All keyboard shortcuts for WhatsApp Web and Desktop

If you're someone who spends hours chatting on WhatsApp, you've probably already tried the convenience of the web version or the desktop app. However, what many people don't know is that there are Specific keyboard shortcuts for WhatsApp Web and Desktop that allow you to take even greater advantage of its possibilities and move through conversations like a true keyboard ninja.

The pace of our chats and the proliferation of groups sometimes make moving the mouse a real waste of time. Fortunately, Memorizing a handful of shortcuts will help you reply, archive, search, or mute chats in seconds.. Here you will find the most complete and up-to-date list with All functional key combinations for WhatsApp Web and Desktop. In addition, we tell you some Tricks little-known tips to take your digital productivity to the next level.

Why use keyboard shortcuts in WhatsApp Web and Desktop?

Many users have never considered using keyboard shortcuts in WhatsApp, but Working from a computer has a great advantage over a mobile phone: the speed of execution without depending on the mouse.Knowing these commands makes a difference in your daily life, speeding up routine tasks like moving between chats, searching for key messages, archiving, or deleting conversations.

These shortcuts They work thanks to common key combinations in the OS, to which WhatsApp has added some of its own so as not to hinder existing ones in the browser or system. The result is a much smoother experience, especially if you manage a lot of conversations or use WhatsApp as a professional tool.

WhatsApp also continues to add features and shortcuts to its web and desktop apps, so it's a good idea to stay tuned for the latest updates. Ready to discover all the secrets of the WhatsApp keyboard?

How to check and activate keyboard shortcuts in WhatsApp Web

Before you jump into trying random combinations, you should know that WhatsApp integrates its own menu with all the shortcuts available depending on your version (Web or Desktop)Accessing them is very simple:

• Tap the three vertical dots in the top left corner (next to your profile picture) on WhatsApp Web.
• Click on "Settings".
• Choose "Keyboard shortcuts"A screen will appear with the complete list of available commands.

This screen is especially useful if you have questions about the availability or functionality of a shortcut, as it is updated with each new version of the app. You'll also notice that some shortcuts only work in the Web version (in a browser) and others only work in the Desktop app (installed on your computer), with the distribution slightly different depending on the operating system (Windows o Mac).

For example, if you want to further improve your management, in this article You can find tips and tricks specific to the desktop version. You might also be interested in learning how to create custom shortcuts to make your workflow easier in WhatsApp Desktop. here.

Main keyboard shortcuts for WhatsApp Web (Browser)

La WhatsApp web version has its own set of shortcuts, designed to avoid conflicts with browser shortcuts like Chrome or Edge. These combinations help manage your conversations without lifting your hands from the keyboard:

• Ctrl + Alt + Shift + U: Mark a conversation as unread.
• Ctrl + Alt + Shift + E: Archive the active chat.
• Ctrl + Alt + Shift + P: Pin current chat to top.
• Ctrl + Alt + Shift + F: Search within the chat you have open.
• Ctrl + Alt + Tab: Move to the next chat.
• Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Tab: Return to the previous chat.
• Ctrl + Alt + N: Start a new chat (recent contacts).
• Ctrl + Alt + Shift + N: Create a new group.
• Ctrl + Alt + /: Perform a global search across all conversations.
• Ctrl + Alt + E: Open the emoji panel.
• Ctrl + Alt + S: Access the sticker panel.
• Ctrl + Alt + G: Open the GIFs menu.
• Ctrl + Alt + ,: Access WhatsApp settings.
• Ctrl + Alt + Backspace: Delete the active chat (a confirmation dialog will open).
• Ctrl + Alt + P: Display your profile and associated information.
• Shift + .: Increase the playback speed of a selected voice message (x1, x1,5, x2).
• Shift + ,: Reduce the playback speed of the selected voice message.
• Escape: Close the current chat and return to the home screen.
• Alt+K: Broaden the general search focus.

These shortcuts are especially useful for those who work with multiple open conversations, need to frequently search for old messages, or manage groups and media files on a daily basis. Most of them are long combinations to avoid overlapping with browser shortcuts., but with some practice, they become automatic. To learn more about how to get the most out of them, you can check out this article.

Tip: Voicemail speed shortcuts may not work in some browsers, as they depend on keyboard and operating system compatibility.

Main keyboard shortcuts for WhatsApp Desktop (Desktop App)

In the Desktop version (Windows or Mac), the shortcuts are somewhat shorter and more familiar, similar to those in other applications such as Outlook or Telegram. This makes it easier to memorize and allows you to move even faster through chatsHere's a list of the most notable ones on Windows:

• CTRL+N: Open a new chat.
• Ctrl+Shift+N: Create a new group.
• Ctrl + W / Ctrl + F4: Close the current chat.
• Alt+F4: Close the window or application completely.
• ctrl+f: Search through all chats.
• Ctrl+Shift+F: Search within the selected chat.
• Ctrl+P: Go directly to the options page.
• Ctrl+Shift+E: Open the emoji panel.
• Ctrl+Shift+G: GIF Panel.
• Ctrl + Shift + : Advance to the next chat.
• Ctrl+Tab: Go to the next chat.
• Ctrl+Shift+Tab: Return to the previous chat.
• Ctrl + number (1-9): Quickly jump between the first nine active chats.
• Ctrl+Shift+M: Mute the active chat.
• Ctrl+Shift+U: Mark the conversation as read.

