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How to get whatsapp on mobile phone


Internet tips for older people - How to use WhatsApp

Whilst there's nothing wrong with using text messages and phone calls to keep in touch, many people now use WhatsApp to send messages and make calls. It's an easy way to stay connected with loved ones and to send and receive photos and videos.

  • Where do I get WhatsApp?
  • Is WhatsApp free?
  • How do I use WhatsApp?
  • Can I make phone calls over WhatsApp?
  • Can I make video calls over WhatsApp?
  • What’s a WhatsApp group?
  • Is WhatsApp safe?

You can download WhatsApp to your smartphone. If you have an iPhone, then you'll need to use the App Store, and if you have an Android phone or tablet then it's the Play Store. It doesn't cost anything to download WhatsApp.

Read our guide to downloading apps for more information.

You can use WhatsApp on your computer or tablet (known as WhatsApp Web), but you need to have WhatsApp on your phone first to connect it up. And you can't video or audio call on WhatsApp Web.

Download WhatsApp Web here.

WhatsApp is free to download from the App Store or Play Store. It uses your phone's internet connection and allows you to send unlimited messages, pictures and videos, so you don't need to worry about using up your allocated text or call allowances.

However, you may end up being charged extra if you go over your data allowance, so it's a good idea to connect to Wi-Fi if you're using WhatsApp for things that use a lot of data, like video calls or downloading videos.

You can check on how much data you are using through WhatsApp:

WhatsApp is simple to use once you get the hang of it. It's a messaging app, so it works in a similar way to texting. This video shows you how to get started on WhatsApp, including how to add contacts from your phone.

How to send messages on WhatsApp:

  1. Open WhatsApp on your phone.
  2. Click the chats tab.
  3. Tap the green circle with a messaging icon on the bottom right of your screen.
  4. Choose a contact from your list or click the magnifying glass icon and type the name of the person you want to message.
  5. Start chatting! The messages you send appear with a green background and once the person you’re chatting with has seen a message, two blue ticks will appear next to it.
  6. The messages you receive will have a grey background on the left-hand side of your screen.

There are extra features you can use, like sending photos:

  1. Open a conversation with the person you want to send a photo to.
  2. Send an image you've already taken by tapping on the paperclip icon, then gallery, and choosing a photo.
  3. Or you can tap on the camera icon, which lets you take a photo and send it immediately.

Sharing photos can be a great way to feel closer to people, even when you're not able to meet up.

You can also use WhatsApp to make phone calls. Using WhatsApp will mean that you don’t use up your allocated minutes in your phone contract, and because it uses the internet, you can even call people who live abroad at no extra cost.

How to make a phone call:

  1. Open WhatsApp on your phone.
  2. Click the calls tab.
  3. Press the green icon showing a phone with a plus symbol next to it.
  4. Choose a contact from your list to call or click the magnifying glass icon and type the name of the person you want to call.
  5. Click the symbol that looks like a phone next to their name to start calling.
  6. To end the call, just click the red phone icon.

Remember: Make sure you are connected to a wireless internet network (Wi-Fi) before doing a phone call, otherwise you may incur additional charges from your mobile phone network if you aren't connected to Wi-Fi.

Video calling can be a nicer way of chatting with others than just a phone call, because it lets you see the person you're talking to, and them see you.

How to make a video call on WhatsApp:

  1. Open WhatsApp on your phone.
  2. Click the calls tab.
  3. Press the icon showing a phone with a plus symbol next to it.
  4. Click the green magnifying glass icon and type the name of the person you want to call.
  5. Click the symbol that looks like a camera next to their name to start video calling.
  6. You can add up to four other people into a video call to turn it into a group chat. During the video call, click the add participant icon and search for their name to add them.
  7. To end the call, just click the red phone icon.

Remember: Make sure you are connected to a wireless internet network (Wi-Fi) before doing a video call. Video calling uses a lot of data and could result in additional charges from your mobile phone network if you aren't connected to Wi-Fi.

You can message multiple people at once in a WhatsApp group. This is really handy if you want to chat with a few family members, neighbours, or members of a club or group.

Someone you know might add you to a WhatsApp group if they have your number, or you can set up your own group:

  1. Tap the green circle with a messaging icon on the bottom right of your screen.
  2. Click new group.
  3. Choose participants from your contact list.
  4. Add a name for the group.
  5. You can even choose an image for the group by tapping on the camera icon.
  6. Start chatting! Everyone in the group will be sent the message at once.

Your messages and calls are automatically protected by something called 'end-to-end encryption'. This means that only you and the person you're chatting with can read what is sent.

But as with everything online, there are risks to be aware of, including scams, viruses and misinformation. Here are some tips for staying safe using WhatsApp:

  • Only message people you know. Anyone with your number can send you a message or add you to a WhatsApp group, so make sure that you know and trust them before chatting to them.
  • Don't click on links or download files sent from people who aren't contacts. These could contain viruses or take you to fake websites that are set up by scammers to get your personal or financial information.
  • Look out for misinformation. False claims or fake stories can spread easily online. WhatsApp has created a list of tips to limit the spread of rumours or fake news. Read the tips here.
  • Make sure you're using the most up-to-date version. Find out how to check this and download any updates to WhatsApp in our guide on downloading apps.

 

The majority of our local Age UKs provide computer training, making getting online simple and enjoyable.

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For more information call the Age UK Advice Line on 0800 678 1602.
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We've put together some handy sheets that you can download and print off to help you get to grips with your computer or device:

Staying safe online

Making the most of your device

Sending and receiving emails

How to get started on WhatsApp Messenger

WhatsApp

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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 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? nine0003

    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. nine0010
    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. nine0003 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". nine0003 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. nine0010
    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. nine0003 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. nine0003 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. nine0003 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. nine0003 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. nine0003 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. nine0003

    • Author: Ekaterina Vasilyeva