Turning off WhatsApp on your device can be useful to avoid notifications or protect your privacy, for example.
Switch off WhatsApp? Unfortunately only possible in a roundabout way
It is not possible to go completely offline with WhatsApp. In fact, this is not the purpose of the application, as it is used as an SMS replacement. For comparison: SMS messages are also always delivered to you. However, with a few tricks you can achieve a status that comes very close to offline mode.
- Open WhatsApp and navigate to the settings. Here you will find the sub-item “Account”. Tap on it and select “Privacy” in the following menu
- Under “Last online”, you can now use the “No one” option to prevent other WhatsApp users from seeing when you were last online.
- If you only want to deactivate WhatsApp notifications, you can do this in your smartphone settings. Go to “Settings” ☻ “Notifications” ☻ “WhatsApp” and deactivate the notifications. You will then no longer receive any notifications, but the app will remain active
- If your phone supports the options, you can also turn off pop-up notifications. Both options can also be found in the “Notifications” menu. Although you are now not actually offline on WhatsApp, you will no longer receive annoying notifications.
Disable WhatsApp completely
If you want to go completely offline, you can switch off your Wi-Fi connection or mobile data connection. Alternatively, you can deactivate the app on Android, unfortunately this is not possible on iOS.
- First open the “Settings” app on your Android smartphone.
- Select the “Apps” or “Applications” category here.
- Search for “WhatsApp” in the list of apps and select the entry.
- Tap the “Stop” or “Deactivate” button in the top right-hand corner.
- The app is now switched off and no longer connects to the Internet in the background.
- If you open WhatsApp, the app goes online again and works as usual.
- Note: Some Android versions seem to have problems with deactivating WhatsApp. In this case, you can try a small detour. You can also freeze WhatsApp with the free Greenify app. Messages will only be received if you open WhatsApp yourself
Use WhatsApp more consciously
Conscious use means using digital communication tools such as WhatsApp and other social media in a way that supports your wellbeing and doesn’t negatively impact your daily activities. Here are some approaches on how you can implement conscious use:
- Schedule fixed times for using WhatsApp and set clear boundaries for when you use the app. Stick to them by not constantly responding to every new notification. This reduces distractions and allows you to focus better.
- Concentrate on the quality of your online interactions rather than the quantity. Often it is not important how much you hear from each other, but what you say to each other. The exact content of your messages depends on what is important to you for your relationships. You decide for yourself
- Take regular digital detox phases in which you completely abstain from using WhatsApp and other digital media. These breaks will help you to recover and become more aware of the digital world again. For example, you can set your cell phone to “Do not disturb” mode.
- Reflect regularly on your use of WhatsApp and other social media. Ask yourself whether your use is beneficial to your well-being or whether it has a negative impact. Based on this reflection, you can make adjustments to find a healthier balance
