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How do i get whatsapp on my android


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 Setup and Use WhatsApp On Android Phone

WhatsApp allows you to Chat, share Pictures, Videos and make free Voice Calls to your family, friends and Contacts located in any part of the world. You will find below the steps to Setup and Use WhatsApp on your Android Phone.

Use WhatsApp on Android Phone

Unlike other online services, you cannot create a WhatsApp account using your Email Address as WhatsApp Messenger verifies its users via phone numbers. Hence, make sure that you do have an active phone number that you can make use of to create your WhatsApp Account.

In general most people make use of their Mobile Phone Number to create a WhatsApp account. However, you can also create a WhatsApp account without a mobile phone number or an active SIM card by using a workaround provided in this article: How to Use WhatsApp Without Phone Number or SIM card.

Download and Install WhatsApp on Android Phone

Follow the steps below to download and Install the latest version of WhatsApp from Google Play Store to your Android Phone.

1. Open Google Play Store on your Android Phone.

2. Search for WhatsApp on Google Play Store and tap on WhatsApp Messenger as it come up in search results.

3. Next, tap on Install to download WhatsApp to your Android Phone.

4. On the next screen, tap on Accept to provide WhatsApp with access to your contacts, photos and others (See image below).

5. Once you tap on Accept, WhatsApp Messenger app will start downloading to your Android Phone.

6. After WhatsApp is downloaded to your device, you will see an option to open WhatsApp. Tap on Open.

7. Next, you will see Welcome to WhatsApp screen, tap on Agree and Continue to convey your agreement to WhatsApp Terms of Service and Privacy policy (See image below).

8. On the next screen, select your Country, Enter your Phone Number and tap on Next.

9. Once you provide your phone number, WhatsApp will send a six digit verification code to your phone number by SMS Message.

10. On the next screen, enter the six digit Verification Code as received from WhatsApp.

Do not close the screen or try to change the phone number, in case you did not receive the verification code by SMS. Just wait for five minutes and tap on the Call Me option to receive the verification code via the WhatsApp Automated Calling system.

11. On the next screen, enter your Name and tap on Next.

You can also upload a profile image and come back to your Profile at any time to change your name or to upload a different profile picture.

Invite Contacts to WhatsApp

Once activated, WhatsApp automatically goes through the Contact List on your Android phone and adds Contacts to your WhatsApp Account (those who are on WhatsApp).

In case some of your Contacts are not on WhatsApp, you can send them an invitation to join WhatsApp by following the steps below.

1. Open WhatsApp on your Android Phone.

2. Next, tap on the Contacts tab from the top menu.

3. On the Contacts Screen, tap on the green Invite button beside the contact’s name.

4. The next screen will open with a pre-composed ready to send Message, simply tap on Send to send a WhatsApp invitation to your Contact.

Add Contacts to WhatsApp

Follow the steps below to add New Contacts to WhatsApp (those who are not on your Contact List).

1. Open WhatsApp on your Android Phone.

2. Next, tap on the Contacts tab and then tap on +Add People icon (See image below).

3. On the next screen, fill in your new Contact’s Name, Phone Number, other details (if any) and tap on Save.

How to Chat on WhatsApp

Initiating a Chat with any of your Contacts on WhatsApp is easy.

1. Open WhatsApp on your Android Phone.

2. Tap on the Contacts tab from the top menu.

3. On the next screen, tap on the Contact’s Name that you would like to Chat with.

4. On the next screen, type your Message and send the Message.

How to Make Calls Using WhatsApp

WhatsApp allows you to place free local, national and International calls to any of your Contacts, as long as you are connected to a WiFi network.

1. Open WhatsApp on your Android Phone.

2. Next, tap on Calls from the top menu.

3. Now tap on the Call Icon from the top right corner of your screen.

4. On the next screen, select the Contact that you want to call.

5. WhatsApp will start ringing your Contacts Phone number.

  1. How to Reinstall WhatsApp on Android Phone Without Losing Messages

How to install WhatsApp on a phone: step by step instructions

  • 1.2 For iOS phones
  • 2 How to install WhatsApp without built-in stores

    • WhatsApp is one of the top messengers. But in order to start using it, you first need to carry out the correct installation. How and where to do it if you have Android or iOS? Is it necessary to use the official app stores of mobile operating systems for this?

    How to install WhatsApp on a phone from the official OS store

    Owners of Androids version not lower than 4.0.3 or iPhone users with iOS 7 and higher can use WhatsApp. If you have an iPhone 3GS, WhatsApp will not work on your phone.

    For Android phones

    The classic version of installing WhatsApp on Android is through the official Google Play Market software store:

    1. Find the store icon in the menu or on the Desktop and run the program.
    2. Immediately type in the name of the messenger in the search bar at the top.
    3. On the Whatsapp page, click on the green install button.
    Click on "Install" in the application menu

    In the dialog box, allow the messenger to use contacts, camera and other components. Wait for the store to download and then put WhatsApp on your smartphone. As a result, two buttons will appear - "Delete" and "Open". Click on the second - green.

    Click the "Open" button to launch the application

    Accept the terms of use of the messenger - click on the button below the picture.

    Click on the button at the bottom of the application window

    Click on the country list menu if your number is not Russian. Select a country from the list. Enter your phone number - "sim card", which is now inserted into the device. Tap on "Next".

