How load 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.
WhatsApp Messenger on the App Store
iPhone Screenshots
Description
WhatsApp from Meta is a FREE messaging and video calling app. It’s used by over 2B people in more than 180 countries.
It’s simple, reliable, and private, so you can easily keep in touch with your friends and family. WhatsApp works across mobile and desktop even on slow connections, with no subscription fees*.
Private messaging across the world
Your personal messages and calls to friends and family are end-to-end encrypted. No one outside of your chats, not even WhatsApp, can read or listen to them.
Simple and secure connections, right away
All you need is your phone number, no user names or logins. You can quickly view your contacts who are on WhatsApp and start messaging.
High quality voice and video calls
Make secure video and voice calls with up to 8 people for free*. Your calls work across mobile devices using your phone’s Internet service, even on slow connections.
Group chats to keep you in contact
Stay in touch with your friends and family. End-to-end encrypted group chats let you share messages, photos, videos and documents across mobile and desktop.
Stay connected in real time
Share your location with only those in your individual or group chat, and stop sharing at any time. Or record a voice message to connect quickly.
Share daily moments through Status
Status allows you to share text, photos, video and GIF updates that disappear after 24 hours. You can choose to share status posts with all your contacts or just selected ones.
*Data charges may apply. Contact your provider for details.
---------------------------------------------------------
If you have any feedback or questions, please go to WhatsApp > Settings > Help > Contact Us
Version 22.21.77
• You can now create and share a link for your WhatsApp call from the Calls tab
• Now only admins will be notified when you leave a group
• Group admins can now delete others’ messages for everyone.
All participants can see who deleted it.
• You can now easily react to a Status post using Status Reactions.
• You can undo “delete for me” for a few seconds
These features will roll out over the coming weeks. Thanks for using WhatsApp!
Ratings and Reviews
2.7M Ratings
AMAZING!!!! 🤩🤩
I think Whatsapp is AMAZING it’s so easy to use and I enjoy updating my status!!!! The one bad thing about it is that if you do have a lot of storage left of your phone then it locks you out of whatsapp and says that you don’t have enough storage so you can’t use whatsapp so I had to delete some of my apps and photos (so if you could do something about that it would be great thanks because I hate having to delete apps and photos just so whatsapp will work!) But overall whatsapp is great and you should definitely download it!!!! Also I just wanted to say that some people say whatsapp doesn’t let you backup your chat history but that’s NOT TRUE AT ALL because when I got a new phone I was able to transfer all of the chat history onto my new phone!!! And one more thing: other people say that there is no way to put any protection on whatsapp but that’s NOT TRUE either because I was able to put touch ID on whatsapp so when I got onto the app it requires touch ID and you can also put Face ID depending on what phone your have!!!
Overall A very good messaging app that I use a lot.
Whatsap certainly has had its trials and tribulations, but from what I’ve seen so far, only access ability stuff that needed doing is working very well now, I can access a lot more stuff using voice-over than I used to be able to, and I always believe that as long as the developers listen to us, the customers and users, what ever you want to call us these days, Service users, and users, clients, patrons, whatever! then something is working the way it should! I just have one final thing to say, keep up the good work! Keep improving this program, and you make a lot of people very very happy and keep all our communication needs in check! I talk to people around the world with this program, and I really enjoy using WhatsApp, sometimes, it’s the only thing that I can really get my hands on to use, when everything else is broken! So I’m super excited about that! It’s really good times. Anyway, thanks for keeping this going, keep up the good work, and making WhatsApp better!
No chat backup if you change your phone!
This App is USELESS if you’re counting on trying to restore your chat history when changing your phone! I’m livid - if I could give it zero stars I would.
There is no customer helpline, only standard Troubleshooting guides, which all leave out the key info which they only say in their standard-form email reply :”We aren't able to help you restore your chats, documents, media files, backups, or call history. In most cases, the chat history and media files can only be found on your phone or the recipient's phone.”
They omit to say this - funnily - in their marketing blurb about how you can backup all your data and restore your chat history from the cloud at the touch of a button. That is NOT true. The App does NOT systematically back up to the cloud, even if it claims to: it backs up to your PHONE. So if you change your phone, or SIM card, EVEN if you keep your number/have enough space in the cloud/connect to WiFi/ enable your iCloud Drive ... blah blah.. and do ALL the things you’re supposed to do, just FORGET about retrieving your data.SORT IT OUT WhatsApp - many customers are now writing about this problem. Your blanket claims re: backup are, frankly, misleading advertising.
And your customer service is non-existent. Do better please.
The developer, WhatsApp Inc., indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy.
Data Linked to You
The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:
- Purchases
- Financial Info
- Location
- Contact Info
- Contacts
- User Content
- Identifiers
- Usage Data
- Diagnostics
Privacy practices may vary based on, for example, the features you use or your age.
Learn More
Information
- Provider
- WhatsApp Inc.
- Size
- 150.8 MB
- Category
- Social Networking
- Age Rating
- 12+ Infrequent/Mild Horror/Fear Themes Infrequent/Mild Profanity or Crude Humour Infrequent/Mild Mature/Suggestive Themes Infrequent/Mild Medical/Treatment Information
- Location
- This app may use your location even when it isn’t open, which can decrease battery life.
