How can i open whatsapp
How to use WhatsApp: A step-by-step beginner's guide
Table of contents
01What is WhatsApp?02How to install WhatsApp03WhatsApp profile setup04How to chat in WhatsApp05How to use gifs on WhatsApp06How to call on WhatsApp07WhatsApp Web08How to use WhatsApp on tablets09Other WhatsApp FAQs
WhatsApp boasts more than 2 billion users worldwide, but if you don’t live in one of the countries where it’s popular, you may have never used it. Its $16 billion purchase by Facebook in 2014 turned some heads (and raised some privacy concerns), but it still offers many advantages over its competitors. If those two reasons aren’t enough to convince you to learn how to use WhatsApp today, perhaps the fact that it’s completely free of charge will seal the deal.
Read also: 21 essential WhatsApp tricks and tips you should know
If you’re new to the party, the world’s most popular chat app can be a bit overwhelming. To help you get started, we put together this beginner’s guide on using WhatsApp, from installing the app to chatting with friends and family in groups.
What is WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is a free chat app that launched at the dawn of the smartphone era in 2009. It wasn’t until 2015 that it became the most popular communication app worldwide, but nowadays, it’s virtually ubiquitous in most of Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Read also: WhatsApp not working? Here are 5 easy fixes to try
The popularity of WhatsApp is because it’s free, it doesn’t have ads, and of course, it has a huge existing user base. It also features end-to-end encryption, so your messages are private and secure. However, security policy changes in early 2021 mean the app can share some of your data with Facebook. Learn more about that issue in our WhatsApp privacy explainer.
Is WhatsApp safe and secure?
Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
With every message and call end-to-end encrypted by default, WhatsApp is quite secure for virtually all uses. This level of encryption means that not even WhatsApp (or its parent company Facebook) can see the content of your messages, despite what you might hear online.
Still, you should be wary of phishing attempts. Never give your personal information to someone you don’t know, and don’t be afraid to block or report users you think are trying to scam you. WhatsApp also supports two-step verification in the form of a six-digit PIN.
Read also: How to backup WhatsApp: never lose a message again
When it comes to privacy, things are more complicated. An early 2021 privacy policy update stated that WhatsApp might share some of your data with Facebook. This will include your telephone number, location, product interactions, etc. Presumably, this is to improve ad targeting in other Facebook products.
This update was the subject of much debate among users but ultimately rolled out on May 15, 2021. Later in 2021, it was revealed that although WhatsApp cannot see your messages, the company regularly uses contractors to do so as part of a content reviewal system. This is limited to extreme cases of child abuse material or terrorism, but it does fly in the face of WhatsApp’s marketing material.
In other words, if you are concerned with your privacy and don’t want Facebook to access some of your data, WhatsApp might not be for you. Other apps like Telegram and Signal offer better security but don’t boast nearly the same number of users.
How to install WhatsApp
The first step in learning how to use WhatsApp is installing the app, and you can do it in just a few minutes. The app is completely free and only requires a phone number and a mobile device to sign up.
- Install the app from the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone).
- Launch the app and approve the requested permissions.
- Enter your phone number and tap Confirm.
- Enter the verification code received via SMS (WhatsApp may do this automatically).
- Import existing contacts into the app (optional).
That’s all there is to it. You’re now ready to start chatting with any of your contacts that have WhatsApp installed.
You can also manually add contacts to WhatsApp if you don’t want to import your entire contact list.
How to set up your WhatsApp profile
Before you start chatting, there is one more step you may want to take. Creating a profile will help your contacts know who you are, even if they don’t have your number saved in their contacts. You can add a picture, name, and a short bio.
- Tap the three dots in the top-right corner of the app and tap Settings.
- Tap your name at the top of the screen.
- To change your picture, tap the camera icon and select a photo.
- To change your name, tap the pencil icon next to Name.
- Enter or adjust your bio by tapping the pencil icon next to About.
You can also change your phone number from this screen, and the process is the same as when you first set up your account. It will send a verification code via SMS, and once confirmed, WhatsApp will transfer all of your chats and contacts to that number.
How to start a chat on WhatsApp
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Now that your profile is set, it’s time to get to the task at hand: chatting! The first time you open the app, you won’t have any chats open, but you can start a new conversation by tapping on the chat bubble in the bottom right.
Select the contact you want to chat with from the list. If you already have a previous chat with that contact, it will open that instead of a brand new chat. All that’s left is to type your message at the bottom of the screen. After entering your text, tap the arrow icon alongside the text box to send it.
You can also send pictures or files on WhatsApp by tapping the + icon next to the chatbox. WhatsApp has a built-in camera app, but it’s better to use your normal camera app to take the picture and select it in the gallery to send. This will give you more editing options, and generally results in higher quality photos.
