
You can now organize your chats on WhatsApp with custom lists. This fresh feature helps you categorise chats into groups, so you find important messages fast. If you want to organise WhatsApp chats for work, friends, or family, these lists keep everything tidy. You just need to follow this guide and see how easy it is to add chat to list on WhatsApp. Now, you’ll never lose track of your conversations again.
Key Takeaways
Custom lists on WhatsApp help you sort chats. You can put chats in groups like 'Friends', 'Family', or 'Work'.
You can make up to 20 custom lists. This lets you manage chats your own way.
Adding chats to lists is easy. Tap and hold the chat. Then pick 'More' and choose 'Add to List'.
Keep your chat screen neat by taking chats out of lists when you do not need them.
Update your WhatsApp app often. This gives you new features and fixes.
Pick clear and fun names for your lists. This helps you find and use them fast.
If you do not see custom lists, check for app updates. Make sure your device works with the feature.
Try different list setups. Find the way to organize chats that works best for you.
What Are Custom Lists in WhatsApp

Custom chat lists give you a new way to organize your conversations in WhatsApp. You can create lists for different groups, like friends, family, or work contacts. This feature helps you find chats faster and keeps your messages sorted just the way you want.
Custom Lists vs Groups and Broadcasts
You might wonder how custom chat lists compare to groups and broadcasts. Each option works differently, so let’s break it down.
Feature | WhatsApp Broadcast | WhatsApp Group |
|---|---|---|
Privacy | Recipients cannot see each other or know who else received the message. | All participants can see each other and interact. |
Limit | Limited to 256 recipients per list. | Up to 1,024 participants per group. |
Engagement | One-way communication; ideal for announcements or updates. | Two-way communication; participants can reply to each other. |
Use Case | Best for marketing campaigns, promotions, or private updates. | Suitable for discussions, collaboration, or group planning. |
Custom chat lists work differently. You don’t send messages to everyone in a list at once. Instead, you use lists to filter and view chats by category. You can switch between lists to see only the chats you want. This makes it easier to manage your conversations without mixing up work and personal messages.
Tip: If you want to keep your chats private and organized, custom chat lists are perfect. You control which chats appear in each list, and you don’t have to worry about others seeing who’s included.
Why Use Custom Lists
You get several benefits when you use custom chat lists in WhatsApp. Here are some reasons why you might want to try them:
You can enhance organization by creating personalized filters for your chats.
You make sure important conversations are always easy to find.
You can group chats into categories like ‘Friends’, ‘Family’, or ‘Work’ for quick access.
Let’s look at some advantages in a simple table:
Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
Improved organization | Easily categorize chats for better management. |
Quick access | Quickly switch between different groups of chats. |
Reduced clutter | Keep your chat list clean and focused. |
Custom chat lists help you stay on top of your messages. You don’t have to scroll through a long list of chats to find what matters. You can jump straight to the right list and get things done faster.
If you want a cleaner chat screen and less stress, custom chat lists make your WhatsApp experience smoother. Try setting up a few lists and see how much easier it gets to manage your conversations.
WhatsApp Feature Availability
Supported Devices and Versions
You might wonder if you can use custom lists on your device. Good news! Most modern smartphones support this feature. If you use an iPhone, make sure you have iOS 15 or later. For Android, you need Android 10 or above. You also need the latest version of whatsapp from the App Store or Google Play. If you want to organize whatsapp chats, always keep your app updated. Updates often bring new features and fix bugs, so you get the best experience.
Here’s a quick table to help you check if your device is ready:
Device Type | Minimum OS Version | WhatsApp Version Needed |
|---|---|---|
iPhone | iOS 15 | Latest |
Android | Android 10 | Latest |
Tip: If you don’t see the custom lists option, check for app updates first. Sometimes, new features roll out slowly, so patience helps.
How to Access Custom Lists
You can find custom lists right inside your main chat screen. Open whatsapp and look for the filter bar at the top of your chats. This bar lets you switch between different lists. If you want to organize whatsapp chats, tap the plus icon on the filter bar. You can create a new list and add your favorite contacts. After you set up your lists, just tap any list to see only those chats. This makes it super easy to jump between work, friends, or family conversations.

