WhatsApp shows the time each message was sent right next to it by default. This can be useful information in chat conversations to keep track of when certain things were said. However, some users find the constant presence of timestamps distracting or unnecessary for their purposes. Thankfully, WhatsApp provides the option to hide message timestamps in chats if desired.
Should I Remove WhatsApp Message Timestamps?
Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to remove message timestamps in WhatsApp chats:
Reasons to Keep Timestamps
- Allows you to see when a message was sent if needed for clarification
- Helps follow chronological order of long conversations
- Useful for work chats to track task timelines
- Default setting, so used to seeing them in chats
Reasons to Remove Timestamps
- Look cluttered in casual conversations
- Draws eyes away from message content
- Not always needed to follow chat flow
- More aesthetic chat view without times showing
Consider your main reasons for using WhatsApp and which choice better aligns with your priorities. The option to show or hide timestamps gives users flexibility based on their preferences.
How to Remove Timestamps from WhatsApp Chats
WhatsApp makes it simple to remove message timestamps from individual chats or all chats on iPhone and Android devices. Here are the steps:
iPhone Instructions
1. Open the WhatsApp chat you want to remove timestamps from
2. Tap on the contact name at the top of the screen
3. Scroll down and tap on “Show Timestamps” to uncheck the option
4. Timestamps will now be hidden for that chat
To hide timestamps in all chats:
1. Go to WhatsApp Settings
2. Tap Chats
3. Tap Show Timestamps to uncheck option
Android Instructions
1. Open the WhatsApp chat you want to remove timestamps from
2. Tap the More Options button (3 vertical dots)
3. Tap Show Timestamp to uncheck the option
4. Timestamps will be hidden in that chat
To hide timestamps in all chats:
1. Go to WhatsApp Settings
2. Tap Chats
3. Tap Show Timestamps to uncheck option
The process is very quick and easy to do for individual or all chats on both iPhone and Android. Just a couple taps in chat or app settings removes the timestamp from messages.
How to Add Timestamps Back to WhatsApp Chats
If you change your mind later and want to having timing back on your WhatsApp messages, re-enabling the feature is simple. Just follow the same steps above, but make sure Show Timestamps is checked on for individual chats or in app settings. Toggling the option on will re-apply timestamps to current and future messages.
Customizing Other WhatsApp Settings
Along with the message timestamp setting, WhatsApp offers a variety of customization options to tailor your messaging experience:
- Notification settings – Choose notification tone, vibrate, popup preview
- Chat wallpaper – Set customized wallpaper for each chat
- Chat bubble styles – Change bubble shape, color for your messages
- Chat history backup – Schedule backups to Google Drive or iCloud
- App language – Display WhatsApp in different languages
- Data usage – Manage syncing over cellular data vs. WiFi
Take some time to explore settings like these to personalize WhatsApp to your preferences. The ability to show or hide message timestamps is just one part of customizing chats.
Troubleshooting Hidden Timestamps in WhatsApp
In some cases, you may follow the steps to hide timestamps in WhatsApp but notice they still appear in chats. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Force close and restart the WhatsApp app
- Check that Show Timestamps is disabled in both individual chat and app settings
- Update to the latest version of WhatsApp
- On Android, clear WhatsApp cache in system settings
- Try toggling Airplane Mode on and off to reset connections
- Contact WhatsApp support if issue persists after troubleshooting
Refreshing the app and connections will often resolve any lag in the timestamp setting being applied. Make sure WhatsApp is also updated to the latest available version from your device’s app store.
Alternative Ways to View WhatsApp Message Times
If you prefer keeping timestamps off in chats, but still want to occasionally check the time a certain message was sent, there are a couple alternative options:
View Message Info
In either individual or group chats:
- Long press on a message bubble
- Tap on Message Info or View Message Details
- A popup will show date and time the message was sent
This allows you to view the timestamp of specific messages only when needed without having them constantly visible.
Export Chat History
You can export an entire chat history to a file using these steps:
- Go to the chat you want to export
- Tap More Options > More > Export Chat
- Choose whether to include or exclude media
- The timestamp will be included next to each message in the exported file
If you need a complete timeline of a conversation, exporting provides that while keeping your view uncluttered.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s customizable timestamp option per chat gives you control over the visibility of message times. If you find timestamps unnecessary or distracting, they can easily be disabled for cleaner chats. Just toggle the Show Timestamps setting off in individual or app-wide settings. If needed later, enable timestamps again using the same process. Beyond message times, explore other ways to tailor your WhatsApp experience in settings. With the ability to configure different aspects like notifications, backgrounds, and language, you can make the popular messaging app distinctly yours.