You can also send pictures or files on WhatsApp by tapping the paperclip or camera icon.
To start a group chat, tap the same chat bubble as before, then tap New Group. You can then select the members you want to invite, enter a name for the group, and start chatting.
There are many additional features available, so check out our list of WhatsApp tips and tricks for more information.
How to use gifs on WhatsApp
Sending gifs on WhatsApp should be a simple task, but the exact steps are far from obvious. To make matters worse, they differ between iPhones and Android phones.
To send a gif on Android, you first need to open a chat and tap on the smiley face next to the text box. Then, tap the gif text at the bottom of the screen to see a selection of the current most popular gifs. To search for more gifs, tap the magnifying glass at the bottom left and enter your keywords. Once you’ve found and selected your gif, all that’s left is to press send.
It’s worth noting that the process may be easier depending on which brand of phone you have, or if you have a different keyboard installed.
Often you can tap the gif text above the keyboard instead of the complicated process above.
Read also: 10 best gif creator and editor apps for Android
Mark O'Neill / Android Authority
To send a gif on an iPhone, open a chat and tap the plus icon in the bottom left. Then, select Photo and Video Library from the menu and tap the magnifying glass icon in the bottom left to search. Once selected, tap send.
Mark O'Neill / Android Authority
How to call using WhatsApp
One of the most useful features when using WhatsApp internationally is the ability to make phone calls. Unlike standard international voice calls, WhatsApp calls use your internet connection rather than your phone line, so they’re completely free (barring any data overage charges when not on Wi-Fi).
To start a phone call on WhatsApp, all you need to do is open a chat window and tap the phone icon in the top right. If it’s a group, you can even select multiple people to call simultaneously.
The steps for making a video call on WhatsApp are virtually identical. Just tap the video camera icon next to the phone icon. It’s a great alternative to FaceTime, especially for Android users.
How to use WhatsApp on your computer
If you prefer typing on a keyboard (or don’t like looking at your phone all day), you can also use WhatsApp from a computer. You’ll need to keep your phone nearby, but it can be a convenient way to chat or send files from your PC or Mac.
- On your computer browser, navigate to web.whatsapp.com.
- Open WhatsApp on your phone, tap the three dots in the top right, then WhatsApp Web.
- Tap the plus icon at the top right.
- Point your phone camera at the QR code on your computer screen.
- WhatsApp should instantly log in on your computer.
If you don’t want to use a browser, you can also install the WhatsApp PC client directly on your computer. If you think someone is using WhatsApp Web without your permission, you can remove access from your phone by following the first two steps above.
How to use WhatsApp on an iPad or Android tablet
With iPadOS adding lots of new features every year that make it more and more like a computer, it might come as a surprise to learn that using WhatsApp on your iPad is quite difficult. You can install the app directly, but you have to remove it from your phone, which obviously isn’t ideal.
Read also: Apple iPad at 10: A decade of tablets
The best way to use WhatsApp on your iPad or Android tablet is with the web portal outlined above. Even then, there’s an extra step involved due to accessing the site from a mobile browser.
The trick here is to request the desktop version of web.whatsapp.com. This will tell WhatsApp that you’re using a computer instead of a mobile device, and allow you to connect your phone with the same steps above. How exactly you request the desktop version will depend on which browser you’re using, but we’ve outlined the steps for Safari below.
- Open the Safari browser and navigate to web.
whatsapp.com. - Tap the three dots next to the URL field, then tap Request Desktop Site.
- Open WhatsApp on your phone, tap Settings in the top right, then WhatsApp Web.
- Tap the plus icon at the top right.
- Point your phone camera at the QR code on your iPad screen.
- WhatsApp should instantly log in on your iPad.
Note that this trick works with Android tablets and iPads of all sizes, and they can be paired with both Android phones and iPhones in any combination. Official multi-device support on WhatsApp might be coming soon, but this workaround is the only thing that works for now.
Other WhatsApp FAQs
Both calls and video calls are free, but will use data if not connected to Wi-Fi. Be careful not to exceed your mobile data limits, especially with video calls.
WhatsApp Plus is an application developed using stolen code from the official WhatsApp app. It enables a few extra features, but needs to be downloaded and sideloaded to work.
It is unsafe to use and may lead to your WhatsApp account being banned, or worse, your information being stolen.
Yes, WhatsApp was purchased by Facebook in February of 2014.
While some could consider it a social media app, it’s generally considered an instant messaging or communication app. As more business features are added, it may tip further into social media territory.
Yes. Both calls and messages are encrypted end-to-end, so in most conditions, neither law enforcement nor WhatsApp itself can see them unless they have access to your device.
Your WhatsApp status is pretty much the same as your Instagram, Facebook, or Snapchat story: a way to share a slice of your life with your contacts. You can learn more about WhatsApp statuses here.
