Recently WhatsApp rolled out Channels, an innovative feature that lets you stay connected with updates from people and organizations across the globe. It can further be used to broadcast text, videos, photos, stickers, polls, etc to one’s channel’s followers.
While it has been received well by many users, some find it more of a distraction than a benefit. To add on, for some users, it is something that clutters their WhatsApp interface. If that’s you, here are some ways you can hide WhatsApp Channels.
Why You Might Want To Hide or Disable WhatsApp Channels
Here is why you might want to hide or disable WhatsApp Channels –
- Channels may hinder the ability to focus on personal or important conversations.
- Some users find Channels cluttering the interface.
- Certain users might be concerned about their privacy and data exposure through Channels. Hiding Channels can limit exposure to potentially unwanted content.
How To Hide Channels On WhatsApp
Solution No. 1 – Hide WhatsApp Channels From Updates Menu
While this method will not permanently disable WhatsApp Channels on your Android and iPhone, it will push them to the bottom of the Updates page.
Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your iOS or Android device.
Step 2: Head to the Updates tab.
Step 3: Select View Updates.
The moment you expand View Updates, the Channels will be pushed down at the bottom of the Updates page.
Solution No. 2 – Use an Older Version Of WhatsApp
Since Channels were introduced in September 2023, you can try and sideload an older version of WhatsApp released before September 2023 (for instance, Version 2.23.18.76 or below)
If you are seeing channels on WhatsApp, this implies that you have updated WhatsApp on your device. Since there is no direct way to hide or disable WhatsApp channels, you may have to install an older version of WhatsApp.
To do that you can uninstall the current version of WhatsApp and sideload an older version from a trustworthy platform. The reason why we are asking to sideload apps from a trustworthy platform is because sideloading has its own share of risks.
APKMirror and Uptodown are some trustworthy platforms from where you can install the older version of WhatsApp. Before you uninstall your current version of WhatsApp, we urge you to take a backup of your chats beforehand.
Using A Sideloading Platform To Install Channels Free WhatsApp
At the outset, we’d again like to reinstate that sideloading apps, though providing access to a wide range of apps, do come with risks. So, it is important that you exercise caution. For the purpose of this post, we’ll take the example of Uptodown
Step 1: Open Uptodown on your Android device.
Step 2: Search for WhatsApp and tap on the option.
Step 3: Locate the Older Versions option and tap on it.
Step 4: Scroll down and look for versions released before September 2023.
Step 5: Tap on a version and then further tap on the Download button.
Note: As of the time when writing this blog, sideloading apps is not allowed on iPhones. In that case, you should use solution No. 1 to push down channels on your iOS device.
Alternative Method – Use WhatsApp On the Computer
While this is not a direct way to hide WhatsApp Channels, you can use WhatsApp on your Windows computer or Mac. Here Channels won’t be able to distract and you can enjoy a distraction-free experience.
Take Control: Hiding WhatsApp Channels
While there are no direct ways to hide or disable WhatsApp channels on Android or iOS, you can sideload an older version of WhatsApp on your Android device or push the Channels down using methods shown in the post above. And, in case you have unlocked a new and safer way to disable or hide WhatsApp channels, do share it with us in the comments section below. For more such content, keep reading WeTheGeek. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.