more easily.

Synced Filters Across Devices

Having custom filters sync across your phone, desktop, web, and tablet apps would make them more useful.

Frequency Filters

An option to filter chats by how frequently you message someone could be helpful for seeing your most active conversations.

Mute Filter

A filter specifically for muted chats would help isolate conversations you intentionally muted.

Starred Messages Filter

Adding a filter for starred messages could make it easier to re-find important conversations.

Filter Chats by Date

Filtering conversations by date range would help you look back through older messages and history.

Tips for Using WhatsApp Filters

Here are some tips to use WhatsApp filters effectively:

• Create filters for your most messaged contacts like close family and friends.
• Name filters logically like “Work Team” or “Classmates” so you remember what they contain.
• Pin conversations that are timely or require urgent responses.
• Filter by unread chats when you need to catch up on messages.
• Re-name group chats to start with an identifying keyword.
• Periodically re-evaluate pinned chats that may no longer be a priority.
• Use active status sorting when you have limited time to respond.
• Add newly messaging contacts to appropriate filters as needed.

Common Problems and Solutions

Here are some common issues users face with WhatsApp filters and how to solve them:

Problem: Contacts keep falling out of custom filters

This is often caused by an outdated version of WhatsApp. Make sure you have the latest update installed. Also try re-creating the filter and double checking all contacts are saved properly.

Problem: Can’t get a pinned chat to unpin

If a pinned chat gets stuck, try force quitting the WhatsApp app and re-opening it. The pinned chats should reset.

Problem: Sorting by last active doesn’t seem to work

WhatsApp’s active status shows when a user was last using the app, not necessarily when they were messaging you. The active status gets refreshed when opening WhatsApp. Try opening the app to refresh the status.

Problem: Can’t find the Filters button

On Android, the filters options are located in the app Menu rather than a Filters tab. Tap the 3-dot menu icon to access them. On iPhone, make sure you’re on the Calls tab to see the Filters button.

Problem: Filters created on desktop don’t show on mobile

Unfortunately, WhatsApp does not currently sync filters across platforms. You’ll need to re-create desktop filters in the mobile app.

Conclusion

Filtering WhatsApp contacts keeps your messaging organized, productive, and focused on the conversations that matter most. Take advantage of the various filter options to search, sort, and create custom contact and group lists tailored to your needs. Filters can save time, reduce overwhelm, and help you pinpoint the exact chats you want. Set up effective filters today to streamline your WhatsApp messaging experience.

Filter Type	How to Use (iPhone)	How to Use (Android)
Search by Name	Chats tab > Search bar	Chats tab > Search bar
Custom Filters	Chats > Filters > Create New Filter	Menu > New broadcast
Last Active	Calls tab > Active filter	Menu > Starred > Sort by Last seen
Unread Chats	Calls > Unread filter	Menu > Starred > Sort by Unread