WeChat: The Hidden Features

Looking for the best hidden WeChat features? This guide covers more than 50 hidden WeChat features, tips and tricks to help you get more out of WeChat in 2026.

While most people know the basics, WeChat also includes many hidden features that make everyday life easier. From translating Chinese text and managing large group chats to saving storage space and using powerful search tools, these features can help you get even more out of the app.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best hidden WeChat features for 2026, including practical tips for both mobile and desktop users. Whether you’re a tourist, student or long-term expat, these tools will help you use WeChat more efficiently.

⭐ Essential Hidden WeChat Features

✏️ Edit your WeChat Moments 

Made a typo or forgot to add a photo? You no longer need to recreate your entire Moments post.

After deleting a recently published Moment, WeChat displays an “Edit” option, allowing you to restore the original post, make changes and publish it again. This is a convenient way to correct spelling mistakes, update captions, replace photos or add additional images without starting from scratch.

How to use it:

1. Open Moments.
2. Delete your recently published post.
3. Tap Edit when the prompt appears.
4. Make your changes and publish the updated post.

💡 Tip: The edit option is only available for a limited time after deleting the post, so make your changes promptly.

🔔 Turn off Notifications

If you’re part of several WeChat groups, your phone can quickly fill up with notifications. Fortunately, WeChat lets you mute individual chats without leaving the group.

Muting a chat is ideal for large community groups, work chats or promotional groups that are active throughout the day.

How to Mute a Chat

1. Open the individual or group chat.
2. Tap the Chat Info icon in the top-right corner.
3. Turn on Mute Notifications.

You’ll still receive new messages, but WeChat won’t send notification alerts for that chat.

Use Notification Schedule (If Available)

Some versions of WeChat also allow you to schedule quiet hours so notifications are silenced during specific times, such as overnight. This feature may vary depending on your device and WeChat version.

💡 Tip: Instead of leaving noisy groups, mute them so you can check important messages whenever it’s convenient.

🔍 Search Function

WeChat’s search feature makes it easy to find messages, photos, files, links and contacts without scrolling through long conversations. Whether you’re looking for a document shared months ago or a message from a busy group chat, Search can save you a lot of time.

How to Search Across WeChat

1. Open the Chats tab.
2. Pull down on the screen to reveal the search bar.
3. Enter a keyword, contact name or phrase.
4. Browse the results from chats, contacts, Official Accounts, Moments and articles.

Search Within a Specific Chat

If you’re trying to find something in one conversation:

1. Open the chat.
2. Tap the Chat Info icon in the top-right corner.
3. Select Search Chat History.
4. Search by keyword or browse files, photos, videos and links shared in that conversation.

Use Advanced Filters

WeChat also lets you filter your search results by:

• Contacts
• Group Chats
• Files
• Photos
• Videos
• Links
• Mini Programs

This is especially useful when searching busy group chats where hundreds of messages are exchanged every day.

💡 Tip: On WeChat Desktop, search is even more powerful. You can quickly search chat history, files and documents using your keyboard, making it much easier to find older conversations.

🌐 Translate Text

WeChat’s built-in translation feature makes it easy to communicate with people who speak a different language. Instead of copying messages into another app, you can translate them directly within your chat.

How to Use It

1. Open the conversation.
2. Press and hold the message you want to translate.
3. Tap Translate.
4. The translated message will appear below the original text.

This feature is especially useful when chatting with Chinese friends, colleagues or local businesses.

💡 Tip: Translation works best for Chinese and English, although other languages are also supported depending on your WeChat version.

📷 Scan and Translate

Need to understand a menu, sign or document written in Chinese? WeChat’s Scan feature can instantly recognise and translate printed text using your phone’s camera.

How to Use It

1. Open Scan from WeChat.
2. Point your camera at the text.
3. Tap Translate.
4. View the translated text on your screen.

This feature is especially helpful when travelling, shopping or reading restaurant menus.

💡 Tip: For the best results, make sure the text is well lit and clearly visible before scanning.

🖼️ Translate Image Text

You can also translate text from images that are already saved on your phone or received in a WeChat chat. This is useful for screenshots, photos, posters and documents.

How to Use It

1. Open the image in WeChat.
2. Press and hold the image.
3. Tap Translate.
4. WeChat will detect the text and display a translated version.

💡 Tip: This feature works best with clear, high-quality images containing printed text.

