How to use whatsapp for free
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 or iPad, 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.
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:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Click the chats tab.
- Tap the green circle with a messaging icon on the bottom right of your screen.
- Choose a contact from your list or click the magnifying glass icon and type the name of the person you want to message.
- 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.
- 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:
- Open a conversation with the person you want to send a photo to.
- Send an image you've already taken by tapping on the paperclip icon, then gallery, and choosing a photo.
- 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:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Click the calls tab.
- Press the green icon showing a phone with a plus symbol next to it.
- 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.
- Click the symbol that looks like a phone next to their name to start calling.
- 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:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Click the calls tab.
- Press the icon showing a phone with a plus symbol next to it.
- Click the green magnifying glass icon and type the name of the person you want to call.
- Click the symbol that looks like a camera next to their name to start video calling.
- 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.
- 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:
- Tap the green circle with a messaging icon on the bottom right of your screen.
- Click new group.
- Choose participants from your contact list.
- Add a name for the group.
- You can even choose an image for the group by tapping on the camera icon.
- 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
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 or iPad, 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.
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:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Click the chats tab.
- Tap the green circle with a messaging icon on the bottom right of your screen.
- Choose a contact from your list or click the magnifying glass icon and type the name of the person you want to message.
- 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.
- 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:
- Open a conversation with the person you want to send a photo to.
- Send an image you've already taken by tapping on the paperclip icon, then gallery, and choosing a photo.
- 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:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Click the calls tab.
- Press the green icon showing a phone with a plus symbol next to it.
- 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.
- Click the symbol that looks like a phone next to their name to start calling.
- 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:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Click the calls tab.
- Press the icon showing a phone with a plus symbol next to it.
- Click the green magnifying glass icon and type the name of the person you want to call.
- Click the symbol that looks like a camera next to their name to start video calling.
- 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.
- 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:
- Tap the green circle with a messaging icon on the bottom right of your screen.
- Click new group.
- Choose participants from your contact list.
- Add a name for the group.
- You can even choose an image for the group by tapping on the camera icon.
- 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 on your phone: installation and setup How to use WhatsApp on your phone: installation and setup
Tutorials • Android Tutorials01/13/2020
Author: lembos
WhatsApp or "vatsap" is an application for instant text messaging with support for voice and video communication over the Internet.
Messenger is distributed free of charge and is available for mobile devices based on Android, iOS and Windows Phone.
Content
- 1 How to install WhatsApp on the phone with Android
- 1.1 via Play Market
- 1.2 through the official website
- 2 Settings WhatsApp
- 2.5 Data and storage
How to install WhatsApp on Android phone
WhatsApp is supported by all 9 based mobile devices0039 Android version 2.3.3 and above. You can download the application through Play Store or the official website of the developer. Below we will consider them in more detail, and then we will tell you how to set up WhatsApp.
Through the Play Store
Before installing WhatsApp on your phone, make sure that the device is connected to a mobile network or Wi-Fi . Then follow these steps:
Step 1.
Open the menu and select the app "Play Store" .
Step 2. In the search bar, enter "WhatsApp" and click on the first application from the list of suggestions.
Step 3. The mobile application page will open. Click on the button "Install" and give WhatsApp all the necessary permissions to start the download.
Wait until the end and installation and click on the button "Open" to start the messenger. Or use the shortcut on the screen or in the main menu.
Please note : You can also use WhatsApp from a computer, through the web version of the application. But for this you still need to install the messenger on your phone.
Through the official site
If for some reason you do not have access to Play Store , then you can download the application through the official site.
To do this:
Step 1. Open any browser on your computer and go to the official website of the application.
Step 2. In the header of the site, find and select "Download" . The page will refresh.
Step 3. On the left side of the screen, select the desired platform.
Step 4. On the page that opens, click the green button "Download now" to download the latest version of the Android app.
Step 5. Connect your mobile device to your computer via USB and copy the downloaded .apk file.
Step 6. Open the File Explorer app on your tablet or smartphone and run WhatsApp.apk to start installing the messenger. Wait for it to finish.
Step 7. If you are unable to start the installation, please allow the installation of applications from unknown sources.
To do this, go to menu "Settings" - "Security" .
Application installed. You can start the messenger right away, through a shortcut for quick access on the main screen or menu.
WhatsApp setup
If you are launching the application for the first time, you will be prompted to create a new account. To do this, enter your mobile number and confirm registration using SMS code. After that, enter a name and select a profile photo - this data will be visible to the interlocutors. If you have previously used the messenger on another device, you can restore the call log and chat history.
Please note : You can also put WhatsApp on Wi-Fi device (without SIM card), but for this you will need to use an additional phone or tablet with the ability to receive SMS messages or calls during the account verification process.
Contacts
WhatsApp automatically syncs your phone book data, so the list of available chats will immediately appear on the screen.
Click on the dialogue to start a chat or make a call.
Notices
By default, WhatsApp plays the sounds of incoming and outgoing messages, calls. The settings can be changed via menu "Settings" - "Notifications" . Here you can enable or disable vibration, pop-up notifications, select a ringtone.
Chats
In the menu "Chats" you can change the font size, select wallpapers (gallery photo, solid color, standard, library WhatsApp ), configure backup settings. If you want to archive or delete all chats, then click on item "History" , and then select the desired option.
Account
In menu "Account" you can set up privacy data, visibility of personal data (geodata, status, profile photo, other information). Here you can activate two-step verification and delete your account.
Data and storage
To control traffic, you can enable or disable auto-download of media for different types of Internet connection (Wi-Fi, mobile network, roaming).
Statistics on network usage (the number of sent and received messages), storage data are also available here.
Now you know how to use WhatsApp and what you need to install and set up the application.
Read also
App Store: WhatsApp Messenger
Screenshots (iPhone)
Description of
WhatsApp by Facebook 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 communications around the world
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.
Version 22.20.75
• You can now filter chats using the "Unread" option. To do this, click "Search" and select "Unread".
• Only admins will receive a notification that you have left the group.
• Group admins can now delete messages sent to everyone. All members can see who deleted them.
Ratings and reviews
Ratings: 2.6 million
👍
Everything is cool, but please make it possible to edit messages.
This is much better than deleting the entire 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.
