How to hide a contact in WhatsApp on Android?

How to hide a contact in WhatsApp on Android - briefly?

To hide a contact in WhatsApp on an Android device, you need to follow these steps:

1. Open WhatsApp and go to the chat with the contact you want to hide.
2. Tap on the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner of the screen, select "More," and then choose "Hide chat."

How to hide a contact in WhatsApp on Android - in detail?

Hiding a contact in WhatsApp on an Android device can be accomplished through several methods, each catering to different user preferences and privacy needs. Below is a detailed guide on how to hide a contact effectively:

Method 1: Archiving the Chat

Archiving a chat hides it from the main list of chats but does not delete any messages or media. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your Android device.
2. Access Chats: Navigate to the "Chats" tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select the Chat: Long-press on the chat you want to hide until a menu appears at the top.
4. Archive the Chat: Tap the archive icon (a box with an arrow pointing up) in the menu. The chat will be moved to the "Archived Chats" folder.

To access archived chats later, simply go to the "Chats" tab and scroll down to find the "Archived Chats" section.

Method 2: Muting Notifications

If you want to hide notifications from a specific contact rather than the entire chat, you can mute their messages. This method does not remove the chat from your list but prevents it from disturbing you with alerts.

1. Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your Android device.
2. Access Chats: Navigate to the "Chats" tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select the Chat: Tap on the chat you want to mute.
4. Mute Notifications: At the top right corner, tap on the three vertical dots (more options) and select "Mute". Choose the duration for which you want to mute notifications (8 hours, 1 week, or 1 year).

Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps

For users who require more advanced features, third-party apps can provide additional functionality to hide contacts. Apps like "WhatsApp Lock" or "Privacy Messenger" offer various customization options, including hiding specific chats.

1. Download and Install: Search for the desired app on the Google Play Store and install it on your device.
2. Follow Instructions: Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the hiding feature according to your preferences.

Method 4: Clearing Chat History

If you no longer need the chat history but still want to keep the contact, you can clear the chat history. This method removes all messages from the chat but does not delete the contact itself.

1. Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp application on your Android device.
2. Access Chats: Navigate to the "Chats" tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select the Chat: Tap and hold on the chat you want to clear until a menu appears at the top.
4. Clear Chat: Tap on the three vertical dots (more options) and select "More" > "Delete Chat". Confirm your choice, and all messages will be removed from the chat.

Conclusion

Each of these methods offers a different approach to hiding contacts in WhatsApp on an Android device, catering to various user needs and preferences. Whether you choose to archive chats, mute notifications, use third-party apps, or clear chat history, you can effectively manage your privacy and keep your WhatsApp experience organized and clutter-free.