WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. The app allows users to send messages, photos, videos, documents and more to individuals or groups. While the mobile app is very convenient for messaging on-the-go, WhatsApp also offers a web version that can be used on a desktop or laptop computer. WhatsApp Web provides the same functionality as the mobile app, along with some additional features such as easier media sharing and document uploads. One of the handiest features of WhatsApp Web is its keyboard shortcuts, which allow you to quickly perform common actions without having to click around with your mouse. Here is a guide on how to find and use shortcuts on WhatsApp Web.
Accessing WhatsApp Web
To use WhatsApp Web, you first need to open a browser window and navigate to https://web.whatsapp.com/. This will bring up a QR code on your screen. You then need to open the WhatsApp app on your phone and tap on the three dot menu icon in the top right. Select WhatsApp Web and scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen. This will link your phone to WhatsApp Web and sync your chats.
Enabling Keyboard Shortcuts
Once WhatsApp Web opens, click on the Settings icon in the bottom left. This looks like a gear icon. In the Settings menu, go to Keyboard Shortcuts. Here you will find a toggle to enable or disable keyboard shortcuts. Make sure this is enabled to use shortcuts on WhatsApp Web. The default keyboard shortcuts will now work when using the web app.
List of Default WhatsApp Web Shortcuts
Here are some of the most useful default keyboard shortcuts available in WhatsApp Web:
- Ctrl + E – Open the Search box
- Ctrl + P – Open a new chat box
- Ctrl + N – Open a new group chat
- Ctrl + Shift + [, Ctrl + Shift + ] – Switch between chats
- Ctrl + Backspace – Mute the current chat
- Ctrl + M – Mute the current chat
- Ctrl + U – Mark the chat as unread
- Ctrl + Shift + U – Archive the chat
- Ctrl + Shift + A – Open Account Settings
- Ctrl + R – Reply to a message
- Ctrl + Shift + D – Download media from a chat
- Ctrl + Shift + M – Mute media in a chat
These allow you to quickly perform frequent actions like opening new chats, muting chats, downloading media and more with simple keyboard shortcuts. Using these can help speed up your WhatsApp Web workflow.
Customizing Shortcuts
If you want to customize the shortcuts, here are the steps:
- Click on Settings > Keyboard Shortcuts
- Click on Customize Shortcuts
- You will see a list of all available actions on WhatsApp Web. Click on an action to set a custom shortcut.
- Press the desired shortcut keys to assign it to that action.
- Make sure the keys aren’t already assigned to another action.
- Click Assign to set the custom shortcut.
- Repeat for other actions you want to customize.
This allows you to define your own shortcut keys for the WhatsApp Web actions you use the most. For example, you could set Ctrl + 1 to open your frequent contacts list. The customize shortcuts option gives you the flexibility to optimize shortcuts as per your usage.
Using Shortcuts for Common Actions
Here are some examples of how shortcuts can help speed up common actions in WhatsApp Web:
Replying to Messages
Instead of clicking the reply button, press Ctrl + R to quickly respond to any message. This opens the message composer box instantly.
Searching Chats
Rather than scrolling through all your chats to find a conversation, press Ctrl + E and start typing the contact name to pull up the right chat. This is great for quickly jumping between ongoing chats.
Composing New Messages
For composing a new message to a contact, press Ctrl + N rather than manually looking up the contact and opening the chat. Simply start typing their name after pressing the shortcut.
Muting Chats
If you want to quickly mute a busy group chat, press Ctrl + M while the chat window is open rather than navigating through menus. This is handy for muting chats temporarily.
Downloading Media
To instantly download a photo or video you’ve received, press Ctrl + Shift + D rather than right clicking on the file and selecting download. This saves time when saving media.
Conclusion
WhatsApp Web keyboard shortcuts allow you to swiftly accomplish common messaging tasks by replacing frequent mouse clicks with quick key presses. Make sure keyboard shortcuts are enabled in WhatsApp Web’s settings. Use the default shortcuts for actions like opening new chats, muting chats, downloading media and more. You can also customize shortcuts to optimize them as per your most used actions.
Leveraging these shortcuts will help you message more efficiently on WhatsApp Web and cut down on unnecessary clicks. They make it easier to swiftly reply to messages, search chats, mute conversations and accomplish other daily actions. Familiarize yourself with the shortcuts for the actions you perform regularly for a smoother WhatsApp Web experience.