WeChat Pay's Hidden Lost Item Alert & Practical Tools

WeChat Pay can alert users about lost items via merchants. Other lesser-known features include converting image tables to editable documents, creating personal group chats for file management, and customizing priority group notifications. These tools highlight WeChat's often-overlooked utilities.

Source: OT-Team(G), 法治网

A recent topic—"I never knew WeChat Pay had this feature"—has climbed to the top of Chinese social media trending lists, sparking widespread discussion among users.

According to posts shared online, some diners reported receiving a lost-item reminder from a merchant shortly after paying their bill. The notification appeared directly within the WeChat Pay interface, alerting them that they may have left something behind at the restaurant.

In response to inquiries, Tencent customer service confirmed that the feature is currently supported only by selected merchants. If a merchant does not have access to this function, they may still attempt to notify customers by contacting customer service through other means. Tencent also addressed privacy concerns, stating that merchants do not have access to users' personal information. The notification is delivered via the official WeChat Pay account and displays only transaction-related details for that specific payment, without revealing any additional personal data.

Many users expressed surprise, commenting that they had no idea WeChat Pay offered such a capability.

The discussion has since expanded into a broader conversation about lesser-known but highly practical WeChat features that users may be missing out on. Here are several that have recently drawn attention:

• Turning Image Tables into Editable Documents

If you receive a screenshot of an Excel spreadsheet while away from your computer and need to make edits, WeChat can help. By long-pressing the image and selecting "Search," the app can recognize the table and convert it into an online document, allowing users to edit and manage the data directly.

• Creating a One-Person Group Chat

Instead of sending all files to the "File Transfer Assistant," which can quickly become cluttered, users can create group chats that include only themselves. By tapping the "+" icon in the chat interface, selecting "Start a Group Chat," and choosing the "Join Private Group" option, users can enter any four-digit number to create a private group. Renaming these groups allows them to function as organized, self-managed folders.

• Prioritizing Important Group Messages

Previously, even after enabling "Do Not Disturb" for group chats, users would still receive notifications when someone tagged "@all members." Now, WeChat allows more granular control. Under group settings, users can choose to receive notifications only for messages that mention them directly, tag all members, or relate to group announcements. Up to four key group members can also be designated so their messages still trigger alerts.

These understated yet practical tools have prompted many users to rethink how well they actually know the app they use every day. Are these features familiar to you? And are there other WeChat functions you consider indispensable? Users are encouraged to share their tips and discoveries in the comments.