WhatsApp allows users to archive chats that they don’t need regular access to. This moves the chats out of the main chat list, helping to keep it clutter free. However, when a new message comes into an archived chat, it automatically unarchives it and moves it back to the top of the main chat list. This can be frustrating if you want to keep certain chats permanently archived at the bottom of the list. Fortunately, there’s a simple trick to move your archived chats to the bottom of the list.
Understanding WhatsApp’s Archived Chats
When you archive a chat in WhatsApp, it is removed from the main chats list and placed in a separate Archived Chats list. Tapping on the Archived Chats folder shows all your archived conversations. Archived chats will remain in this list until either:
- You unarchive the chat, which moves it back to the main Chats list
- You or the other person sends a new message in the chat, which automatically unarchives it
The issue is that when an archived chat gets unarchived due to a new message, it jumps right back to the top of the Chats list. This means you have to keep re-archiving it every time new messages come in.
Why Do Archived Chats Move to the Top?
WhatsApp automatically unarchives chats when new messages arrive as a convenience factor. The assumption is that if someone has messaged you again in an old chat, it must be important and you’ll want to see it right away. Hence, it moves right to the top of the list so you don’t miss it.
Of course, that’s not always the case. You may want to permanently keep certain chats archived even when new messages arrive. Having them jump to the top can disrupt your chat list and make you waste time re-archiving.
How to Stop Archived Chats Moving to the Top
Unfortunately, there is no built-in setting in WhatsApp to stop archived chats from moving to the top when unarchived. However, there is a simple manual trick you can use:
- Archive the chat you want to keep at the bottom.
- Exit the chat list and go back to the WhatsApp home tab.
- Open the Archived chats folder.
- Long press and hold on the archived chat you want to keep at the bottom.
- Drag and drop it to the bottom of the Archived chats list.
This manually positions the chat at the bottom of the archive list. Now when it gets unarchived due to a new message, it will return to the bottom of the main Chats list rather than the top.
Why Does This Trick Work?
WhatsApp’s chat list works on a chronological basis. When a chat gets unarchived, it is placed back into the chats list chronologically based on when it was last archived.
By manually archiving it and placing it at the bottom of the Archive list, you are resetting the ‘last archived’ time. So when WhatsApp goes to chronologically insert it back into the main list, it puts it at the bottom, not the top.
Step-By-Step Guide
Here is a step-by-step guide to moving your archived WhatsApp chats to the bottom of the list:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the Chats tab – This is the default screen when you launch WhatsApp.
- Archive the chat – Tap and hold the chat you want to archive and tap ‘Archive’. This removes it from the main list.
- Go back to the WhatsApp home screen – Press the back button or home icon to exit the chat list.
- Open Archived chats – Tap on ‘Archived’ chats folder to view your archived conversations.
- Long press the chat – Press and hold the chat you want to move to the bottom of the list.
- Drag it to the bottom – While holding, drag up to scroll the list, then drag the chat below the last archived chat.
- Release your finger – Lift your finger to drop the chat into position at the bottom of the archived list.
Now when this archived chat gets unarchived, it will return to the bottom of the main chat list rather than the top. Just repeat this process whenever you archive a chat you want to remain at the bottom.
Tips for Managing Archived Chats
– Set custom notifications for important archived chats so you still get notified of new messages.
– Periodically review your archived chats in case there are old chats you want to delete or unarchive.
– Star important archived chats so they stand out in the archive list.
– Use archived chats as extended storage for things like photos, documents etc.
– Create a template message to send to unarchived chats explaining why you archived the chat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does archiving a chat on WhatsApp delete it?
No, archiving a chat does not delete it. It simply removes it from the main chat list. The chat and its messages remain saved and can be unarchived.
Can the other person see if I’ve archived their chat?
No, when you archive a chat it does not notify the other person or change anything on their end. Only you can see when a chat is archived or unarchived.
Will archived chats still receive new messages?
Yes, any new messages sent to an archived chat will still be received. It will cause the chat to become unarchived and move back into your main chat list.
What happens if I delete an archived chat?
If you delete an archived chat, it will be permanently deleted for both you and the other person. The chat history and messages will no longer be retrievable.
Can I recover a deleted archived chat?
Unfortunately no, there is no way to recover a chat that has been deleted from the archived list. The messages and history will be permanently lost.
The Benefits of Archiving Chats
Here are some benefits of using WhatsApp’s archive feature:
- Removes old or unimportant chats from the main list.
- Lets you focus on recent conversations.
- Declutters your chat list.
- Still preserves chat history if needed.
- Lets you access chats quickly if unarchived.
Overall, archiving is a great way to organize your WhatsApp chats and keep your main list free of old or unnecessary conversations. Just be sure to periodically review your archived list and unarchive or delete any chats you no longer need.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp doesn’t allow you to permanently keep archived chats at the bottom, using the manual drag and drop trick allows you to mimic this behavior. Whenever you archive a conversation you want to remain at the bottom, simply re-order it in your archived list. This resets the timestamp and ensures when unarchived it returns to the bottom of your chat list. Use archives to declutter your WhatsApp and improve chat list organization.