Remove chats from favourites on WhatsApp Android & IOS by SheetWA

Want your WhatsApp chats to stay neat and easy to manage? You’re in the right place. Removing a chat from favourites on WhatsApp is quick, simple, and doesn’t require any technical knowledge at all. Whether you’re using an Android phone or an iPhone, the steps are almost effortless and take less than a minute to complete.

You don’t need to dig into complicated settings or worry about doing something wrong. With just a few taps, you can remove chats from your favourites list and keep only the most important conversations at the top. This helps you stay focused and keeps your chat list clean and organized.

Simply choose your device type below and follow the step by step instructions to remove a chat from favourites on WhatsApp in the easiest way possible.

Key Takeaways

  • Taking chats off your favourites on WhatsApp is fast and simple. It only takes about a minute.

  • Check your favourites list often to keep it neat. This helps you focus on important people.

  • Use the 'More Options' menu or swipe to remove chats. You can do this on both Android and iOS.

  • After you remove a chat, look in favourites to make sure it is gone. Pinning important chats keeps them at the top.

  • This makes them easy to find. Archive chats you use less to clean up your main list. You can still get to them later.

  • Change notifications for different chats to help you focus. This can stop distractions.

  • Use the search bar to find chats quickly. This makes WhatsApp easier to use.

WhatsApp Favourites Overview

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What Are Favourites?

You probably see the "Favourites" feature on WhatsApp and wonder what it does. Favourites help you organize your most contacted people and groups. When you add someone to your favourites, you make it easier to find them quickly. You don’t have to scroll through a long list of chats every time you want to send a message or make a call.

Here’s what makes WhatsApp favourites useful:

  • You can select and organize your most contacted friends, family, or groups.

  • Favourites create a shortlist inside your chats and calls.

  • You get faster access to the people you talk to the most.

  • The feature helps you save time and keeps your WhatsApp neat.

If you use WhatsApp for work, school, or just to stay in touch, favourites make your life easier. You don’t need to search for important contacts every time. You just tap your favourites and start chatting.

Starred vs. Pinned Chats

You might notice two features in WhatsApp: starred chats and pinned chats. They sound similar, but they work differently. Let’s break it down:

Feature

Starred Chats

Pinned Chats

Purpose

Highlight important messages for easy access later

Keep specific conversations at the top of the chat list

Access Method

Accessed through the starred messages option

Pinned chats appear at the top of the chat list

Limit

No limit on the number of starred messages

Maximum of three chats can be pinned

Starred chats let you mark important messages. Maybe you want to save an address, a phone number, or a special photo. You star the message, and you can find it later in the "Starred Messages" section.

Pinned chats work differently. You pin a whole conversation, not just one message. That chat stays at the top of your chat list, so you never lose track of it. You can only pin up to three chats at a time. If you have more than three important chats, you need to choose which ones matter most.

Why Remove Chats from Favourites?

You might want to remove chats from your favourites for several reasons. Maybe you don’t talk to someone as much anymore. Your work group could be less active, or you want to keep your list tidy. Removing old or unused chats helps you focus on the people and groups that matter most.

Here are some common reasons:

  • You want to declutter your chat list.

  • You stopped chatting with a contact or group.

  • You need to make room for new favourites.

  • You want to keep your WhatsApp organized and easy to use.

Tip: Regularly updating your favourites keeps your WhatsApp experience smooth and stress-free. You always find the right people fast, and you avoid searching through old chats.

If you keep your favourites list fresh, you make WhatsApp work better for you. It’s all about making your messaging life simple and efficient.

Remove Chat from Favourites on WhatsApp Android

WhatsApp

Access Favourites List

You want to keep your WhatsApp neat, so knowing how to find your favourites list is important. Here’s how you can do it on Android:

  1. Open WhatsApp and tap the 'Chats' tab at the bottom of your screen.

  2. Swipe down on the chat list until you see the 'Favorites' section.

  3. Tap 'Favorites' to view all the people and groups you’ve added.

  4. If you want to add someone new, tap 'Add people or groups' and pick from your contacts.

Your favourites list gives you quick access to the chats you use most. If you ever need to remove chat from favourites on whatsapp, you’ll start here.

Remove Chat via More Options

Sometimes you want to tidy up your favourites list. You can use the More Options menu to remove chats easily.

Tap and Hold Chat

Find the chat you want to remove. Tap and hold it until a menu pops up. This action lets you select the chat without opening it.

Select Remove from Favourites

From the menu, tap 'Remove from favorites'. The chat will disappear from your favourites list right away. If you change your mind, you can always add it back later.

