Guide to WeChat's Top Features
WeChat (微信, Wēixìn) is China's most popular super app, used by over 1 billion people worldwide. Originally a messaging app, WeChat has evolved into a platform that blends chat, social media, payments, and more—all in one place.

Here's a breakdown of WeChat's top features:

🗨� 1. Messaging & Calls
Text Messaging: Send texts with emojis, stickers, images, videos, and files.

Voice Messaging: Hold-to-talk voice notes are popular in Chinese communication.

Voice/Video Calls: One-on-one or group calls are free and high quality.

Group Chats: Up to 500 members per group; supports tags and mentions.

🔒 Bonus: Chats can be backed up and restored using WeChat's cloud backup.

👥 2. Moments (朋友圈)
WeChat's built-in social feed, similar to Facebook's timeline.

Share photos, text updates, links, and music.

Friends can like and comment—but only mutual friends can see each other's interactions.

You control who can see each post.

🎯 Privacy-focused: You won't see content from strangers unless you allow it.

💳 3. WeChat Pay (微信支付)
A core feature that transforms WeChat into a digital wallet.

Link a bank card (Chinese bank accounts or supported international cards).

Pay in stores by scanning QR codes.

Send Red Packets (红包, hóngbāo) during holidays and celebrations.

Split bills, transfer money, and top up your mobile phone.

Accepted at most retailers, taxis, restaurants, and even street vendors in China.

📲 International Use: Available in some countries with local merchant support.

🧠 4. Mini Programs (小程序)
Mini-apps built into WeChat—no download needed.

Used for shopping, ride-hailing, food delivery, games, and more.

Popular brands and services run their own Mini Programs.

Lightweight and fast-loading experiences.

🛒 Example: Order from McDonald's or book train tickets—all without leaving WeChat.

📍 5. Location-Based Features
Real-time location sharing in chat.

Shake: Find people shaking their phones at the same time nearby.

People Nearby: Discover and connect with local users (privacy settings available).

🌐 6. Official Accounts
Like subscribing to a newsletter or following a brand's social media.

Companies, influencers, media, and services provide updates via articles and posts.

Two types: Subscription Accounts (news/media) and Service Accounts (businesses).

📢 You can read articles, book appointments, or access customer service.

🛠� 7. File Transfer & Favorites
Easily transfer files between phone and computer using File Transfer Chat.

Save articles, images, messages, and links in your Favorites for later use.

💼 Useful for Work: Professionals often use WeChat for quick document sharing.

🔐 8. Privacy & Security
Choose who can see your posts, add you, or message you.

Friend verification before adding contacts.

Option to block or report suspicious users.

🔄 9. Multi-Platform Use
Available on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac.

WeChat Web allows temporary desktop use via QR login.

Syncs chats across devices.

🎮 10. Extras & Fun Features
Stickers & Sticker Gallery: Huge library of animated stickers.

Games & Leaderboards: Challenge friends to mini-games.

QR Code Everything: Everyone has a personal QR for contact sharing, payments, and more.

✅ Final Tips for New Users
Set your WeChat ID under profile settings for easy searching.

Customize privacy settings early on.

Explore Mini Programs and Official Accounts to make the most of WeChat.

Use WeChat Pay only if you're in a supported region or have a linked card.