✍️ Text Only Moment

Most people use WeChat Moments to share photos and videos, but you can also publish text-only posts without adding any images. It’s a great way to share quick updates, thoughts or announcements.

How to Create a Text-Only Moment

1. Open Discover > Moments.
2. Press and hold the camera icon in the top-right corner.
3. A text box will appear.
4. Type your message and tap Post.

💡 Tip: Text-only Moments are ideal for sharing short updates, travel experiences or recommendations without uploading photos.

👥 Select Who Can/Cannot See Your Moments

Not every Moments post needs to be visible to everyone. WeChat lets you control exactly who can and cannot see each post before you publish it.

This is useful if you want to share personal updates with family, travel photos with friends or work-related content with selected contacts.

How to Choose Your Audience

1. Create a new Moments post.
2. Tap Share With.
3. Choose Selected Contacts or Don’t Share With.
4. Select the people you want to include or exclude.
5. Publish your post.

💡 Tip: These privacy settings apply only to the current post, so you can choose a different audience every time you share a new Moment.

👀 Select How Long People Can See Your Moments

WeChat lets you control how long your Moments remain visible to your friends. This is a useful privacy feature if you don’t want older posts to stay visible forever.

You can choose to display your Moments from the last 3 days, a month or 6 months. Posts older than your selected time period will be hidden from other users.

How to Change the Visibility Period

1. Go to Me > Settings > Privacy.
2. Tap Visible to Friends.
3. Select 3 Days, a month or 6 Months.

💡 Tip: This setting only changes what your friends can see. Your older Moments are not deleted and remain available to you.

📌 Sticky on Top

Don’t want an important conversation to get buried under dozens of new messages? WeChat’s Sticky on Top feature keeps your most important chats at the top of your chat list, making them easy to find.

This is especially useful for family members, close friends, work conversations or frequently used group chats.

How to Pin a Chat

1. Open the chat you want to pin.
2. Tap the Chat Info icon in the top-right corner.
3. Turn on Sticky on Top.

The selected chat will now remain at the top of your chat list, even when new messages arrive in other conversations.

💡 Tip: Pin only your most important chats to keep your chat list organised and easy to manage.

📍Pin Moments to Top

Want people to see your most important Moment first? WeChat allows you to pin one of your recent Moments to the top of your profile, making it the first post your friends see when they visit your Moments page.

This is useful for important announcements, travel highlights, business updates or memorable photos that you want to keep visible for longer.

How to Pin a Moment

1. Open Me > Moments.
2. Find the Moment you want to pin.
3. Tap the ••• (More) menu.
4. Select Pin to Top.

💡 Tip: You can only pin one Moment at a time. If you pin another post, it will replace the previous pinned Moment.

♿ Easy Mode

WeChat’s Easy Mode is designed to make the app simpler to use by increasing text size, enlarging buttons and reducing visual clutter. It’s especially helpful for seniors, first-time users or anyone who prefers a cleaner interface.

What Does Easy Mode Do?

• 🔍 Makes text larger and easier to read.
• 📱 Enlarges buttons and menu items.
• 🧹 Simplifies the interface for easier navigation.
• 🎤 Supports voice-assisted features on compatible devices.

How to Enable Easy Mode

1. Open WeChat.
2. Go to Me > Settings.
3. Tap General.
4. Select Easy Mode.
5. Turn it On.

💡 Tip: You can switch back to the standard interface at any time by following the same steps and turning Easy Mode off.

🛡️Guardian Mode

WeChat’s Guardian Mode helps parents create a safer experience for children by restricting access to selected features and providing additional privacy controls. Depending on your WeChat version and region, some options may vary.

What Does Guardian Mode Do?

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Restricts access to selected features.
• 🚫 Limits access to certain Mini Programs and Discover features.
• 🔒 Provides additional privacy and safety controls for younger users.

How to Enable Guardian Mode

1. Open WeChat.
2. Go to Me > Settings.
3. Open Guardian Mode or Parental Controls (if available).
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Link the guardian account if required and choose the restrictions you want to apply.

💡 Tip: The available settings may differ depending on your WeChat version, operating system and region.

📩 Quickly Jump to Unread Messages

Missed a lot of messages in a busy group chat? WeChat lets you jump straight to your first unread message, so you don’t have to scroll through hundreds of conversations manually.

This feature is especially useful in active work groups, family chats and community groups where new messages arrive frequently.

