How to make a tilde button on WhatsApp?

How to make a tilde button on WhatsApp - briefly?

Creating a tilde (~) button on WhatsApp involves accessing the keyboard settings and adding the symbol manually. To do this, open WhatsApp, go to 'Settings' > 'Keyboard', and add the tilde to your custom keys or text replacements. This process allows you to quickly insert the tilde symbol while typing messages in WhatsApp.

How to make a tilde button on WhatsApp - in detail?

Creating a tilde (~) button on WhatsApp can significantly enhance user experience, especially for users who frequently need to input special characters. While WhatsApp does not natively support custom buttons or shortcuts, there are several workarounds you can implement using third-party keyboards and automation tools. Here’s a detailed guide on how to achieve this:

Step 1: Install a Third-Party Keyboard

The first step is to install a keyboard that supports customization. Popular options include Gboard, SwiftKey, and Fleksy. For this guide, we will use Gboard due to its wide range of features and customizability.

  1. Download Gboard: Open the App Store or Google Play Store and search for "Gboard." Install it on your device.
  2. Enable Gboard: After installation, go to your device’s settings and navigate to "General" > "Keyboard" > "Keyboards." Add Gboard as an active keyboard.

Step 2: Create a Custom Keyboard Shortcut

Gboard allows you to create custom text shortcuts, which can be used to insert the tilde character quickly. Here’s how to set it up:

  1. Open Gboard Settings: Open any app where you can type (e.g., Notes), then tap and hold the comma key on the keyboard until a menu pops up. Select "Gboard settings."
  2. Navigate to Text Shortcuts: In the Gboard settings, go to "Dictionary" > "Personal dictionary" > "Text shortcuts."
  3. Add New Phrase: Tap the "+" icon in the upper-right corner to add a new phrase.
  4. Enter Phrase Details:
    • Phrase: Type a unique keyword or phrase you will use to trigger the tilde, such as "tilde."
    • Shortcut: Leave this field blank since we are creating a text replacement rather than a shortcut.
  5. Save: Tap the checkmark icon to save your new phrase.

Step 3: Use the Custom Shortcut in WhatsApp

Now that you have set up the custom shortcut, you can use it within WhatsApp to quickly insert the tilde character.

  1. Open WhatsApp: Launch WhatsApp and open a chat where you want to type the tilde.
  2. Type the Shortcut: Type your chosen keyword (e.g., "tilde") in the text input field.
  3. Auto-Replace: Gboard will automatically replace the keyword with the tilde character (~). Simply press the space bar or send the message to insert the tilde.

Step 4: Automate the Process Using Tasker (Optional)

For a more automated approach, you can use the Tasker app to create a task that inserts the tilde character with a single tap. This requires some initial setup but offers greater convenience.

  1. Download Tasker: Install Tasker from the App Store or Google Play Store.
  2. Create a New Task: Open Tasker and go to the "Tasks" tab, then tap the "+" icon to create a new task. Name it something like "Insert Tilde."
  3. Add Action: In the task editor, tap the "+" icon again to add an action. Select "Plugin" > "AutoTools" > "Text Insert."
  4. Configure Text Insert:
    • Text to insert: Type the tilde character (~).
  5. Save Task: Tap the checkmark icon to save your new task.
  6. Create a Shortcut: Go back to the main screen of Tasker, then navigate to the "Shortcuts" tab. Tap the "+" icon and select "Task Shortcut." Choose the "Insert Tilde" task you created earlier.
  7. Assign the Shortcut: Follow the prompts to assign the shortcut to a specific action (e.g., long-pressing the search button).

By following these steps, you can easily create and use a tilde button on WhatsApp, enhancing your typing efficiency and overall user experience.