WhatsApp Now Lets You Pin Messages Within One-On-One, Group Chats

WhatsApp has introduced a new feature allowing users to pin important messages within chats, ensuring vital information stays prominently displayed. This feature, reminiscent of the option to pin chats in the home window, is now available for Android , iOS, and PC users.

Pinned messages serve as a means to highlight critical content within both individual and group chats. WhatsApp assures users that all message types, from text and polls to images and emojis, can be pinned while maintaining end-to-end encryption.

Here's a breakdown of how the pin message feature operates:

When a message is pinned, it remains fixed at the top of the chat window. However, there's a caveat regarding the duration for which messages can be pinned. WhatsApp offers three options: 24 hours, 7 days (the default), or 30 days. Users will encounter a prompt during pinning to select the desired duration. In group chats, administrators hold the authority to manage who can pin messages—allowing either everyone or solely admins to do so.

It's important to note that once the set duration expires, a pinned message will automatically unpin itself. Unpinning a message merely removes it from the top banner, returning it to its original place within the conversation without altering its content or accessibility. This way, users can maintain easy access to crucial information while decluttering outdated messages for a more organized chat experience.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to pin and unpin messages across different platforms:

Pinning a Message:

Android:

-Long-press the desired message.
-Tap "More options" from the context menu.
-Select "Pin."
-Choose the desired duration: 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days.
-Confirm by tapping "Pin" again.

iPhone:

-Long-press the message to be pinned.
-Tap "More options" from the menu.
-Select "Pin."
-Choose the preferred duration: 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days.
-Confirm by tapping "Pin."

Web/Desktop:

-Select the message to pin.
-Click the three dots icon.
-Choose "Pin message" from the dropdown menu.
-Select the duration: 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days.
-Confirm by clicking "Pin."

Pinning Messages in Group Chats:

Admins in group chats can manage who has the privilege to pin messages . The process to enable this feature varies across platforms:

-Android: Access Group Settings via More options and toggle on Edit group settings.
-iPhone: Navigate to Group Settings via Group info and choose between "All members" or "Only admins."
-Web/Desktop: Open Group info, select Edit group info, and specify permissions as "All members" or "Only admins."

Once enabled, permitted members can pin messages. The system notifies everyone in the chat, including the identity of the person who pinned the message.

Unpinning a Message:

Android:

-Long-press the pinned message.
-Select "Unpin" from the context menu.
-Confirm by tapping "Unpin."

iPhone:

-Long-press the pinned message.
-Choose "More options."
-Select "Unpin."
-Confirm by tapping "Unpin."

Web/Desktop:

-Locate the pinned message.
-Click the three dots icon.
-Choose "Unpin message" from the dropdown menu.
-Confirm by clicking "Unpin."

These features ensure that users can effortlessly manage important content within their WhatsApp chats, enhancing accessibility while maintaining control over what stays prominently displayed.