How to Use It

1. Open the conversation with unread messages.
2. Tap the Unread Messages indicator.
3. WeChat will automatically take you to the first unread message.

💡 Tip: Read all unread messages before replying to avoid missing important information shared earlier in the conversation.

⚡Wechat Shortcut Function

Did you know you can quickly access some of WeChat’s most useful features without opening the app? Simply press and hold the WeChat app icon on your home screen to reveal the shortcut menu.

Depending on your device and WeChat version, the available shortcuts may include:

• 📱 My QR Code – Quickly display your personal QR code for adding friends or receiving payments.
• 📷 Scan – Open the scanner instantly to scan QR codes or documents.
• 💳 Money / Pay – Access WeChat Pay more quickly (available in supported regions).
• 🏠 Edit Home Screen – Manage your home screen shortcuts.
• 📤 Share App – Share WeChat with friends.
• 🗑️ Remove App – Remove the app shortcut from your home screen or uninstall it, depending on your device.

💡 Tip: Available shortcuts may differ between Android and iPhone, and some options depend on your region and WeChat version.

🔊 Text-to-Speech (Listen to Articles)

Don’t have time to read a long article? Some WeChat Official Account articles can be played as audio, allowing you to listen while travelling, walking or multitasking.

If the feature is available, WeChat will convert the article into speech so you can continue listening instead of reading.

How to Use It

1. Open a supported Official Account article.
2. Tap the ••• menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select Speak or Listen Later (if available).
4. WeChat will begin reading the article aloud or save it for later listening.

💡 Tip: Audio playback is only available for selected Official Account articles, and the available options may vary depending on the article, your region and your WeChat version.

❤️ Turn off Moments “Like” Notifications

Receiving notifications from older Moments can become distracting, especially if a popular post continues to receive likes and comments long after it was published.

WeChat lets you stop notifications for individual Moments, helping you keep your notifications organised without deleting the post.

How to Turn Off Notifications

1. Open Moments notifications.
2. Tap the ••• menu or the upper-right corner (depending on your WeChat version).
3. Press and hold the notification for the specific Moment.
4. Select Disable Notifications.

Once disabled, you won’t receive any more notifications for likes or comments on that particular Moment.

💡 Tip: This only disables notifications for the selected Moment. You’ll continue to receive notifications for your other Moments as usual.

🎙️Voice Messages to Texts

Typing long messages isn’t always convenient. WeChat’s Voice to Text feature lets you speak instead of typing, and your words are converted into text instantly before you send the message.

This is especially useful when you’re walking, travelling or need to reply quickly.

How to Use It

1. Open any chat.
2. Press and hold the voice message button.
3. Start speaking clearly.
4. Without releasing your finger, swipe up and to the right towards the Text bubble.
5. Release your finger to convert your speech into text.
6. Review the text and send it if everything looks correct.

💡 Tip: Speak clearly in a quiet environment for the best speech recognition results.

😊 Search Related Stickers

Found a sticker you really like? WeChat can recommend similar stickers, making it easy to discover new sticker packs without searching manually.

This feature is a fun way to find matching reactions and expand your sticker collection for future conversations.

How to Use It

1. Open any chat.
2. Press and hold the sticker you want to explore.
3. Tap Related Stickers.
4. Browse the recommended stickers and send your favourites instantly.

💡 Tip: Related sticker recommendations are mainly available for stickers from WeChat’s official sticker library. The available suggestions may vary depending on the sticker pack and your WeChat version.

🪟 Floating Windows

Need to switch between an article, a Mini Program or a chat without losing your place? WeChat’s Floating Windowsfeature lets you keep important content open while you continue using the app.

You can pin multiple items, making it easy to return to articles, webpages, Mini Programs and other content whenever you need them.

How to Use It

1. Open a supported article, Mini Program or webpage.
2. Swipe right and hold near the bottom-right corner of the screen.
3. Release your finger to add the content to Floating Windows.
4. Tap the floating window icon anytime to quickly return to your saved content.

💡 Tip: Floating Windows is especially useful when reading long articles, comparing information or switching between chats and Mini Programs without losing your place.

💰Split the Bill

Paid for dinner, a birthday gift or a group activity? WeChat’s Split the Bill feature makes it easy to request payments from friends without messaging everyone individually.

Instead of calculating each person’s share yourself, WeChat automatically creates a payment request for the selected group members.

