Quick Answer
No, you cannot message someone on WhatsApp if they do not have a WhatsApp account. WhatsApp requires both the sender and receiver to have the app installed and registered with a phone number in order to exchange messages. If the recipient does not have WhatsApp, any messages you send will not be delivered.
Sending Messages on WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a popular messaging app owned by Meta (formerly Facebook) that allows users to exchange instant messages, photos, videos and other media, make voice and video calls, and more. It currently has over 2 billion active users worldwide.
To use WhatsApp, you first need to download the app on your mobile device and register with your phone number. This verifies your identity on WhatsApp and links your account to that number.
When you send a message on WhatsApp, it uses your phone’s internet connection to send the message data to WhatsApp’s servers. WhatsApp then locates the recipient in its database by their registered phone number and forwards the message to their device.
This means both you and the person you are messaging must have an active WhatsApp account for messages to successfully be delivered and received.
Requirements for Messaging on WhatsApp
Here are the key requirements for you to be able to message someone on WhatsApp:
- You must have the WhatsApp app installed on your mobile device or WhatsApp Web linked to your account.
- You must register your phone number with WhatsApp and verify it.
- The recipient must also have WhatsApp installed and registered with their phone number.
- Both you and the recipient must have an active internet connection.
If either you or the recipient does not meet these requirements, you will not be able to exchange WhatsApp messages. The app gives notification when a message has not been successfully delivered.
Messaging Someone Without WhatsApp
If you need to contact someone who does not have WhatsApp, there are a few different options you can use instead:
SMS/MMS
If you have the person’s mobile number, you can send them a standard text message (SMS) through your mobile provider. This does not require the recipient to have any apps installed. The downside is that SMS has limits on message length and no advanced features like media sharing that WhatsApp offers.
Alternative Chat Apps
Popular messaging apps similar to WhatsApp include Signal, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, Skype, Viber and others. If you and the recipient both have one of these apps, you can message without needing WhatsApp specifically. The features vary across apps.
If you have the person’s email address, email is another simple option for non-WhatsApp communication. You can send text, photos, files and more via email.
Social Media
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat etc allow you to exchange messages without needing phone numbers. However, both parties need to actively use and be connected on the same social media service.
Phone Call
Phoning someone directly via your phone’s native calling feature is a reliable way to communicate if you know their number. However, it lacks the advanced messaging capabilities of apps.
Should You Get Someone to Use WhatsApp?
If you frequently need to communicate with someone who doesn’t have WhatsApp, it may be worth convincing them to start using it. Here are some benefits if you get them on WhatsApp:
- Free messaging – no SMS charges for either of you.
- Supports instant text, photos, videos and calling.
- Group chats allow communicating with multiple people at once.
- Delivered and read receipts let you see if your message was received.
- Works seamlessly across devices when linked to WhatsApp Web.
- End-to-end encryption provides enhanced security.
WhatsApp has become many people’s primary messaging app because of these useful features. If your contacts use it too, it can make communication much more convenient and flexible.
How to Get Someone to Use WhatsApp
Here are some tips if you want to get someone you know to start using WhatsApp:
Explain the Benefits
Tell them how WhatsApp can improve your communication compared to other options. Highlight useful features that may appeal to them specifically.
Offer to Help Set Up Their Account
If they need assistance downloading, installing and registering WhatsApp, offer to help walk them through the process. This can get them started more easily.
Send Them an Invitation Link
WhatsApp lets you send invitation links for others to install the app. Sending this to non-users is an easy way to get them started.
Add Them to a Group Chat
If you have a family, friend or work group chat on WhatsApp, add the person to it. Seeing others use WhatsApp may motivate them to start.
Coordinate a Switch with Friends
Propose to a group of friends that you all switch to using WhatsApp as your primary communication app. Making the change together can help it stick.
Limitations of Messaging Non-Users
While you have alternative messaging options if a contact doesn’t use WhatsApp, there are some limitations:
- No advanced WhatsApp features like sharing media or group chats.
- SMS, phone calls and some apps may have costs associated.
- Less seamless communication across multiple devices.
- No built-in end-to-end encryption on some platforms.
- Inconsistent notification handling if using multiple apps.
Having all your contacts on the same messaging platform like WhatsApp provides the smoothest overall communication experience in most cases.
Should You Install Other Apps to Message Them?
If someone close to you prefers using a different chat app, it may be worth installing it too specifically to message them. However, using too many messaging apps can become inconvenient to manage. Consider these pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lets you message the contact on their preferred platform | Multiple apps takes up more device storage |
| Can directly use the app’s unique features | Remembering which contacts use which apps |
| No need to convince them to switch apps | Separate notifications settings per app |
| Shows you are willing to adapt to their preference | Potential costs if paid app or SMS/phone rates apply |
In general, try to minimize the number of new apps you install for just a single contact. But certain situations like messaging family may warrant the extra effort.
Conclusion
WhatsApp requires both the sender and recipient to have accounts in order to exchange messages. If someone does not use WhatsApp, you cannot message them on the platform itself. However, you have various alternative options to contact non-users available, including SMS, phone calls, email, social media and other chat apps.
Getting important contacts to start using WhatsApp as well can improve your overall messaging experience and capabilities. But maintaining multiple chat apps to reach non-WhatsApp users also has trade-offs to consider. Ultimately, adapt your communication methods based on which platforms people already prefer using to connect with you.