How to add something to the WhatsApp sidebar?

How to add something to the WhatsApp sidebar - briefly?

Currently, WhatsApp does not provide a built-in feature for users to directly add items to the sidebar. However, third-party apps and custom launchers can sometimes offer this functionality by creating shortcuts or widgets that mimic the appearance of the sidebar.

How to add something to the WhatsApp sidebar - in detail?

Adding items to the WhatsApp sidebar can significantly enhance your user experience by providing quick access to frequently used features and contacts. While WhatsApp does not offer a direct method for users to manually add items to the sidebar, there are several workarounds and tips that can help you achieve this goal.

Firstly, it's essential to understand that the WhatsApp sidebar is primarily designed to display your most recent chats. However, you can influence which contacts or groups appear in the sidebar by frequently interacting with them. Here’s a detailed approach to manage and optimize what appears in your WhatsApp sidebar:

  1. Frequent Interaction: The more often you communicate with a particular contact or group, the higher their chances of appearing at the top of your sidebar. Ensure that you engage regularly with the contacts or groups you want to prioritize.
  2. Pin Important Chats: WhatsApp allows you to pin up to three chats to the top of your chat list. To do this, simply long-press on a chat and select the "pin" icon. Pinned chats will always appear at the top, ensuring that they are easily accessible from the sidebar.
  3. Mark Chats as Unread: If you have an important message that you don't want to miss, you can mark the chat as unread by long-pressing on it and selecting "mark as unread." This action will keep the chat at the top of your list, making it more likely to appear in the sidebar.
  4. Use WhatsApp Business for More Control: If you are using WhatsApp Business, you have more control over the sidebar. You can create shortcuts and labels for quick access to important contacts or features directly from the sidebar.
  5. Check for Updates: WhatsApp frequently releases updates that can introduce new features and improvements. Ensure your app is up-to-date, as newer versions may provide additional customization options for the sidebar.
  6. Third-Party Apps and Mods: While not officially supported by WhatsApp, some third-party applications and modded versions of WhatsApp (such as GBWhatsApp or FMWhatsApp) offer enhanced customization features. Be cautious when using such apps, as they may pose security risks.

By following these strategies, you can effectively manage what appears in your WhatsApp sidebar, ensuring that the most important contacts and features are always within easy reach.