    Write your number in the field

    Check that you entered the number correctly. If yes, click OK. If not, click on "Change" and re-enter the combination of numbers, only more carefully. You will be sent a "sms" with an arbitrary set of 6 digits. Drive it into the field.

    Write the 6-digit code received via SMS

    In a minute you will have a second attempt to request. If SMS did not come, click on "Send again" or on "Call me". In the second case, a call will come to your number - answer it.

    Receive a call from the service answering machine

    The answering machine will tell you a number code several times. Memorize it or write it down. Enter the combination in the field. If necessary, click on the checkmark on the keyboard at the bottom right. Wait for the messenger to check the code. If you successfully activate your account using your phone number, the "Profile" page will open. Enter your name here (you can use emoticons optionally). Click on the circle to the left of the field and select a photo - the avatar of your profile in WhatsApp. Click on "Next".

    Enter the name of the profile and put an avatar on the account

    Wait until the initialization is completed. Set up, if necessary, backing up your correspondence to Google drive - click on "Finish". As a result, you will see the working interface of the messenger: tabs for dialogs and calls. To write a message to someone, click on "Start a chat", select the desired contact from the list. Type text in the field and send.

    Click on the round green icon

    If you want to receive notifications from the messenger about new messages:

    1. Go to phone settings. Tap on the "Applications" section. Find WhatsApp in the list of third-party apps.
    2. Check the box to the left of Enable Notifications.
    Check the "Stop" button
    Video: put "WhatsApp" on your phone via the Play Market

    For iOS phones

    If you have an iPhone, proceed to the following steps:

    1. Open the App Store app in the menu "iPhone" and in the line for the search, enter whatsapp.
    2. Go to the messenger page in the store and click on the cloud with an arrow to start downloading.
    Open the page with the messenger and start the download

    Instead of a cloud, there can be a simple “Download” button.

    Click on "Download" to start the installation

    Wait while the messenger downloads and installs. When the procedure is complete, click on "Open". Select a country in the first menu and enter your number. Click "Finish" at the top right. An SMS will be sent to the number with a combination of numbers - write it in the field. Or click on the line "Call" if the "sms" did not come - you will be dictated a new code when you pick up the phone.

    Enter the code that you received via SMS from the service

    You can avoid activation if you previously had WhatsApp installed on this iPhone and you have an iCloud backup of your profile. Restore the account through a copy - the old correspondence should appear.

    You can restore old dialogs and profile data from iCloud

    After activation, contacts from your phone book will already be in the messenger. Change some profile settings: go to the program settings (gear on the bottom panel). Click on the profile menu and enter your name or nickname. Click on the "Edit" link. Click on "Take a photo" (to take a photo of yourself now) or on "Select photo" to see a gallery of past photos.

    Set a profile picture, if needed, so that other users can recognize you

    Click on the status at the bottom of the "Profile" section, or go directly to the first "Status" section on the bottom panel. Write a message that will be visible to all users. For example, that you are currently busy or ready to receive messages. In the "Notifications" section, allow the messenger to send you messages if someone writes to you.

    Turn on notifications to be notified of new messages

    How to install WhatsApp without built-in stores

    If the installation through the Play Market fails or if you do not have Internet on your phone now, manually download the WhatsApp installation file with the apk extension. Then just open it and run the installation:

    1. Go to any mobile browser and go to the messenger's official website. Tap on "Download Now". Or download the installer via PC, and then transfer it to your phone using a USB cable or Bluetooth.
    Click on the green button to download the installation file

    The download notification should be in the "shutter". Swipe down once across the screen to reveal it. Click on the downloaded file.

    Expand the "curtain" and open the file

    If there is no notification, open any file manager on your phone, for example, "ES Explorer". Go to the "Downloads" section.

    The file must also be in the "Downloads" folder on the built-in storage device

    Click on the apk file.

    Open the file in Downloads

    Click Install or Google Play. In the second case, the installation will take place using the official store.

    Tap "Install" in the dialog box

    Tap "Next" until you reach the end of the page.

    Read the information and click on "Next"

    Click on "Install".

    Click on "Install" in the installation wizard

    Wait for the installation to complete successfully.

    We are waiting for the program to be installed on the smartphone

    If a message from "Explorer" appears, click on "Allow".

    Click on "Allow" if an additional window appears

    As a result, you will receive a message that the installation is complete. Click on "Open" and follow the steps to activate the WhatsApp profile described in the instructions in the "For Android phones - go to the Play Store" section in this article.

    Click the "Open" button to launch the messenger

    The manual installation method using the apk file is suitable for "Androids". Things are more complicated with the iPhone: there is no WhatsApp installation file for Apple phones on the messenger's official website.

    There is no installation file for the program on iPhone on the official website of the messenger

    It is possible to download the document from other sources (they must be reliable). For iOS, the file will already have the ipa extension. Then you can start the installation after the “jailbreak” (unlocking the “iPhone”, which is highly recommended without special need). Or start installing the application through a PC on Mac OS - through a third-party application installed on the computer, for example, Cydia Impactor or Xcode.

    The program can be installed through an ipa file using a third-party program Cydia Impactor

    You can install WhatsApp from the Play Market or through an apk file on Android. The first method is faster - no need to go to the messenger website and download the installer manually. The store will do it for you. If you have an iPhone, go to the App Store for a messenger. After installation, the program needs to be configured a little: go through activation by phone number, put an avatar and profile name.

    • Author: Ekaterina Vasilyeva