Tip: If you don’t see the option, make sure you’re in the 'Favorites' section. Sometimes, WhatsApp updates change where these options appear.

Remove Chat by Swiping

You can also remove a chat by swiping. Go to your 'Chats' tab, swipe down to show 'Favorites', then swipe left on the chat you want to remove. A 'Remove' button will appear. Tap it, and the chat leaves your favourites list.

This swipe method works fast if you want to clean up several chats at once. You don’t need to open each chat or dig through menus.

If you want to remove chat from favourites on whatsapp, both methods work well. You get to choose the way that feels easiest for you.

Confirm Removal

You want to make sure your chat is really gone from your favourites, right? Here’s how you can check if you did everything correctly after you remove a chat from your favourites on WhatsApp.

  1. Go back to your 'Favorites' section in WhatsApp.

  2. Look for the chat you just tried to remove.

  3. If you don’t see it, you did it! The chat is no longer in your favourites list.

Sometimes, you might still see the chat in your favourites. Don’t worry. This can happen if the app didn’t update right away. Try these steps:

  • Close WhatsApp and open it again. This refreshes your chat list.

  • Double-check that you followed all the steps to remove the chat.

  • If the chat is still there, repeat the remove process one more time.

Tip: If you have a lot of chats, use the search bar at the top to find the chat quickly. This helps you confirm if it’s really gone.

You can also check your main chat list. The chat will still be there, but it won’t show up in your favourites anymore. You only remove it from the favourites section, not from your entire WhatsApp.

If you want to add the chat back later, just tap 'Add people or groups' in your favourites and pick the chat again. You have full control over your favourites list. You can remove or add chats anytime you want.

Remember, keeping your favourites list updated helps you stay organized. You find important chats faster and avoid clutter. If you ever need to remove chat from favourites on whatsapp, you now know exactly how to confirm it worked.

Remove Chat from Favourites on WhatsApp iOS

Open Starred Messages

You want to find your important messages fast, right? On WhatsApp for iOS, you can open your starred messages in just a few steps. Here’s how you do it:

  1. Open WhatsApp on your iPhone.

  2. Tap Settings in the bottom right corner.

  3. Tap Starred Messages.

Now you see all the messages you marked as important. This is where you start if you want to remove chat from favourites on WhatsApp.

Tip: If you don’t see the message you want, check your main chat list. Sometimes you star a message in a different chat than you remember.

Remove Chat via More Options

You might want to clean up your starred messages. You can use the More Options menu to remove a chat from your favourites list. This method works well if you want to be sure you pick the right chat.

Tap and Hold Chat

Find the chat or message you want to remove. Tap and hold it. A menu pops up with different choices. You don’t need to open the chat. Just press and wait for the options to appear.

Select Remove from Favourites

From the menu, tap remove from favorites. The chat or message disappears from your starred list. You can always star it again later if you change your mind.

Note: If you don’t see the option, make sure you’re in the Starred Messages section. Sometimes WhatsApp updates move things around.

Remove Chat by Swiping

You want a quick way to remove a chat? Swiping works great on iOS. Go to your Starred Messages. Find the chat or message you want to remove. Swipe left on it. You see a red Remove button. Tap it. The chat leaves your favourites list right away.

This method is fast if you want to remove several chats. You don’t need to tap and hold each one. Just swipe and tap remove.

Callout: If you accidentally remove a chat, don’t worry. You can star it again anytime.

You now know how to remove chats from your favourites on WhatsApp for iOS. You can use the More Options menu or swipe to remove chats. Both ways help you keep your WhatsApp organized and easy to use.

Confirm Removal

You want to make sure you did it right, don’t you? After you remove a chat from your favorites on WhatsApp iOS, you should double-check that it’s really gone. Here’s how you can confirm the removal step by step:

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  1. Go back to the Starred Messages section in WhatsApp.

  2. Look for the chat or message you tried to remove.

  3. If you don’t see it, you did it! The chat is no longer in your favorites.

If the chat still shows up, don’t worry. Sometimes WhatsApp needs a moment to update. You can try these quick fixes:

  • Close WhatsApp completely. Open it again and check your favorites list.

  • Make sure you followed the steps to remove the chat. Sometimes a quick swipe or tap doesn’t register.

  • Try to remove the chat again if it’s still there.

Tip: Use the search bar at the top of the Starred Messages screen. Type the name of the chat or a keyword from the message. This helps you find out fast if the chat is still in your favorites.

You might notice that the chat still appears in your main chat list. That’s normal. When you remove a chat from favorites, you only take it off your favorites list. You don’t delete the chat or the messages. You can always add it back to favorites later if you change your mind.

