WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users. It allows people to easily communicate with friends, family and co-workers through messaging, voice and video calls. A key question for many phone owners is whether their device supports WhatsApp or not. In this article, we’ll explore whether Nokia phones can use WhatsApp.
What is WhatsApp and how does it work?
WhatsApp is a cross-platform messaging and voice over IP service owned by Meta Platforms. It allows users to send text messages, voice messages, photos, videos and documents to other WhatsApp users over an internet data connection.
Some key features of WhatsApp:
– Uses your phone number as the main account identifier.
– End-to-end encryption for messages.
– Group chats with up to 256 participants.
– Voice and video calling.
– Share location, documents and other media.
– Supports iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, JioPhone and Nokia phones.
WhatsApp uses your phone’s mobile data or WiFi connection to send messages, make calls and share media. As long as both you and the recipient have WhatsApp installed and an active internet connection, messages will be delivered instantly.
Brief history of Nokia phones
Nokia was founded in 1865 and was a pioneer in mobile phones, releasing some of the most iconic and popular models like the Nokia 3310. Here’s a quick history of Nokia phones:
1960s-1980s
– Nokia starts out as a wood pulp mill and expands to rubber and cables.
– In the 1960s, Nokia begins making radio telephones for the army and emergency services.
– In the 1980s, Nokia introduces some of the world’s first portable phones for GSM networks.
1990s
– Nokia releases the Nokia 1011 in 1992, one of the first GSM handsets.
– The Nokia 2100 series in the mid-90s was extremely popular and sold over 20 million units.
– Nokia is the world’s largest mobile phone manufacturer in 1998.
2000s
– Iconic Nokia handsets like the 3310, 3510 and 5110 are released, selling over 125 million units.
– Nokia introduces smartphone OS Symbian and touchscreen phones.
– By 2007 Nokia sells its 1 billionth phone.
2010s
– Faces stiff competition from iOS and Android devices.
– Windows Phone platform fails to gain traction.
– Nokia’s phone business is sold to Microsoft in 2014.
– Nokia brand returns to phones in 2016 under HMD Global.
Can older Nokia phones use WhatsApp?
WhatsApp regularly ends support for older operating systems that are outdated and difficult to maintain. Here’s a look at WhatsApp support for legacy Nokia phones:
Series 30+ and Series 40 phones
These operating systems powered Nokia’s low-end and mid-range feature phones like the Asha series in the late 2000s and early 2010s. WhatsApp was never supported on Series 30+ and Series 40 phones. So older Nokia bar phones cannot use WhatsApp.
Symbian S60 and Symbian S40 phones
Symbian was Nokia’s flagship smartphone OS before 2011. WhatsApp was available for download on Symbian phones like the Nokia N8 and Nokia 5800 in the early years. However, WhatsApp ended support for Symbian after December 31, 2012. So Nokia’s Symbian phones cannot use WhatsApp anymore.
Windows Phone
Nokia made Windows Phone smartphones like the Lumia 520 and Lumia 620 in partnership with Microsoft. WhatsApp was supported on Windows Phone 7.5 and 8. However, support ended on December 31, 2019. So all Windows Phone Nokias cannot use WhatsApp now.
Can newer Nokia smartphones use WhatsApp?
Yes, all of Nokia’s newer Android smartphones support WhatsApp:
| Phone | Operating System | WhatsApp Support |
|---|---|---|
| Nokia 1 | Android Oreo 8.1 | Supported |
| Nokia 1 Plus | Android Pie 9 | Supported |
| Nokia 2 | Android Nougat 7.1 | Supported |
| Nokia 3 | Android Nougat 7.0 | Supported |
| Nokia 5 | Android Nougat 7.1.1 | Supported |
The latest Nokia phones run on Android and have full support for WhatsApp. You can simply download WhatsApp from the Google Play Store on any of these Nokia models. WhatsApp will function normally once installed.
Here are some of Nokia’s latest phones that can use WhatsApp:
Nokia 2.3
The Nokia 2.3 was released in late 2019 and runs on Android 9 Pie. It has a 6.2″ display and dual rear cameras. The large 4000 mAh battery delivers up to 2 days of battery life.
Nokia 5.3
This 2020 model has a 6.55″ display and quad rear cameras. It runs the Android 10 operating system. The Nokia 5.3 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 chipset and comes in 3/4GB RAM variants.
Nokia 8.3 5G
Nokia’s first 5G smartphone has a 6.81″ display with a punch-hole front camera. It runs on Android 10 and is powered by the powerful Snapdragon 765G processor. The Nokia 8.3 5G has great performance and supports next-gen 5G networks.
How to download and register WhatsApp on a Nokia phone
Downloading and setting up WhatsApp on a compatible Nokia phone is quick and easy:
Step 1: Download WhatsApp
– Open the Google Play Store app on your Nokia phone.
– Search for “WhatsApp Messenger” or simply “WhatsApp”.
– Tap on the WhatsApp entry and then tap “Install”.
– The app will begin downloading. Tap “Accept” to allow all the permissions required.
Step 2: Register your account
– Once installed, open WhatsApp from your home screen.
– Agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
– Enter your phone number and tap “Next”.
– WhatsApp will send a one-time 6-digit code via SMS to verify your phone number.
– Enter the code and tap “Next” to complete registration.
Step 3: Set up your profile
– WhatsApp allows you to set a profile name and photo that contacts will see.
– Tap the menu button and go to Settings > Profile to customize your profile.
– You can also go to Privacy settings to control your last seen, profile photo and status visibility.
Top WhatsApp features to use on a Nokia phone
Here are some great WhatsApp features to make the most of on your Nokia device:
Messaging
– Text messaging is instant and reliable.
– Share photos, videos and GIFs in chats.
– Send documents like PDFs and Word files.
– Voice messages allow hands-free communication.
WhatsApp Web
– Use WhatsApp on your computer browser by scanning the QR code.
– Reply to chats and continue conversations on a bigger screen.
Video and voice calls
– Make free WhatsApp audio and video calls over WiFi or mobile data.
– High quality calls that rarely drop out.
– Group video calls support up to 8 participants.
Groups
– Create groups with up to 256 members.
– Coordinate plans, chat and share media as a group.
– Mute noisy groups if needed.
Stories
– Share disappearing photos and videos as your WhatsApp Status.
– View close friends’ daily stories easily.
– Reply privately to any status update.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp is not supported on Nokia’s older Symbian, Series 40 and Windows Phone devices, it works perfectly on their newer Android phones. Most new Nokia smartphones come pre-installed with WhatsApp or allow downloading it from the Google Play Store. Signing up is quick and easy using your phone number. With useful features like messaging, calling, groups and stories, WhatsApp is the top communication app for Nokia phone owners.