How to Split the Bill

1. Create or open the group chat with the people sharing the expense.
2. Go to Me > Services (or WeChat Pay) > Money > Split Bill.
3. Tap Create Now.
4. Select the group.
5. Enter the total amount.
6. Choose the participants who should share the cost.
7. Send the payment request.

💡 Tip: This feature is available through WeChat Pay and may not be supported in every country or region.

If everyone owes a different amount, tap Specified Amount and enter the exact amount for each participant. After sending the request, everyone in the group can view the payment status, making it easy to see who has already paid and who still has an outstanding balance.

💡 Tip: WeChat automatically updates the payment status, so you don’t need to keep track of repayments manually.

🚖 Use WeChat to Get a Didi Ride

You don’t need to download the separate Didi app to book a ride in China. WeChat includes the official Didi Mini Program, allowing you to request a taxi or private car directly from the app.

This is one of the easiest ways for visitors, students and expats to travel around Chinese cities.

How to Book a Ride

1. Open WeChat and tap the Search bar.
2. Search for Didi and open the official Didi Mini Program.
3. Allow location access or enter your pickup location manually.
4. Enter your destination.
5. Choose your preferred ride type, such as Express, Premier or Taxi (availability varies by city).
6. Tap Request Ride and wait for a nearby driver to accept your booking.

If WeChat Pay is linked to your account, payment can be completed directly through WeChat after your trip.

💡 Tip: Save your home, hotel or workplace as favourite locations to make future bookings even faster.

🗑️ Delete Comments

Want to remove an unwanted or inappropriate comment from your WeChat Moments? WeChat allows you to delete comments on your own Moments without removing the entire post.

This gives you more control over your conversations while keeping your Moments clean and relevant.

How to Delete a Comment

1. Open your Moments post.
2. Find the comment you want to remove.
3. Press and hold the comment.
4. Tap Delete.

The selected comment will be removed immediately, while the rest of your Moments post will remain unchanged.

💡 Tip: You can only delete comments on your own Moments posts. Comments on other people’s Moments cannot be removed by you.

📄 Extract text from picture

Need to copy text from a photo, screenshot or document? WeChat’s Extract Text feature uses optical character recognition (OCR) to detect and copy text directly from an image, so you don’t have to type everything manually.

This feature is especially useful when translating restaurant menus, copying addresses, extracting contact details or saving information from posters, notices and documents.

How to Extract Text

1. Open the image in WeChat.
2. Press and hold the image.
3. Tap Extract Text.
4. Wait while WeChat recognises the text.
5. Copy, share or use the extracted text as needed.

💡 Tip: For the best results, use clear, high-quality images with readable text and good lighting.

✍️ Translate while Writing

🧩More Complicated WeChat Features

 💾 Manage WeChat Desktop Storage

If you regularly use WeChat on your computer, photos, videos, documents and chat files can quickly take up a significant amount of storage space. Fortunately, the latest desktop version of WeChat includes a built-in Storage Management tool that helps you free up space without uninstalling the app.

This feature is especially useful for users who receive or share large files through WeChat every day.

How to Manage Desktop Storage

1. Open WeChat for Windows or WeChat for Mac.
2. Click Settings.
3. Open Storage Management.
4. Review cached files, downloaded media and chat data.
5. Delete unnecessary files to free up storage space.

💡 Tip: Before deleting media or chat files, make sure you’ve backed up anything important. Removing cached files can also improve WeChat’s performance and free up valuable disk space.

🔒 Disable ‘Find Me By Phone Number’

By default, people who connect with you on WeChat may be able to find your account using your phone number. If you prefer more privacy, you can disable this option and prevent others from finding you this way.

This is particularly useful if you want to limit how new people discover your WeChat account.

How to Disable Phone Number Search

1. Open Me > Settings.
2. Tap Privacy.
3. Select Methods for Friending Me.
4. Turn off Mobile Number.

💡 Tip: Disabling this option only prevents people from finding you by your phone number. Existing contacts and friends will still be able to message you as usual.

📢 Broadcast Messages

Need to send the same message to multiple contacts without creating a group chat? WeChat’s Broadcast Messagesfeature lets you send an individual message to several contacts at once, making it ideal for holiday greetings, event invitations and business updates.

Unlike a group chat, each recipient receives the message as a separate conversation, creating a more personal experience.

How to Use Broadcast Messages

1. Open Me > Settings.
2. Find Broadcast Messages (the location may vary depending on your WeChat version).
3. Tap New Broadcast Message or Send Now.
4. Select the contacts you want to include.
5. Type your message and send it.