How to get started on WhatsApp Messenger
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Controlling Cookies with Browser Settings
Your browser or device may offer settings that allow you to choose whether browser cookies are set and to delete them.
These controls vary by browser, and manufacturers may change both the settings they make available and how they work at any time.
Additional information about the controls offered by popular browsers can be found at the links below.
Certain parts of WhatsApp Products may not work properly if you have disabled browser cookies.
Google Chrome
Internet Explorer
Firefox
Safari
Safari Mobile
Opera
Download and set up WhatsApp
1. Download and launch the app: Download WhatsApp Messenger for free from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
To open the app, tap the WhatsApp icon on your home screen.
2. Review the Terms of Service: Read the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, then tap Agree and Continue to accept the terms.
3. Register: Select your country from the drop-down list to add your country code, then enter your phone number in international phone number format. Tap Done or Next, then tap Ok to receive your 6-digit registration code via SMS or phone call. To complete registration, enter your 6-digit code. Learn how to register your phone number on Android, iPhone, or KaiOS.
4. Set up your profile: In your new profile, enter your name, and then tap Next. You can also add a profile photo.
5. Allow access to contacts and photos: Contacts can be added to WhatsApp from your phone’s address book. You can also allow access to your phone’s photos, videos, and files.
6. Start a chat: Tap or , then search for a contact to begin.
Enter a message in the text field. To send photos or videos, tap or next to the text field. Choose Camera to take a new photo or video or Gallery or Photo and Video Library to select an existing photo or video from your phone. Then, tap or .
7. Create a group: You can create a group with up to 256 participants. Tap or , then New group. Search for or select contacts to add to the group, then tap Next. Enter a group subject and tap or Create.
Different ways you can communicate
- Voice messages: If you don’t want to type a message, you can send an audio recording. Tap and hold or to record the message. To stop recording, let go of the microphone. Learn how to send and play voice messages on Android, iPhone, or KaiOS.
- Voice calls: Go to the Calls tab, then tap or . Search for the contact you’d like to call. Tap or to start a voice call. Learn how to make voice calls on Android, or iPhone.
- Video calls: Open the Calls tab, then tap or . Find the contact you’d like to call. To start a video call, tap or . Learn how to make video calls on Android, or iPhone.
Safety tips and helpful features
Customize privacy and security features
WhatsApp makes it simple to understand and customize your privacy and security. Learn more on our privacy page.
Fact-check the information you receive
Consider whether the messages you receive are true, because not everything you hear will be accurate. If you don’t know who sent the message you received, we encourage you to double-check information with trusted fact-checking organizations. Learn more about how to prevent the spread of misinformation in this article.
Forwarded messages
To help prevent the spread of misinformation, we limit how you can forward messages. You can easily identify forwarded messages because they have a Forwarded label.
When a message is forwarded from one user to another user many times, it’s indicated with a double arrow icon . You can learn about forwarding limits in this article.
How to use WhatsApp Business Desktop [Oct 2022]
WhatsApp Business Web: How to connect WhatsApp Business app to WhatsApp WebYou may have landed on this blog because you have questions like can I connect WhatsApp Business app to whatsapp web? Or how to use WhatsApp Business Web? In this guide, we'll take a look at the benefits of WhatsApp Business Web and explain how to use WhatsApp Business Web on the browser and desktop app.
Benefits of WhatsApp Business Web
Small businesses that are growing are faced with the challenge of having more than one person to manage and interact with customers on the WhatsApp Business app.
Fortunately, WhatsApp offers businesses the flexibility to use one WhatsApp Business account on 1 phone + 4 additional devices.
The best part is that your phone doesn't need to stay online to use WhatsApp Web after your devices are paired 🤯.
If you work a lot on your computer, having WhatsApp Web for Business gives you the convenience of communicating with customers while using other work tools on your desktop.
Benefits of WhatsApp Business WebNow that you know what WhatsApp Web can do, we'll show you how to connect your WhatsApp Business account to WhatsApp Web. All you need is a phone connected to the WhatsApp Business app and a computer with a good internet connection.
How to use WhatsApp Business Web in a browser
You can use any browser to connect your WhatsApp Business account to WhatsApp Web Business. To get started, follow these simple steps.
1. Navigate to https://web.whatsapp.com/. A WhatsApp Business Web QR code will appear on the screen.
2. Open WhatsApp Business app on your phone, go to Related Devices and press the button Link device .
How to connect WhatsApp Business to Whatsapp Web3. Use your phone to scan the QR code displayed on the desktop screen. Once your account is connected, you can start using your WhatsApp Web for Business account in a browser.
WhatsApp web interface in the browser after connecting the phoneHow to use WhatsApp Business for PC: Windows 9 desktop app0009
If you prefer to keep your browser and WhatsApp Business separate, use the WhatsApp Business Desktop app. Follow the steps below to start using WhatsApp Business on your desktop.