If you want to keep your WhatsApp organized, check your favorites list every now and then. Remove chats you don’t need anymore. This keeps your important messages easy to find and your app clutter-free.

Note: If you have trouble removing a chat, make sure your WhatsApp app is up to date. Sometimes older versions don’t work the same way. Go to the App Store and check for updates.

You now know how to confirm that you have removed a chat from your favorites on WhatsApp iOS. This simple check helps you stay in control of your messages and keeps your app tidy.

Troubleshooting & Tips

Chat Not Removed from Favourites

Sometimes you try to tidy up your WhatsApp, but a chat just won’t disappear from your favourites. This can feel frustrating. Don’t worry—there are a few things you can check.

  • First, make sure you followed all the steps. Go back to your favourites list and try again.

  • If the chat still shows up, close WhatsApp completely. Open it again and check if the chat is gone.

  • Restart your phone. This simple step can fix small glitches.

  • Check your internet connection. WhatsApp needs a good connection to update changes.

Tip: If you use WhatsApp on more than one device, like your phone and computer, changes might take a moment to sync everywhere.

If you still see the chat, try logging out and back in. Sometimes, updates take a little time to show up. Patience helps!

App Not Updating Changes

You might notice that your WhatsApp app doesn’t update changes right away. Maybe you remove a chat from favourites, but it still appears. This happens sometimes, especially if your app is running in the background for a long time.

Here’s what you can do:

  1. Force close WhatsApp. On most phones, swipe up or use the app switcher to close it.

  2. Open WhatsApp again and check your favourites list.

  3. If the chat is still there, restart your device.

  4. Make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.

Note: Updates can take longer if your phone’s storage is almost full. Try clearing some space if you notice slow performance.

If nothing works, check for updates in the app store. An old version of WhatsApp might not work as expected.

Version Differences

WhatsApp updates often. Sometimes, features look different or move to new places. You might see a “Favourites” section on one device, but not on another. This can confuse you if you switch between Android, iOS, and PC.

  • Always keep your app updated. New versions fix bugs and add features.

  • If you can’t find a feature, check WhatsApp’s help center or look for news about recent updates.

  • Some features, like custom lists, may roll out slowly. You might get them later than your friends.

Callout: If you use WhatsApp for both work and personal chats, try the new custom lists feature. You can create up to 20 lists, name them, and add both groups and one-on-one chats. This helps you organize everything, even after you remove chats from favourites.

Stay patient with updates. WhatsApp keeps changing to make things better for you.

Organizing Chats After Removal

So, you just cleaned up your favorites list on WhatsApp. What comes next? You might wonder how to keep your chat list neat and easy to use. Organizing your chats after removing favorites can make a big difference. You don’t want to scroll forever to find the right conversation, right?

Here are some simple ways to keep your WhatsApp organized:

1. Pin Important Chats

You can pin up to three chats at the top of your chat list. This helps you find your most-used conversations fast. Just tap and hold a chat, then select “Pin chat.” Your pinned chats stay at the top, even if you get new messages from other people.

Also Read : How to Pin chats in WhatsApp web step-by-step

Tip: Use pins for work groups, family, or any chat you check every day.

2. Archive Old Conversations

If you have chats you don’t use often, try archiving them. Archiving hides chats from your main list but keeps them safe. You can always bring them back when you need them.

  • On Android: Tap and hold the chat, then tap the archive box icon.

  • On iOS: Swipe left on the chat, then tap “Archive.”

Archiving helps you focus on active chats and keeps your screen clutter-free.

Also Read : How to Archive and Unarchive chats on WhatsApp

3. Use Labels or Custom Lists

WhatsApp now lets you create custom lists or labels. You can group chats by topic, like “School,” “Work,” or “Friends.” This makes it easier to find what you need.

List Name

Example Chats

Work

Project group, Boss

Family

Mom, Dad, Siblings

Friends

Besties, Game night

Note: Custom lists are rolling out slowly. If you don’t see this feature yet, keep your app updated.

4. Search for Chats

Don’t forget about the search bar at the top of your chat list. Type a name or keyword to find any chat quickly. This saves you time, especially if you have lots of conversations.

5. Review Your Chat List Regularly

Take a few minutes each week to look through your chats. Remove old ones, archive inactive groups, and update your favorites. This habit keeps your WhatsApp tidy and helps you stay organized.

Emoji Tip: 🧹 Think of organizing your chats like cleaning your room. A little effort goes a long way!