In the case of MacOS systems, Most of the shortcuts are identical, replacing the Ctrl key with Cmd in the combinations. For example, to create a new chat, you'll press Cmd + N, and to archive or mute, change Ctrl to Cmd. This makes the entire management process much more intuitive if you're in the Apple ecosystem.

Special shortcuts and lesser-known tricks to type faster

It's not all about commands for navigating between chats or muting conversations. WhatsApp Desktop includes a couple of very practical features that may go unnoticed. For example, You can enter emojis directly into your text by typing :word: (for example, :happy: o :sad:) to have the system suggest a related emoji without having to open the icon panel.

Also, for read messages without leaving the blue double check From WhatsApp Web, simply hover over a new message without clicking; this way, a quick preview will appear and the sender won't be notified that you've read it. Although this trick doesn't rely on a keyboard shortcut as such, it's useful to know so you don't leave a trace when you don't want to reply immediately.

Finally, if you want to have a WhatsApp Web or Desktop session without depending on your mobile phone being onMake sure you have the multi-account feature enabled and the WhatsApp app updated. This way, you'll be able to chat from your computer even if your phone is off or temporarily offline.

What are the differences between WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop?

You may be wondering if there are any significant differences between the keyboard shortcuts in both versions. The short answer is yes: WhatsApp Web works within a browser, so some commands are longer to avoid overlapping with browser-specific functions (such as Ctrl + W or Ctrl + T), while WhatsApp Desktop allows for simpler and more universal combinations, similar to other traditional programs.

For example, closing a chat or application on the web requires more specific combinations, and some shortcuts may not be available depending on the browser or operating system. Additionally, some features (such as certain searches or group management) may vary slightly in how they are executed or in pop-up windows. For a detailed look at all the features, check out this guide.

Recommendation: If you're going to be spending a lot of time using WhatsApp on your computer, it's worth installing the desktop version specific to your operating system, as the experience is smoother and more stable. However, both versions share most of the essential commands.

What can you do if a shortcut doesn't work?

Although most shortcuts are compatible on all systems, sometimes It may happen that certain commands do not respond as they shouldThis is usually due to:

• Browser-specific limitations (especially Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, etc.)
• Conflicts with combinations reserved by the operating system.
• Physical keyboard languages other than Spanish (for example, Latin American keyboards may have variations).
• Outdated versions of WhatsApp Web or Desktop.

In these cases, the best is Check the list of shortcuts within the WhatsApp settings menu itself., or restart your session and make sure you have the app or browser updated. If a command still doesn't work, it's probably reserved for something other than WhatsApp. You can also check out our tips for additional tricks.

Quick Reference Tables: All the Shortcuts for WhatsApp Web and Desktop

For easy reference, here's a summary of all the official shortcuts, taking advantage of the best guides and online resources. You can save it and always have it handy!

Shortcuts for WhatsApp Web (browser):

• Ctrl + Alt + Shift + U: Mark as unread
• Ctrl + Alt + Shift + E: Archive chat
• Ctrl + Alt + Shift + P: Fix chat
• Ctrl + Alt + Shift + F: Search in chat
• Ctrl + Alt + Tab: Next chat
• Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Tab: Previous chat
• Ctrl + Alt + N: New chat
• Ctrl + Alt + Shift + N: New group
• Ctrl + Alt + /: Search
• Ctrl + Alt + E: emoji panel
• Ctrl + Alt + S: Sticker panel
• Ctrl + Alt + G: GIF panel
• Ctrl + Alt + ,: Setting
• Ctrl + Alt + Backspace: Delete chat
• Ctrl + Alt + P: Profile and info
• Shift + .: Increase voice message speed
• Shift + ,: Reduce speed voice message
• Alt+K: Expand search
• Escape: Close chat

Shortcuts for WhatsApp Desktop (application):

• CTRL+N: New chat
• Ctrl+Shift+N: New group
• Ctrl + W / Ctrl + F4: Close chat
• Alt+F4: Close application
• ctrl+f: Search
• Ctrl+Shift+F: Search in chat
• Ctrl+P: Options
• Ctrl+Shift+M: mute chat
• Ctrl+Shift+U: Mark as read
• Ctrl+Shift+E: emoji panel
• Ctrl+Shift+G: GIF Panel
• Ctrl + Shift + : Next chat
• Ctrl+Shift+Tab: Previous chat
• Ctrl+Tab: Next chat
• Ctrl + number (1-9): Quickly switch between the 9 most recent chats

On Mac, the main shortcuts replace Ctrl with Cmd (for example, Cmd + N for new chat, Cmd + Shift + M for mute), maintaining the same combination logic.