💡 Tip: Broadcast Messages are best for occasional announcements or greetings. Avoid sending frequent promotional messages, as recipients may find them intrusive.

👥 Join a Private WeChat Group

Need to join a private group without being invited directly? WeChat allows you to join private groups using a unique invitation code, making it easy for organisers to manage events, business meetings and community groups.

This feature is commonly used for networking events, conferences, university activities and other private communities where only invited participants should have access.

How to Join a Private Group

1. Open Chats.
2. Tap the + icon.
3. Select Join Private Group.
4. Enter the invitation code provided by the organiser.
5. Join the group and start participating in the conversation.

💡 Tip: Invitation codes are usually shared only with invited participants. If you don’t have a valid code, ask the group organiser for access.

📂 Recall File Messages for Up to 3 Hours

Sent the wrong document by mistake? WeChat now gives you up to 3 hours to recall supported file messages, giving you more time to correct mistakes or prevent sensitive files from being shared unintentionally.

This extended recall period applies to files sent through WeChat, making it much more convenient than the standard message recall limit.

How to Recall a File Message

1. Open the conversation where you sent the file.
2. Press and hold the file message.
3. Tap Recall.
4. The file will be removed from the chat if it is recalled within the supported time limit.

Supported File Types

You can recall most files sent through + > File, including:

• 📄 PDF documents
• 📝 Microsoft Word files
• 📊 Microsoft Excel spreadsheets
• 📽️ Microsoft PowerPoint presentations
• 📁 Other supported file formats

Things to Keep in Mind

• Standard text messages, photos and videos still have different recall limits.
• Recipients may see the file before it is recalled, so remove sensitive files as soon as possible.
• This feature works in both individual and group chats, but it does not apply to Moments or Official Accountposts.

💡 Tip: Always double-check important documents before sending them, especially in work or business conversations.

🛠️ Recover WeChat Data

Accidentally lost chat data or encountered a problem after updating WeChat? Some versions of WeChat include a hidden Data Recovery tool that can help restore certain chat data after an unexpected issue.

This feature is intended for data recovery and troubleshooting rather than recovering messages that have been intentionally deleted.

How to Access the Recovery Menu

1. Open Add Contact in WeChat.
2. Search for :recover.
3. If supported, the hidden Data Recovery menu will open.
4. Select the type of data you want to recover and follow the on-screen instructions.

💡 Tip: This recovery tool is intended for repairing data after app crashes or syncing problems. It may not recover permanently deleted chats or files.

🧾 Use the WeChat Fapiao Helper

Need an official tax receipt in China? WeChat’s Fapiao Helper Mini Program makes it easy to save your invoice details and generate a QR code that businesses can scan when issuing an electronic fapiao.

This feature is especially useful for business travellers, employees claiming expenses and anyone who regularly requires official tax receipts.

1. Open the Fapiao Helper

Search for WeChat Fapiao Helper (微信发票助手) in the WeChat search bar and open the official Mini Program.

2. Add Your Fapiao Information

If you’re using the Mini Program for the first time, tap Add Fapiao Title and enter your company information, including:

• Company name
• Tax identification number
• Company address
• Phone number
• Bank name
• Bank account number

Double-check all details before saving, especially the tax number.

3. Generate Your Fapiao QR Code

After saving your information, WeChat automatically generates your Fapiao Profile together with a QR code. Businesses can simply scan this QR code to issue an electronic fapiao with the correct company details.

4. Edit or Share Your Fapiao

You can edit or delete your saved information at any time or share your Fapiao Profile directly with colleagues or businesses through WeChat.

5. Manage Your Saved Fapiao

Return to the WeChat Fapiao Helper home page to manage your saved profiles or verify a fapiao by scanning its QR code.

🎉Discover Fun Hidden WeChat Features

👉Nudging/Tickling

Need to grab someone’s attention without sending another message? WeChat’s Nudge (also known as Tickle) feature lets you send a gentle notification to a friend or group member with a simple double tap.

It’s a quick way to remind someone to reply or get their attention in an active conversation.

How to Use It

1. Open the conversation.
2. Double-tap the recipient’s profile picture.
3. The recipient will receive a Nudge notification.

In a group chat, other members can also see that you’ve nudged a specific person.