6. Customize Notifications

You can set custom notifications for important chats. This way, you never miss a message from your boss or family. Go to the chat, tap the contact or group name, and set your notification preferences.

Organizing your chats after removing favorites isn’t hard. You just need to use a few smart tools and review your list now and then. Your WhatsApp will feel cleaner, and you’ll find what you need faster. Try these tips today and enjoy a stress-free chat experience!

Best Practices for WhatsApp Chat Management

Regularly Review Favourites

You want your WhatsApp to stay organized, right? Make it a habit to check your favourites list every week. People change, groups get quiet, and new chats pop up. When you review your favourites, you keep only the contacts and groups that matter most. This helps you find important chats faster and keeps your app clutter-free.

Tip: Set a reminder on your phone to review your favourites every Sunday. You’ll never forget, and your chat list will always look neat.

If you notice a chat you don’t use anymore, remove it from your favourites. You can always add it back later if things change. This simple routine saves you time and keeps your WhatsApp working for you.

Use Pinned and Archived Chats

You have some chats you use every day. You also have groups that get noisy or channels that aren’t important right now. WhatsApp gives you tools to manage these easily.

Here’s how pinned and archived chats help you stay organized:

  • You can pin up to three important chats at the top of your chat list. These chats are always easy to find.

  • Pinning group community chats lets you reach your most active groups quickly.

  • The channel pinning feature helps you keep your favorite channels right where you need them.

  • Archiving community group chats hides less important conversations, so your main chat list looks cleaner.

  • Archiving also helps you focus on the chats that matter most, reducing clutter.

  • When you pin or archive chats, you declutter your interface and make it easier to focus on what’s important.

Emoji Tip: 📌 Pin your family group, your best friend, and your class group. You’ll never miss a message from them!

Try archiving chats that you don’t need every day. You can always unarchive them when you want to catch up. Pin the chats you use most, and your WhatsApp will feel much more organized.

Customize Notifications

You get a lot of messages, but not all of them need your attention. Customizing notifications in WhatsApp helps you control which alerts you see. You can set different notifications for individual chats, groups, and calls. This way, you only get notified about the messages that matter most to you.

When you manage your notifications, you avoid distractions and focus on important conversations. You can mute noisy groups or set special tones for your favorite contacts. This makes your chat experience smoother and less stressful.

Note: Go to the chat settings and choose your notification preferences. You decide who gets your attention!

Smart notification settings help you stay on top of your chats without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll never miss a message from your teacher or your best friend, but you won’t get bothered by every group chat.

You have the tools to keep WhatsApp organized. Review your favourites, use pins and archives, and set up notifications that work for you. These habits make your chat life easier and help you focus on what matters most.

You can take chats out of favorites on WhatsApp with just a few taps. On Android, tap and hold a chat or swipe to remove it. On iOS, use starred messages or swipe left to take a chat off. On PC, unpin chats from the top of your list. It’s fast and simple. When your chat list is neat, you find important messages faster and your app stays tidy.

The new chat list screen looks more organized. You see filters like 'Favourites' and 'Various Conversations' at the top of the screen.

Come back to this guide anytime you want your WhatsApp to look cleaner!

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FAQ

How do I know if a chat is in my favorites?

You see a chat in your favorites section or at the top of your chat list. Look for a star or pin icon next to the chat name. That means it’s marked as a favorite.

Can I remove multiple chats from favorites at once?

You can remove chats one by one. WhatsApp does not let you select and remove several favorites at the same time. Swipe or tap each chat to remove it.

Will removing a chat from favorites delete the chat?

No, removing a chat from favorites only takes it off your favorites list. You still keep the chat and all messages. You can find it in your main chat list.

Why don’t I see the favorites section on my WhatsApp?

You might use an older version of WhatsApp or your device has a different layout. Update your app to the latest version. Favorites may appear as starred or pinned chats.

What’s the difference between starred messages and pinned chats?

Starred Messages

Pinned Chats

Marks important messages

Keeps whole chats at the top

Unlimited stars

Only three pins allowed

Tip: Use stars for saving info. Use pins for quick access.

Can I add a chat back to favorites after removing it?

Yes! You can add any chat back to favorites. Just tap and hold the chat, then choose “Add to favorites” or star/pin it again.

Do favorites sync across devices?

Favorites like pinned chats sync if you use WhatsApp on phone and PC. Starred messages also sync. If you don’t see changes, refresh the app or check your internet connection.

Is there a way to organize favorites into groups?

WhatsApp now lets you create custom lists or labels. You can group chats by topic, like “Work” or “Family.” If you don’t see this feature, update your app.