LINE number filters are a highly useful tool for managing and organizing LINE chats. They allow you to separate conversations based on keywords or numbers, making it easier to find specific messages or threads. Whether you're trying to keep track of business contacts or simply want to tidy up your personal chats, these filters can be incredibly helpful. Let's dive into how you can set them up and some advanced techniques to maximize their utility.
Setting Up Your First LINE Number Filter
To start, open the LINE app on your device and navigate to the Chats section. Find the conversation you want to add a filter to and tap on it. Once the chat window opens, tap the More button (the three dots at the top right corner), then select Settings. Scroll down to the Number Filter section and tap on it. Here, you can add a new number filter by tapping the + button. Enter the number you want to filter and choose whether you want this number to be added to your Fixed or Temporary filter list. The Fixed list will always be available, while the Temporary list will only apply for 30 days.
Advanced Techniques for Number Filters
Once you have the basic setup in place, there are several advanced techniques you can use to make your LINE experience even more convenient.
Customizing Alerts: You can customize the alert sound or vibration for messages from specific numbers. Go to the Settings of the chat, then select Notifications. Here, you can choose a unique sound or vibration pattern for each number in your filter list. This is especially useful if you have important business contacts or family members whose messages you want to prioritize.
Using Keywords: While not directly supported by the LINE app, you can create a unique keyword for each contact and set up a filter based on this prefix in their messages. For example, if you have a contact named John who sends you updates about his work, you could ask him to always start his messages with "Work: ". You can then add a number filter with a prefix like "123" and set your app to only show messages from this contact when the prefix matches. This way, you can quickly scan through updates from specific contacts.
Automating Chats: LINE does not have built-in automation features, but you can use third-party apps like IFTTT to automate certain actions based on messages from specific numbers. For example, if you receive a message from your boss's number, you could set up an IFTTT recipe to automatically send an email to your calendar to remind you to check your work updates. While this requires some setup, it can save you a lot of time and ensure you never miss important messages.
Deleting Filters: Sometimes, you might need to delete a filter. To do this, go to the Number Filter settings in the chat, find the contact you no longer want to filter, and tap the More button (three dots) next to their entry. Select Delete Filter. This will remove the filter from your list and allow messages from that number to appear in your regular chat list again.
Tips for Managing Your Filters Efficiently
To keep your LINE app organized and your filters running smoothly, here are a few tips:
Regularly Review Your Filters: Every month, take a moment to review your number filters. Remove any that are no longer needed and update any that have changed.
Organize Your Contacts: Categorize your contacts in LINE into groups based on their importance. This way, you can easily find and manage filters for specific groups without getting overwhelmed.
Limit Temporary Filters: Use the Temporary filter list sparingly for short-term contacts or one-off interactions. This will help keep your Fixed list clear and manageable.
Learn Keyboard Shortcuts: Knowing keyboard shortcuts can make managing your filters much quicker. For example, holding down the Delete button on a number can speed up the process of removing filters.
Conclusion
LINE number filters are a powerful tool for anyone looking to streamline their messaging experience. By setting up and customizing these filters, you can keep your chats organized and efficiently manage your contacts. Whether you're a business professional or simply someone who values a tidy chat list, taking the time to understand and utilize these filters can make a significant difference in your daily interactions.