- Copyright
- © 2022 WhatsApp LLC
- Price
- Free
- Developer Website
- App Support
- Privacy Policy
Supports
More By This Developer
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Whatsapp Messenger
on the App StoreScreenshots (iPhone)
Description
WhatsApp from Meta is a free messaging and video calling application.
It is used by over two billion people in more than 180 countries. It is simple and reliable, and communication in it is confidential. You can easily stay in touch with family and friends. WhatsApp works without a subscription fee* on mobile devices and computers, even with a weak internet connection.
Confidential Worldwide Messaging
Your private messages and calls to friends and family are end-to-end encrypted. Third parties, including WhatsApp, cannot read or listen to them.
Simple and secure connection - instantly
All you need is a phone number (no username needed). You can quickly see the contacts who have WhatsApp and start a conversation.
High quality audio and video calls
Make free* audio and video calls. The number of participants can be up to 8 people. You can make calls even with slow mobile Internet. All you need is a mobile device.
Group chats for communication
Stay in touch with family and friends. Group chats are end-to-end encrypted.
Using your mobile device or computer, you can exchange messages, photos, videos, and documents.
Stay connected in real time
Send your location to an individual or group chat. Stop showing it at any time. Or record a voice message to quickly convey information.
Share events via status
With the Status feature, you can share photos, videos, text and GIFs that disappear after 24 hours. You choose who will see the posts in the status: all contacts or individual people.
*Data charges may apply. Contact your operator for information.
------------------------------------------------- ---------
If you have any comments or questions, please go to WhatsApp > Settings > Help > Contact us.
Oct 17
Version 22.21.77
• You can now create and forward a WhatsApp call link from the Calls tab.
• Now only the admin is notified when a member leaves a group.
• Group admins can delete messages sent to everyone. All members can see who deleted them.
• Reactions to statuses make it easier to respond to them.
• "Delete from me" action can be undone within a few seconds.
These features will be available soon. Thank you for using WhatsApp!
Ratings and reviews
Ratings: 2.6 million
👍
Everything is cool, but please make it possible to edit messages. It's much better than deleting the whole message
Review
1) Add a dark theme!
2) It would be cool if there was a display of who is “online” without entering the chat ...
3) Add a function to change messages so that it is fashionable to add or correct errors ...Everything is fine)
Bring back the "contacts" tab!
I give two stars for a completely stupid idea to remove the "contacts" tab and focus on statuses
Developer WhatsApp Inc. indicated that, in accordance with the application's privacy policy, data may be processed as described below. Detailed information is available in the developer's privacy policy.
Related with user data
The following data may be collected, which is related to the user's identity:
- Purchases
- financial information
- Geoposition
- Contact details
- Contacts
- User Content
- Identifiers
- Usage data
- Diagnostics
Sensitive data may be used differently depending on your age, features involved, or other factors.
Read more
Information
- Provider
- whatsapp inc.
- Size
- 150.8 MB
- Category
- Social networks
- Age
- 12+ Few/moderate topics that evoke horror or fear Small/moderate amount of foul language or crude humor Few/moderate adult-only topics Small/moderate amount of medical or treatment topics
- Location
- This app can use your location even if it's closed. The device's battery life may be shortened.
- Copyright
- © 2022 WhatsApp LLC
- Price
- Free
- Developer site
- Application support
- Privacy Policy
Supported
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How to install WhatsApp on your phone: step by step instructions
Contents0086
1 For Android phones - 1.1.1 Video: install WhatsApp on your phone via the Play Market
How to install WhatsApp on a phone from the official OS store
Owners of Androids version 4.0.3 or higher 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:
- Find the store icon in the menu or on the Desktop and run the program.
- Immediately type in the name of the messenger in the search bar at the top.
- On the Whatsapp page, click on the green install button.
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 on the "Open" button to launch the applicationAccept the terms of use of the messenger - click on the button below the picture.
Click on the button at the bottom of the application windowClick 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 fieldCheck if 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.
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.
If you want to receive notifications from the messenger about new messages:
- Go to phone settings. Tap on the "Applications" section. Find WhatsApp in the list of third-party apps.
- Check the box to the left of Enable Notifications.
Video: put "WhatsApp" on your phone via the Play Market
For iOS phones
If you have an iPhone, proceed to the following steps:
- Open the App Store app in the menu "iPhone" and in the line for the search, enter whatsapp.
- Go to the messenger page in the store and click on the cloud with an arrow to start downloading.
Instead of a cloud, there can be a simple “Download” button.
Click on "Download" to start installationWait 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 serviceYou 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.
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 messagesHow to install WhatsApp without built-in stores
If the installation through the Play Market fails or if you don’t have internet on your phone right now, manually download the WhatsApp installation file with the apk extension.
Then just open it and run the installation:
- 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.
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 fileIf 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 deviceClick on the apk file.
Open the file in DownloadsClick 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".
Wait for the installation to complete successfully.
We are waiting for the program to be installed on the smartphoneIf a message from "Explorer" appears, click on "Allow".
Click on "Allow" if an additional window appearsAs 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 start the messengerThe 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).
