Skip to main content
search


We all have those apps that live rent-free on our phones, such as WhatsApp, Google Drive, Instagram, and maybe even YouTube. But here’s the twist: most of us are only using about 30% of our real power.
It’s like buying a brand-new SUV and only using it to play music while it’s parked in your driveway.

Today on Tool Tuesday, we’re unlocking the secret doors to your everyday apps so you can get more done, look smarter, and maybe even save some money in the process.


1. WhatsApp – Your Secret Office Assistant

We all know WhatsApp is Nigeria’s unofficial national communication tool. From mum sending voice notes that could be podcasts, to your vendor updating you on delivery, to your church group reminding you about midweek service, it’s everywhere.

But the truth is that most of us are only scratching the surface of what WhatsApp can do. Beneath the blue ticks and emoji storms are powerful features that can save you time, boost productivity, and even keep you more organised.

We know you use WhatsApp for chats, memes, and family group drama, but did you know it can double as a personal organiser?

  • Use WhatsApp as a To-Do List: Create a group with just you in it (remove the other person after creating). Drop your notes, reminders, voice memos, and even documents there. It becomes a free, cloud-synced organiser.
  • Document Scanner: Open the camera in WhatsApp, snap that receipt, assignment, or signed contract, and send it to your “notes group” for safekeeping.
  • Broadcast Lists for Business: Instead of creating a noisy group, use WhatsApp Broadcast to send updates, price lists, or promotions to multiple people, who receive them as private messages.
  • Message Yourself (Your New Digital Notepad)
    Need to jot down an idea, save a file, or store a photo for later? Just open WhatsApp and… text yourself.
    Search for your contact, open the chat, and start sending notes, images, or links.
    On some devices, you can even tap New Chat → Message Yourself.
    Why it’s cool: It’s like having Google Keep inside WhatsApp, no need for a separate app.
  • Star Messages for Quick Access
    Ever had to scroll endlessly just to find that one bank account number?
    Long press on a message → Tap the ⭐ icon.
    Later, go to Menu → Starred Messages to see everything important.
    Why it’s cool: Saves you from being buried under “Good morning” GIFs.
  • Use WhatsApp Web Shortcuts
    If you work on a laptop, WhatsApp Web can be a productivity booster.
    Ctrl + Shift + N → New group
    Ctrl + E → Archive chat
    Ctrl + Shift + M → Mute chat
    Why it’s cool: Typing on a keyboard is faster, and shortcuts save precious time when juggling tasks.
  • Custom Notifications for VIPs
    Sometimes you need to know immediately when certain people message you.
    Open their chat → Tap their name → Custom Notifications → Set a unique tone or vibration.
    Why it’s cool: You can instantly tell if it’s your boss, bae, or the delivery guy.

WhatsApp isn’t only for chatting, it’s a powerful tool that can make your digital life smoother. Start with one or two of these tricks and see how much easier your communication becomes.

Who knows? Next time someone says, “I didn’t know WhatsApp could do that,” you’ll be the one teaching them.


2. Google Drive – More Than Just Storage

Most people think of Google Drive as “that place where I dump files I’ll never open again.” But Drive is also:

  • A Free Document Translator: Upload any document to Google Docs, click “Tools” → “Translate document,” and boom, instant translation. Great for contracts or articles you want in another language.
  • PDF Editor: You can open PDFs in Google Docs and edit them directly, without an expensive Adobe subscription.
  • Offline Lifesaver: Download important files to your Drive app for offline access, helpful when you’re travelling to areas with shaky network.

💡 Nigerian hack: Upload your key documents (ID, NEPA bill, NYSC certificate) to Drive so you can send them quickly whenever a “we need your documents ASAP” situation pops up.


3. Instagram – Your Market Stall in the Cloud

Instagram isn’t just for aesthetics, it’s a free digital shop front.

  • Save Posts into Private Collections: Keep inspiration for your next hairstyle, business post ideas, or interior design look in neatly labelled private collections.
  • Product Catalogue: Use your Highlights feature to create a permanent catalogue of your products and prices.
  • Keyword Search (Not Just Hashtags): In Nigeria, this is a goldmine, search “Ankara bags Lagos” or “Cake Port Harcourt” and find small businesses without knowing their handle.

💡 Nigerian hack: Vendors who sell via Instagram DM can use Quick Replies in settings to answer FAQs like “How much?” or “Is delivery free?” without typing every time.


4. YouTube – More Than Entertainment

Apart from music videos and skits, YouTube can:

  • Transcribe Any Video: Click the three dots under the video → “Show transcript.” You can copy and paste this for study or reference.
  • Learn Anything for Free: From programming in Python to repairing a generator, it’s all there, searchable, and often better than paid classes.
  • Audio Mode: Minimise the app and still play lectures, podcasts, or sermons in the background (YouTube Premium helps here, but certain browsers on mobile can also do the trick).

💡 Nigerian hack: Event planners download wedding playlists and MC tips straight from YouTube before heading to events in low-network areas.


Final Word

You don’t always need new apps to be productive, sometimes you just need to squeeze every last drop of usefulness from the ones you already have.
This week, try one new hidden feature and watch your phone become more than just a scrolling machine.


Read Also: Notion-the-all-in-one-productivity-tool-you-didnt-know-you-needed/