Home » Misc » How to use the whatsapp on android

How to use the whatsapp on android


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.

  • Find out what’s available near you

For more information call the Age UK Advice Line on 0800 678 1602.
We’re open 8am to 7pm, every day of the year.

By donating today, you could help us answer more calls to our advice line, campaign harder for older people’s rights and fair treatment and provide regular friendship calls to people who are desperately lonely.

Donate now

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 use WhatsApp: A step-by-step beginner's guide

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

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

To use WhatsApp on your iPad, you need to use 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.

Android users who are signed up for the beta program can also now use a test version of WhatsApp for Android tablets. If you are not in the beta program, you can get the APK file from a third-party source. There’s no word yet on when the tablet version will be rolled out for the iPad.

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.

What is WhatsApp and how to use it on your phone/smartphone?

WhatsApp is a messenger or instant messaging system between users using the Internet. Allows you to send text messages, various kinds of images, audio and video recordings, etc. Supported by multiple platforms, including popular ones like Android, Windows Mobile, Nokia Symbian, iOS, Windows, etc.

The first launch of the application took place back in 2009year. It is claimed that by April 2012, WhatsApp users were sending more than 2 billion messages daily, and by August of that year, the figure reached 10 billion.

Unfortunately, the exact number of WhatsApp users is not disclosed, but, according to some reports, in the spring of 2016, more than 1 billion users used the application! Agree, the figure is impressive.

It is believed that the emergence of instant messengers like WhatsApp or Viber has had a very negative impact on the profits of mobile operators around the world. Thus, their losses due to the fact that users use SMS messages less and less, amount to tens or even hundreds of billions of US dollars. However, telecom operators began to offer tariff packages with mobile traffic, which partly compensated for the loss of funds. nine0003

Interestingly, until the beginning of 2016, WhatsApp was paid. True, the cost can be called symbolic - 1 US dollar per year, starting from the second year of connection. It is difficult to say why the messenger was paid, because it is unlikely that the creators tried to make money on it in this way. Whatever it was, now WhatsApp is free, as well as most other well-known instant messengers.

WhatsApp has been and is often criticized for security algorithms, including encryption. So, it is alleged that, for example, until August 2012, messages were sent without encryption, as a result of which they could be intercepted. Despite this, WhatsApp is still one of the most popular instant messengers in the world. nine0003

It's very simple. First you need to download the app on your smartphone. How to do this, we described in detail earlier.

After installation, you need to launch WhatsApp and go through a quick registration. The peculiarity of the application is that the number of the user's mobile device is used as a login, and the application receives access to the phone book automatically. By going to WhatsApp contacts, you will immediately see the friends who use the application, after which you can start chatting with them. nine0003

How does communication work? You can send messages or call them directly. There is no charge for this, except for mobile traffic.

You can also use group chats that bring together several users at once, leave voice messages, send images or videos, etc.

All this is so easy to do that you will immediately understand where and which buttons to press. That's what WhatsApp is good for. nine0003

How to use WhatsApp: A step-by-step guide for beginners

WhatsApp has more than 2 billion users worldwide. It was bought by Facebook for $16 billion in 2014 and has raised some privacy concerns, but it still has a number of advantages over the competition. If these two reasons are not enough to convince you to learn how to use WhatsApp, perhaps the fact that it is completely free will be a serious argument.

Also Read: 4 Best Apps to Transfer Files from Android to PC

If you are a beginner, learning the world's most popular communication app can be tiring. To help you figure it out, we've put together this beginner's guide on how to use WhatsApp, from installing the app to chatting with friends and family in groups. Let's start!

What is WhatsApp?

WhatsApp is a free communication app that was released at the dawn of the smartphone era back in 2009year. Only in 2015 it became the most popular communication app in the world, it is now almost ubiquitous in most of Europe, Latin America and other countries. Middle East.

See also : WhatsApp not working? 5 easy ways to make it work

Whatsapp's popularity is due to the fact that it's free, it has no ads and of course it has a huge user base. It also supports end-to-end encryption so your communications will be private and secure. However, recent security policy changes mean that the app may share some of your data with Facebook. nine0003

In addition to standard individual and group chats, you can also make free calls and video calls, including abroad. Just be aware that this will consume mobile network data if you are not connected to Wi-Fi.