💡 Tip: Use this feature sparingly. While it’s a fun way to get someone’s attention, frequent nudges may become distracting or annoying.

🏷️ Mention Someone with @

Need to get a specific person’s attention in a busy group chat? Instead of sending multiple messages or using the Nudgefeature, simply mention them using @.

When you mention someone, WeChat sends them a notification so they know the message is directed at them.

How to Mention Someone

1. Open a group chat.
2. Type @ in the message box.
3. Select the person you want to mention.
4. Type your message and send it.

The mentioned person will receive a notification, making it easier for them to find your message in an active conversation.

💡 Tip: Use @mentions for important messages, questions or work-related discussions. Avoid tagging people unnecessarily, especially in large group chats.

💬 Chat with Yourself

Need a quick place to save notes, links or files? WeChat’s Chat with Yourself feature works like a private notebook, allowing you to store messages, documents, photos and reminders that only you can see.

It’s one of the easiest ways to keep important information organised and transfer files between your mobile phone and computer.

What Can You Save?

• 📝 Notes and reminders
• 🔗 Useful links
• 📷 Photos and screenshots
• 🎤 Voice notes
• 📄 Documents and other files

How to Access It

Method 1: On Mobile

1. Open WeChat.
2. Tap the Search bar.
3. Search for File Transfer.
4. Open the chat to start saving your content.

Method 2: On WeChat Desktop

1. Sign in to WeChat for Windows or Mac.
2. Open the File Transfer chat.
3. Send files, photos or notes to yourself.
4. Everything will automatically sync with your mobile device.

💡 Tip: The File Transfer chat is one of the fastest ways to move files between your phone and computer without using email or cloud storage.

✨Video Call Beautification

Want to look your best during a WeChat video call? WeChat includes a Beautification feature that can subtly smooth skin, brighten your face and enhance your appearance in real time.

It’s useful for business meetings, online interviews, video calls with family or catching up with friends.

How to Use It

1. Start a video call in WeChat.
2. Tap the Beautify or Magic Wand icon (if available).
3. Adjust the beautification level using the slider.
4. The changes will be applied instantly during the call.

💡 Tip: For a more natural appearance, use a lower beautification level instead of the maximum setting.

Things to Know

• The Beautification feature is available only on supported devices and may vary depending on your phone model, operating system and WeChat version.
• Some devices may offer additional options such as skin smoothing, face brightening or filters.

🎉Confetti Words

Want to surprise your friends? WeChat includes a fun hidden feature where certain words or phrases trigger animated confetti effects in the chat.

Depending on the occasion, you’ll see different animations such as birthday celebrations, hearts, flowers or seasonal effects.

How to Use It

1. Open any WeChat chat.
2. Type a supported word or phrase, such as Happy Birthday, Miss You or other special greetings.
3. Send the message.
4. If supported, a themed animation will appear on the chat screen.

💡 Tip: Available confetti effects change from time to time. WeChat often introduces new animations for holidays, festivals and special events, so you may discover different effects throughout the year.

🎆 Animated Keyword Effects

Want to make your chats more exciting? WeChat includes Animated Keyword Effects, where certain words or phrases trigger fun full-screen animations during a conversation.

These animations are especially popular during holidays, festivals and special occasions, adding a playful touch to your messages.

How to Use It

1. Open any private or group chat.
2. Type a supported keyword or phrase.
3. Send the message.
4. If the keyword is supported, WeChat will automatically display a full-screen animation.

💡 Tip: Animated effects are updated regularly, so the available keywords may change during holidays, seasonal events and future WeChat updates.

Things to Know

• Some animations are available only in newer versions of WeChat.
• Available keywords and effects vary depending on your region, language and WeChat version.
• Not every keyword will trigger an animation.

🤝 Find New Friends

Want to meet new people on WeChat? The Shake and People Nearby features can help you discover other WeChat users, whether they’re close to you or using the same feature elsewhere.

These features are popular for making new friends, language exchange and connecting with people who share similar interests.

Use the Shake Feature

1. Open the Discover tab.
2. Tap Shake.
3. Shake your phone.
4. WeChat will match you with another user who is using the feature at the same time.

If you can’t find Shake, enable it by going to:

Me > Settings > General > Manage Discover > Shake

Find People Nearby

1. Open the Discover tab.
2. Tap People Nearby.
3. Browse nearby WeChat users.
4. Send a greeting or friend request if you want to start a conversation.