Here’s how you do it:
Open whatsapp and go to the Chats tab.
Find the filter bar at the top.
Tap the plus (+) icon to create a new list.
Name your list and add contacts.
Tap the list name to view chats in that list.
Limitations and Regions
Not everyone can use custom lists right away. WhatsApp sometimes releases new features in stages. You might not see the option if you live in certain countries or use an older account. If you want to organize whatsapp chats but can’t find the feature, don’t worry. It may take a few weeks for the update to reach everyone.
Some things to keep in mind:
Custom lists may not work on very old devices.
Business accounts might get the feature later than personal accounts.
Some regions may have delays due to local app store policies.
Note: If you still can’t access custom lists after updating, try restarting your phone or reinstalling whatsapp. This often solves the problem.
Now you know how to check if your device supports custom lists and how to find them. You’re ready to organize whatsapp chats and keep your conversations neat!
How to Create Custom Lists
Ready to get your chats organized? This step-by-step guide will show you how to create custom lists on both iPhone and Android. You can follow along and set up your own lists in just a few minutes. Let’s jump in!
Create Custom Lists on iPhone
You can create custom chat lists on your iPhone with just a few taps. This step-by-step guide will help you set up your first list.
Access Filter Bar
First, open whatsapp on your iPhone. You will see the Chats tab at the bottom of the screen. At the top, you’ll notice the filter bar. This bar helps you switch between different lists and find your chats faster.
Tap Plus Icon
Look for the plus icon (+) on the filter bar. Tap it to start the process. This is where you begin to create a new list.
Name and Add Contacts
Now, you need to name your list. Pick something simple, like “Family” or “Work.” After you enter the name, scroll through your contacts or use the search bar to find people. Tap each contact you want to add. You can add people or groups to your list. When you finish, tap the blue Next button. Then, tap Done to save your new list.
Tip: You can always add people or groups later if you forget someone. Just edit the list anytime.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide for iPhone:
Open whatsapp and go to the Chats tab.
Tap the plus icon (+) on the filter bar.
Enter a name for your list.
Search for contacts and tap to select them.
Tap Next, then tap Done.
Create Custom Lists on Android
Android users can also create custom lists with this easy step-by-step guide. The process is simple and quick.
Open Chats Tab
Start by opening whatsapp on your Android phone. Go to the Chats tab. You’ll see all your conversations here.
Tap Plus Icon
At the top, you’ll find the filter bar. Tap the plus icon (+) to create a new list. This is your starting point for better chat organization.
Enter Name and Select Contacts
Type a name for your list. Choose something that helps you remember what the list is for. Next, scroll or search for contacts. Tap each one you want to add. You can add people or groups to your list. When you finish, tap Create to save your list.
Note: You can always edit your list later if you want to add or remove someone.
This step-by-step guide makes it easy to create a new list and keep your chats organized. Try making a few lists for work, friends, or family. You’ll see how much easier it is to find important messages.
Add Chat to List on WhatsApp

You want your chats organized and easy to find. Custom chat lists make this possible. You can add chat to list on whatsapp in just a few steps. Whether you want to sort one conversation or many, you can do it quickly. Let’s walk through the process together.
Add Individual Chat
Sometimes, you only need to move one chat into a list. Maybe you want to keep a close friend or a work contact handy. Here’s how you can add chat to list on whatsapp for just one conversation.
Tap and Hold Chat
Start by finding the chat you want to organize. On your main chat screen, tap and hold the chat. This action highlights the chat and brings up more options.
More Options and Add to List
After you tap and hold, look for the “More” option (usually shown as three dots or a menu). Tap it. You’ll see an option to add chat to list on whatsapp. Select this, and you’re ready for the next step.
Select or Create List
Now, you can choose an existing list or create a new one. If you want a new list, tap the plus icon in the filter bar at the top of your chats tab. Give your list a name, like “Family” or “Work.” Then, add chat to list on whatsapp by selecting the contact or group. You can always edit your lists later if you want to move chats around.
Tip: You can organize your chats any way you like. Try different names for your lists to see what works best for you.
Add Multiple Chats
Maybe you want to organize several chats at once. You can add chat to list on whatsapp for many conversations in just a few taps. Here’s a simple way to do it:
Open whatsapp on your phone.
Swipe down to see the filter bar at the top.
Tap the plus (+) button to start a new list.
Type a name for your list, like “Friends.”
Choose the chats you want to add. You can pick both group and one-on-one chats.
Tap “Create” or “Done” to finish.
You can add participants to your list as you go. This helps you keep your important chats together. If you ever need to add more, just edit the list and select new chats.
Note: You can add chat to list on whatsapp as often as you like. Try making lists for school, sports, or family events.
Remove Chat from List
Sometimes, you need to clean up your lists. Maybe a chat is no longer important, or you want to keep your lists simple. Removing a chat is easy.
Open the custom list where the chat lives.
Tap and hold the chat you want to remove.
Tap the “Remove from List” option.
The chat will disappear from that list, but it stays in your main chat screen.
If you have too many lists, things can get messy. Many users find that keeping only a few custom chat lists makes it easier to find what matters. You can delete lists or remove chats anytime to keep things tidy.
Here’s a quick table to help you remember:
Action | Steps |
|---|---|
Add one chat | Tap and hold chat → More options → Add to list → Select/Create list |
Add multiple chats | Tap plus icon → Name list → Select chats → Create |
Remove chat from list | Open list → Tap and hold chat → Remove from list |
Custom chat lists help you stay organized, but having too many can make things confusing. Try to keep your lists focused on what you use most. If you ever feel overwhelmed, remove chats or delete lists you don’t need.
Tip: You can always add chat to list on whatsapp again if you change your mind. Experiment with different setups to find what works best for you.
Manage and Edit Custom Lists
Custom lists help you keep your chats neat and easy to find. You can change, move, or even remove lists whenever you want. Let’s look at how you can take control of your chat organization.
Rename or Delete List
You might want to change a list’s name or get rid of a list you no longer need. Here’s how you can do it:
Tap and hold the list you want to change in the filter bar.
Choose the “Edit” option from the menu.
Type a new name for your list. You can add emojis to make it stand out.
To delete a list, tap the “Delete” option. Confirm your choice if asked.