1. Go to in the Microsoft Store and download WhatsApp Desktop. Then open the desktop application. A QR code will appear on the screen. It will look similar to the WhatsApp Business Web login.
WhatsApp Business Desktop App Login (Windows) 2.
Open the WhatsApp Business app on your phone, go to Linked devices and press the button Link device .
3. Use your phone to scan the QR code displayed on the desktop app screen. Once the account is connected, the WhatsApp chat interface will appear on the desktop app and you can start using WhatsApp Business on the desktop app.
WhatsApp Business Desktop interface on your PC after connecting your phoneHow to use WhatsApp Business for PC: Mac Desktop App
Using WhatsApp Business Web on Mac is the same as using WhatsApp for Windows. Follow the steps below to start using the WhatsApp Business Desktop app.
1. Go to App Store and download WhatsApp Desktop . Then open the desktop application. A QR code will appear on the screen.
WhatsApp Business Desktop App Login (Mac) 2. Open the WhatsApp Business app on your phone, go to Linked devices and click the button Link device .
3. Use your phone to scan the QR code displayed on the desktop screen. Once your account is connected, you can start using the WhatsApp Desktop App.
WhatsApp Business Desktop interface on your PC after connecting your phoneDo you have more than 5 customer service employees who need to use WhatsApp at the same time? You will need the WhatsApp Business API. Read on to find out how the WhatsApp Business API can help your business.
WhatsApp Business Desktop for multiple users
WhatsApp Business Web is great for small businesses where 5 devices are enough. However, as your business grows and you need more people to manage your WhatsApp Business Account, you will need to subscribe to the WhatsApp Business API.
WhatsApp Business API is intended for medium to large companies with groups of users. It has more advanced features like auto-assignment, performance tracking, and support for 3rd party integration when connected to a mailbox like respond.
io.
Further reading
We hope you found this article helpful. Here are some WhatsApp for Business content you might be interested in.
- WhatsApp Business Multiple Users
- WhatsApp Business API
- WhatsApp Business App
- Using Respond.io as a 360 Dialogue WhatsApp Inbox
How to Log in to Whatsapp Using Computer and Laptop
Whatsapp is a very popular freeware a program that helps to exchange messages between smartphones. The program is used to send text messages, video, audio, images and other files. The application works on Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Nokia, Windows and other operating systems. The application was released in 2009year, and in 2016 it became absolutely free.
Today, WhatsApp is used by more than 1 billion people worldwide. However, most users do not even know that this program can be used on a personal computer and laptop. In this case, all the functionality of the program will work in the same way as on a smartphone.
This can be done in very simple ways that are available to any user.
Ways to access WhatsApp from a computer and laptop
So how do you go to whatsapp through a computer? After all, that's why we're all here. In fact, there are as many as 3 ways to run Whatsapp on a personal computer. We will describe all these methods further, but they are similar in many ways and require you, at a minimum, to have a camera on your phone.
The first way is to use the web version of WhatsApp
In order to start WhatsApp in web mode, you need:
However, there are several features of this method.
First, the best way to install WhatsApp online is to use the Google Chrome browser. Secondly, WhatsApp will only work if the program is enabled on the phone. Thirdly, such a browser version of WhatsApp is only a mirror of the mobile application.
The second way is to download the whatsapp app to your computer
Don't forget to choose the correct bit depth for your operating system.
Although I'm almost 100% sure that you have a 64 bit OS.
Download the WhatsApp application to your computer
After opening, the application will require you to scan a QR code. You can do this using the WhatsApp mobile app. (It is important to know that the new version of WhatsApp requires you to scan a QR code before installation and then allows you to install the program on your computer)
The program will now run on the computer. It will be possible to use all the functionality that is in the mobile version. Contacts, as in the previous version, will automatically go to the PC.
The third method is Android OS emulation on a computer
To do this, you need to download a specialized emulator on the network that will simulate the Android operating system on a PC.
There are many such programs on the Internet. The most popular are BlueStacks .
BlueStacks is an Android OS emulator that will help you access the mobile version of WhatsApp
After installing such an emulator, you need to register or log in to Google Play Market . Then download WhatsApp from the store and use it in the usual way on a personal computer, as if you were using a smartphone. After installing the application, you will need to confirm your mobile phone number once via SMS. This action needs to be performed only once, so you can safely use a virtual number to receive SMS.
This method is very convenient and does not require the QR code . With the help of an emulator, the program works practically and allows you to use all the functions of mobile WhatsApp without the support of a smartphone.
Conclusion
All these three methods allow you to quickly and effortlessly launch WhatsApp on your computer, use it as a convenient and fast messaging application with other users.