💡 Tip: Only share personal information with people you trust. If someone makes you uncomfortable, you can block or report them directly in WeChat.

🚶We Run

Want to track your daily activity without installing another fitness app? WeRun is WeChat’s built-in fitness feature that counts your daily steps, lets you set activity goals and even compare your progress with friends.

It’s a fun way to stay motivated and encourage a little friendly competition.

How to Enable WeRun

1. Open Me > Settings.
2. Go to General > Features (or Manage Features, depending on your WeChat version).
3. Enable WeRun.
4. Allow WeChat to access your fitness or health data when prompted.

View Your Step Ranking

1. Open the Chats tab.
2. Open the WeRun conversation.
3. Tap Step Ranking to see your daily leaderboard and compare your progress with friends.

💡 Tip: If you finish at the top of the leaderboard, WeChat may allow you to customise the leaderboard cover image, adding a fun reward for staying active.

🎥 Record Mini Videos in WeChat

Want to share a quick update without recording a long video? WeChat lets you record and share Mini Videos directly from the app, making it easy to post everyday moments, travel highlights or short announcements.

You can share Mini Videos privately with your contacts or post them to your Moments.

How to Record a Mini Video

1. Open WeChat.
2. Go to Moments or open a chat.
3. Tap the Camera icon.
4. Press and hold the Record button to capture your video.
5. Release the button to finish recording.
6. Preview the video before sharing.

How to Share It

• 📤 Post it to Moments.
• 💬 Send it directly to a contact or group chat.
• 💾 Save it to your device if your WeChat version supports this option.

💡 Tip: Mini Videos are perfect for sharing quick travel updates, special moments or short messages without creating a longer video.

🎨 Create Your Own Stickers

Want to make your conversations more personal? WeChat lets you create custom stickers using your own photos, making chats more fun and expressive.

You can also add seasonal effects and decorations when they’re available, such as during Chinese New Year and other special events.

How to Create a Sticker

1. Open any WeChat chat.
2. Tap the Emoji icon.
3. Open the Sticker panel.
4. Tap the Custom Sticker (✌️) icon.
5. Select the Camera icon or choose a photo from your gallery.
6. Edit your sticker and save it to your personal sticker collection.

Once saved, you can use your custom sticker in any WeChat conversation.

💡 Tip: Use clear photos with good lighting for the best-looking stickers. Seasonal effects and editing options may vary depending on your WeChat version.

📹 Share Short Videos in Moments

Want to share a quick update with your friends? WeChat allows you to post short videos directly to Moments, making it easy to share everyday experiences, travel highlights and special occasions.

Short videos are a great way to make your Moments more engaging than a standard photo post.

How to Share a Short Video

1. Open Discover > Moments.
2. Tap the Camera icon in the top-right corner.
3. Record a new video or choose one from your gallery (if supported).
4. Add a caption if you wish.
5. Tap Post to share it with your friends.

💡 Tip: Before posting, review your Moments privacy settings to choose who can view your video.

🔍WeChat Features Only Available on the Chinese Version

📷 Advanced Scan Features

The Chinese version of WeChat includes several advanced scanning tools that go beyond simply scanning QR codes. These features can help you identify books, translate text and discover useful local information while travelling in China.

What Can You Scan?

📚 Book Covers

Scan a book cover to view related information and, where supported, links to online bookstores or other reading resources.

🏙️ Street View

Use Street View to explore your surroundings, locate nearby places and discover services such as hotels, restaurants or cinemas.

🌐 Instant Translation

Point your camera at signs, menus, packaging or other printed text to translate them directly within WeChat.

💡 Tip: These advanced scanning features are primarily available in the Chinese version of WeChat. The available tools may vary depending on your region, language settings and WeChat version.

🖼️ View All Shared Photos

Looking for a photo that was shared months ago? WeChat makes it easy to browse all the photos exchanged with a specific friend or within a group chat without scrolling through your entire conversation.

This feature is especially useful for finding travel photos, event pictures or important images shared in busy chats.

How to View Shared Photos

1. Open the conversation with your friend or group.
2. Open any photo shared in the chat.
3. Swipe left or right to browse other shared images.
4. Tap the Gallery or Album icon (if available) to view all shared photos in one place.

💡 Tip: You can also access shared media from the Chat Info page in many WeChat versions, making it even easier to find photos, videos and files.