You can also add or remove contacts from your list while editing. This makes it simple to keep your lists up to date. If you want to keep things fresh, try giving your lists fun names or icons.
Tip: Personalize your lists with names and emojis. This helps you spot the right list fast.
Reorder Lists
Sometimes, you want your most important lists at the top. You can move lists around to match your needs. Here’s what you do:
Long press on any list in the filter bar.
Drag the list to a new spot.
Let go when you find the perfect place.
You can create up to 20 custom lists. Move your “Family” or “Work” list to the front for quick access. You can also add or remove contacts as your needs change.
Note: Put your most-used lists first. This saves you time every day.
Move Chats Between Lists
Chats change over time. Maybe a friend becomes a coworker, or a group chat needs to move to a different list. You can move chats between lists with just a few taps:
Open the chat you want to move.
Tap the options menu (three dots or “More”).
Select “Add to List” and pick the new list.
Remove the chat from the old list if you want.
This keeps your lists organized and your chats easy to find. You can always adjust your lists as your life changes.
Tip: Create lists like “Family,” “Work,” or “Friends” to filter chats quickly. Use custom lists to prioritize important conversations.
If you want to manage lists well, keep things simple. Don’t make too many lists. Use clear names and move chats as your needs change. This way, you’ll always find the right chat at the right time on whatsapp.
Tips and Troubleshooting
Best Practices for List Organization
You want your WhatsApp lists to work for you, not against you. Good organization makes everything easier. Try these smart ways to set up your lists:
Segmentation Type | How It Helps | Example |
|---|---|---|
By Interest | Keeps chats focused and fun | Lists for sports, tech, or music friends |
By Geography | Helps with local plans | City-based lists like “NYC Friends” |
By Audience Type | Sends the right info to the right people | Lists for family, coworkers, or classmates |
By Engagement Level | Puts your favorite chats first | Lists for best friends or close teammates |
You can also follow these quick tips:
Segment your contacts before you start adding them to lists.
Personalize your list names so you know what each one is for.
Keep your lists short and simple. Use clear names and maybe an emoji.
Add photos or voice notes to make your lists more lively.
Tip: Try to keep only the lists you use often. Too many lists can get confusing.
What to Do If You Can't Find Lists
Sometimes, you might not see the custom lists feature. Don’t worry—this happens to a lot of people. Here’s what you can do:
Check if your WhatsApp app is up to date. Updates often bring new features.
Make sure your phone’s operating system meets the minimum requirements.
Restart your phone. This can refresh your app and show new features.
If you still can’t find lists, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
If you live in a region where WhatsApp rolls out features slowly, you might need to wait a bit. Patience pays off!
Sync and Backup Issues
You want your lists to stay safe and up to date. Sometimes, things go wrong with sync or backup. Here are the most common problems:
Backup Not Working: This can happen if your phone runs out of storage or your backup settings are wrong.
No Backup Found: You might see this if you try to restore chats with a different phone number or cloud account.
WhatsApp Sync Error: Poor internet or missing permissions can stop your chats and lists from syncing.
Here’s how you can fix most issues:
Free up space on your phone for backups.
Double-check your backup account and phone number.
Give WhatsApp all the permissions it asks for.
Connect to a strong Wi-Fi network before syncing.
Note: Regularly back up your chats and lists. This keeps your conversations safe, even if you switch phones.
You now know how to create, add, and manage custom lists on WhatsApp. Try using these lists to keep your chats organized and easy to find.
Update WhatsApp often to get new features and fixes.
Play around with different list names and setups to see what works best for you.
Stay organized and make your WhatsApp experience smoother with custom lists!

FAQ
Can I create unlimited custom lists on WhatsApp?
You can make up to 20 custom lists. If you reach the limit, you need to delete an old list before adding a new one.
Do custom lists sync across devices?
Yes! When you back up your WhatsApp chats, your custom lists sync too. Make sure you use the same account and keep backups up to date.
Will people know if I add them to a custom list?
No one gets notified when you add them to a list. Your lists stay private, so only you see how you organize your chats.
Can I add group chats to custom lists?
Absolutely! You can add both individual and group chats to any custom list. This helps you keep all your important conversations together.
What happens if I delete a custom list?
If you delete a list, the chats stay in your main chat screen. Only the list disappears. You can always make a new list later.
Why can't I see the custom lists feature?
Try updating WhatsApp first. If you still don’t see it, your device or region might not support it yet. Sometimes, new features roll out slowly.
Can I rename a custom list after creating it?
Yes, you can! Tap and hold the list name, then choose “Edit.” Type a new name and save it. You can change names as often as you like.
Is there a way to reorder my custom lists?
You can move lists around. Just long-press a list in the filter bar and drag it to a new spot. Put your favorite lists at the top for quick access.