Is WhatsApp safe?

Since every message and call is end-to-end encrypted by default, WhatsApp is quite secure in practice. This level of encryption means that even WhatsApp cannot see the content of your messages. nine0003

However, beware of phishing attempts. Never give out your personal information to people 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.

See also: Instagram not working? You're not alone! What to do?!

When it comes to privacy, things are more complicated. An early 2021 privacy policy update said that WhatsApp may share some of your data with Facebook. This will include your phone number, location, product interaction, etc. This is supposed to improve ad targeting across other Facebook products. nine0003

This update caused a lot of controversy among users, but was eventually released on May 15, 2021. Later in 2021, it was revealed that while WhatsApp can't see your messages, the company regularly uses contractors to do so as part of its content review system. This is limited to extreme cases of child abuse or terrorism, but it goes against WhatsApp marketing material.

In other words, if you're concerned about your privacy and don't want Facebook to access some of your data, WhatsApp might not be for you. Other apps like Telegram or another messenger provide better security but have fewer users. nine0003

How to install WhatsApp

The first step in learning how to use WhatsApp is to install the app, it only takes a few minutes. As mentioned above, the application is completely free and only a phone number and a mobile device are required to register.

How to install WhatsApp:

  1. Install the app from Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone).
  2. Run the application and confirm the requested permissions. nine0095
  3. Enter your phone number and tap Verify .
  4. Enter verification code received via SMS (WhatsApp can do this automatically).
  5. Import existing contacts into the application (optional).

That's it! Now you can write a message to any of your contacts who also have WhatsApp installed. You can also manually add contacts to WhatsApp if you don't want to import your entire contact list. nine0003

Read also: How to install WhatsApp without a SIM card.

How to set up your WhatsApp profile

Before you start chatting, you can set up your profile. This will help your contacts know who you are, even if your number is not saved in their contacts. You can add a photo, name, and short biography.

How to set up your WhatsApp profile:

  1. Tap on the three dots on the top right corner of the app and select Settings ".
  2. Touch your name at the top of the screen.
  3. To change your photo, touch the camera icon and select a photo.
  4. To change your name, touch the pencil icon next to the Name field.
  5. Enter or edit your bio by tapping the pencil icon next to the About field.

You can also change your phone number on this screen and the process is the same as when you first set up your account. The service will send a verification SMS code and after confirmation all your chats and contacts will be transferred to a new number. nine0003

How to start a WhatsApp chat

Now that your profile is set up, it's time to move on to the next task: chatting! The first time you open the app, you won't have any open chats, but you can start a new one by clicking on the chat popup in the bottom right corner.

From there, simply select the contact you want to talk to from the list. If you already had a previous chat with this contact, an existing chat will open instead of a new one. All that's left is to enter your message at the bottom of the screen. After entering text, tap arrow icon next to the text field to send it.

You can also send images or files to WhatsApp by clicking the paperclip or camera icon at the bottom of the screen. WhatsApp has a built-in camera app, but it's better to use a regular camera and then select it in the gallery to send.

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! nine0003

There are all sorts of extra features available on WhatsApp, so be sure to check out our list of WhatsApp tips and tricks to keep up to date.

How to use GIFs on WhatsApp

How to use GIFs on WhatsApp

Sending GIFs to WhatsApp is easy, 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 the chat and click on the smiley next to the text field. Then tap the GIF text at the bottom of the screen to see a selection of the most popular GIFs. To find other gifs, tap the magnifying glass in the lower left corner and enter keywords. Once you've found and selected the GIF you want, all that's left is to click Submit. nine0003

It's worth noting that this process may be easier depending on what brand of phone you have or if you have a different keyboard installed. Often you can just click on the gif text above the keyboard instead of the complicated process above.