🛡️ Delay WeChat Pay Transfers

Want extra protection against payment scams? WeChat Pay allows you to delay outgoing transfers, giving you more time to cancel a payment if you realise you’ve sent money to the wrong person or suspect fraudulent activity.

Instead of transferring money immediately, you can choose a delay before the payment is completed.

How to Set a Transfer Delay

1. Open Me > Wallet (or Services, depending on your WeChat version).
2. Tap the ⋮ menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select Payment Management.
4. Tap Transfer Time.
5. Choose one of the available options:
   • ⏱️ Immediately
   • 🕑 2 Hours
   • 🕛 24 Hours

💡 Tip: If you’re sending a large amount of money to someone for the first time, consider using a delayed transfer. It provides extra time to verify the recipient’s identity and reduce the risk of payment scams.

🚨 Report Fraud and Request an Investigation

If you believe you’ve been the victim of a scam, the Chinese version of WeChat allows you to report fraudulent activity directly through Tencent’s official reporting system.

When submitting a report, provide as much information as possible, including screenshots and payment records, to help Tencent investigate the case.

How to Report Fraud

1. Open Discover > Mini Programs.
2. Search for Tencent Reporting Acceptance Center (腾讯举报受理中心).
3. Open the Mini Program and allow the required permissions.
4. Select Internet Fraud (网络诈骗).
5. Complete the report by providing:
   • Your name
   • Phone number
   • The account involved
   • The account you want to report
   • A description of what happened
   • Screenshots of chats and payment records as evidence
6. Review your information and tap Submit (提交).

After submitting your report, Tencent will review the information and contact you if further details are required.

💡 Tip: Report suspected scams as soon as possible. The sooner Tencent receives your report, the better the chance of investigating suspicious activity.

📱 Find and Use WeChat Mini Programs

One of WeChat’s most powerful features is Mini Programs. These are lightweight apps that run inside WeChat, so you can use services without downloading separate applications.

Mini Programs are widely used across China for shopping, food delivery, transport, travel bookings, memberships, ticketing and many other everyday services.

How to Find Mini Programs

Method 1: From Discover

1. Open Discover.
2. Tap Mini Programs.
3. Use the search bar to find a specific Mini Program.
4. Browse the recommended Mini Programs if you’re looking for new services.

Method 2: From Chats

1. Open the Chats tab.
2. Swipe down on the chat list.
3. You’ll see your recently used Mini Programs for quick access.

Pin a Mini Program

1. Open the Mini Program you use most often.
2. Tap the ••• menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select Pin Mini Program.

Pinned Mini Programs remain easily accessible whenever you need them.

💡 Tip: Many businesses, restaurants, transport providers and online services in China now offer Mini Programs, making them one of the fastest ways to access everyday services without installing additional apps.

🧧 Send Lucky Money (Red Packets)

Lucky Money (红包 / Hongbao) is one of WeChat’s most popular features, bringing the traditional Chinese red envelope into the digital world. Whether you’re celebrating Chinese New Year, a birthday or simply sending a small gift, Lucky Money makes it quick and fun.

You can send Lucky Money to an individual or to a group chat. In group chats, the total amount is randomly divided among participants, adding an element of surprise and making celebrations even more enjoyable.

How to Send Lucky Money

1. Open a chat or group conversation.
2. Tap the + icon.
3. Select Lucky Money (Hongbao).
4. Enter the amount and an optional message.
5. Confirm the payment using WeChat Pay.

💡 Tip: Lucky Money requires a verified WeChat Pay account and is mainly available in the Chinese version of WeChat.

For more WeChat tips, you may also find these guides helpful:

•  Best WeChat Groups
•  How To Verify Your WeChat Pay

📂 Minimise Group Chats

Too many inactive group chats filling up your chat list? WeChat’s Minimise Group feature lets you hide less active groups without leaving them, keeping your chat list organised while allowing you to access the groups whenever you need them.

How to Minimise a Group

Step 1

1. Open the group chat you want to minimise.
2. Tap the Group Settings icon in the top-right corner.

Step 2

1. Turn on Mute Notifications.
2. Enable Minimise Group.

Once enabled, the group will be moved to the Minimised Groups section instead of appearing in your main chat list.

Access Your Minimised Groups

You can open the Minimised Groups section at any time to read new messages or participate in the conversation. The group remains active—you simply won’t see it in your regular chat list.

💡 Tip: Minimise groups that are rarely used but still contain important information, such as university groups, event chats or community announcements.

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