Also Read: Top 10 GIF Creation and Editing Apps for Android

To send a GIF on iPhone, open a chat and tap the plus sign in the bottom left corner. Then select the photo and video library from the menu and tap the gif text in the lower left corner. By clicking on the magnifying glass icon in the lower left corner, you can find and save your favorite gifs to your favorites by marking them. Once selected, simply click Submit. nine0003

How to send a GIF on WhatsApp (Android):

  1. Open a WhatsApp chat window.
  2. Tap the emoticon to the left of the text box.
  3. Tap the gif text at the bottom of the screen.
  4. (Optional) Tap the magnifying glass icon to find more GIFs.
  5. Select a GIF and click Submit.

How to send a GIF to WhatsApp (iPhone):

  1. Open the WhatsApp chat window. nine0095
  2. Tap the plus sign in the lower left corner, then select your photo and video library.
  3. Tap the gif text in the bottom left corner.
  4. (Optional) Tap the magnifying glass icon in the bottom left corner to find more GIFs.
  5. Select a GIF and click Submit.

How to make a WhatsApp call

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 an internet connection, not a phone line, and are therefore completely free (except for data overage charges when you're not using Wi-Fi). nine0003

To call Whatsapp, all you have to do is open chat window and touch phone icon in the top right corner. If it's a group, you can select multiple people to call at the same time.

The steps for making a WhatsApp video call are almost identical. Just touch the camcorder icon next to the phone icon. It's a great alternative to Facetime, especially for Android users!

How to use WhatsApp on a computer

If you're the type of person who prefers to type on a keyboard (or just don't want to look at your phone all day), you can use WhatsApp from your computer. This is a very convenient way to chat or send files from a PC or Mac.

How to use WhatsApp on a computer:

  1. On a computer browser, go to web.whatsapp.com.
  2. Open Whatsapp on your phone, tap three dots in the top right corner, then WhatsApp Web .
  3. Touch the plus icon in the upper right corner.
  4. Point your phone camera at QR code on the computer screen.
  5. WhatsApp should be instantly logged into your computer.

If you don't want to use a browser, you can install the WhatsApp client for PC directly on your computer. If you suspect someone is using WhatsApp Web without your permission, you can remove access from your phone by following the first two steps above. nine0003

How to use WhatsApp on an iPad or Android tablet

With so many new features added to iPadOS every year that make it more and more like a computer, you might be surprised to learn that using WhatsApp on an iPad is quite difficult. You can install the app directly, but then you have to uninstall it from your phone, which is obviously inconvenient.

See also: how to recover phone numbers on Android

The best way to use WhatsApp on an iPad or Android tablet is through the web portal described above. Even then, an extra step is required 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 are using a computer instead of a mobile device and will allow you to connect your phone using the same steps above. How exactly you request the PC version will depend on which browser you're using, but we've covered the steps for Safari. nine0003

How to use WhatsApp on iPad:

  1. Open Safari browser and go to web.whatsapp.com.
  2. Tap the three dots next to the URL field, then tap " Request Desktop Site ".
  3. Open WhatsApp on your phone, click " Settings " in the top right corner, then WhatsApp Web.
  4. Touch the plus icon in the upper right corner.
    5. nine0094 Point your phone camera at QR code on the iPad screen.
  5. WhatsApp should be logged in instantly on your iPad.

Note that this trick works with both Android tablets and iPads, and can be used with both Android phones and iPhones in any combination. WhatsApp's official multi-device support may be coming soon, but for now, it's the only one that works.

Android users who signed up to the beta program can now also use the test version of WhatsApp for Android tablets. If you are not participating in the beta program, you can obtain the APK file from a third party source. There is no word yet on when the tablet version will be released for the iPad. nine0003

You can also use this APK to use WhatsApp on a second phone by tricking the APK into thinking the second phone is a tablet.

WhatsApp FAQ

Are WhatsApp calls free? What about video calls?
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 when making video calls.

What is WhatsApp Plus? It is safe?
WhatsApp Plus is an application developed using a stolen code from the official WhatsApp application. It includes a few extra features, but they need to be downloaded to work. However, it is not safe to use and can result in your WhatsApp account being blocked or worse, your information being stolen.

Does WhatsApp belong to Facebook?
Yes, WhatsApp was bought by Facebook in February 2014.

Learn more