WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users. With the Apple Watch allowing you to access apps and get notifications right on your wrist, many wonder if you can use WhatsApp on the Apple Watch.
The Short Answer
Yes, you can get WhatsApp on the Apple Watch 8. WhatsApp has an Apple Watch app that allows you to send and receive WhatsApp messages directly from your wrist when paired with an iPhone. The WhatsApp app is included by default when setting up the Apple Watch 8.
Getting WhatsApp on Apple Watch 8
Here is how to get WhatsApp on your Apple Watch 8:
- Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed on your paired iPhone.
- On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app.
- Go to the App Store section.
- Under Available Apps, you will see the WhatsApp app. Tap Install to add it to your Apple Watch.
- Once installed, the WhatsApp app will automatically appear on your Apple Watch 8.
That’s all there is to it! As long as you have WhatsApp on your iPhone, the app will be available on your Apple Watch 8 after following these steps.
Using WhatsApp on Apple Watch 8
The WhatsApp experience on the Apple Watch allows you to quickly view and respond to messages without needing your phone nearby at all times. Here is what you can do with WhatsApp on Apple Watch 8:
- View all your WhatsApp conversations on your wrist.
- Tap into any chat to read the messages.
- Dictate and send WhatsApp messages with voice using Siri.
- Reply with brief preset quick replies like “Thanks!”, “OK”, “I’ll call you later” etc.
- See all photos and images people have sent you.
- Get haptic feedback when you receive a new WhatsApp notification.
While you cannot type long messages on the Apple Watch, you can easily read chats, quickly reply, and see all your conversations. For longer interactions, you can seamlessly hand off the chat from your Apple Watch to your iPhone when needed.
Apple Watch 8 WhatsApp Features
Here are some of the key WhatsApp features available on the Apple Watch 8:
- Messaging – Dictate, reply, and view all messages.
- Notifications – Get haptic feedback for new WhatsApp messages.
- Photos – View photos and images in chats.
- Voice Reply – Use Siri to dictate and send voice messages.
- Quick Replies – Tap preset replies like Thanks, OK, Call You Later.
- Chat List – See all your WhatsApp conversations.
- Sync with iPhone – Seamlessly switch chats from watch to phone.
Replying to WhatsApp Messages on Apple Watch
When you get a new WhatsApp message on your Apple Watch 8, you have a few different options to quickly respond:
- Preset replies – Tap short preset messages like “OK”, “Thanks”, “Call you later” etc.
- Emojis – Scroll through and react with emoji icons.
- Dictation – Use Siri dictation to record and send a voice message.
- Scribble – Use your finger to draw out individual letters.
- On iPhone – Open the message on your iPhone to type out a detailed reply.
While scribble works, it can be tedious for long messages. Dictation using Siri is the easiest way to quickly reply by voice from your Apple Watch.
WhatsApp Call Support on Apple Watch
At this time, you cannot directly make WhatsApp voice or video calls from the Apple Watch app. However, you will still get notifications when someone is calling you on WhatsApp.
When you get a WhatsApp call, you can use these options:
- Dismiss/ignore the call notification.
- Tap to reply with a quick preset response.
- Open the call notification on your iPhone to answer.
So while you cannot directly accept a WhatsApp call from your Apple Watch 8, you can quickly dismiss or respond with a message like “Call You Back”.
Is WhatsApp Required on iPhone?
To use WhatsApp on your Apple Watch 8, you need to have WhatsApp installed on your paired iPhone.
The WhatsApp app on Apple Watch relies on your iPhone to function. All the messages are sent via your iPhone, and notifications mirror those from your phone. Your iPhone needs an internet connection to send and receive WhatsApp messages.
So both devices work together. You cannot use the Apple Watch WhatsApp app as a standalone without having it set up on your iPhone too.
WhatsApp for Apple Watch Requirements
Here are the requirements to use WhatsApp on your Apple Watch 8:
- iPhone 6s or later updated to iOS 16 or later.
- Apple Watch Series 8 running watchOS 9 or later.
- Have the latest version of WhatsApp installed from the App Store.
- iPhone and Apple Watch need to be within Bluetooth range.
- Internet connection on your iPhone for sending messages.
As long as your iPhone meets the minimum OS requirement and your Apple Watch is on watchOS 9, you can install and use WhatsApp when paired together.
Setting Up WhatsApp on New Apple Watch
If you just got a new Apple Watch 8, here are the steps to set up WhatsApp:
- Pair your Apple Watch 8 to your iPhone following the onscreen setup instructions.
- On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app and go to the App Store section.
- Under Available Apps, install WhatsApp.
- Once WhatsApp installs, it will automatically appear in the app launcher on your Apple Watch.
- You can now use WhatsApp and get notifications right on your wrist!
It only takes a minute to install once you complete the initial Apple Watch setup. WhatsApp will then stay in sync across both devices.
WhatsApp Not Working on Apple Watch?
If WhatsApp is not working properly on your Apple Watch, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure WhatsApp is installed and up-to-date on both your iPhone and Apple Watch.
- Check that your iPhone has an internet connection.
- Restart both your iPhone and Apple Watch.
- Unpair and re-pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone.
- Check that all software (iOS and watchOS) is up-to-date.
- Disable and re-enable WhatsApp notifications in the Apple Watch app settings.
In most cases, re-installing the app, restarting your devices, and ensuring you have the latest software updates will resolve any issues with WhatsApp not working correctly on your Apple Watch 8.
WhatsApp for Apple Watch Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about using WhatsApp on the Apple Watch:
Does WhatsApp for Apple Watch work without iPhone?
No, you need to have your iPhone powered on and connected for WhatsApp to work on the Apple Watch. The watch app relies on your phone to send and receive messages through WhatsApp’s servers.
Can I make WhatsApp calls from Apple Watch?
Unfortunately, you cannot directly make or receive WhatsApp voice/video calls from the Apple Watch at this time. You can only use it for messaging.
Can I see WhatsApp statuses on my Apple Watch?
No, it is not possible to view WhatsApp statuses or stories from your contacts on the Apple Watch. You can only see and reply to text messages.
Is WhatsApp available on Apple Watch Ultra?
Yes, WhatsApp can be used on all Apple Watch models including the new Ultra model. As long as your watch is running watchOS 9 or later, you can install and use WhatsApp.
Can I install WhatsApp on Apple Watch without my iPhone?
No. To use WhatsApp on the Apple Watch, you must first install it on your iPhone. Your watch needs to be paired to your phone to set up and use WhatsApp.
WhatsApp Alternatives for Apple Watch
If you are looking for messaging apps similar to WhatsApp for your Apple Watch, here are some good alternatives:
| App | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Telegram | Encrypted messaging, group chats, file sharing |
| Signal | Private and encrypted messages, voice calls |
| Skype | Video calls, instant messaging, emoji reactions |
| Slack | Team communication, channels, supports third-party apps |
| Messaging, moments feed, supports apps and games |
These messaging apps all offer dedicated Apple Watch apps with quick reply, messaging, and call features similar to WhatsApp.
Conclusion
WhatsApp is available on the Apple Watch 8, allowing you to send and receive messages right from your wrist. By installing WhatsApp using the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, you can seamlessly keep using WhatsApp across both devices.
While you cannot make voice or video calls from the Apple Watch app, you can quickly view chats, send voice replies via dictation, see photos, and respond to incoming WhatsApp notifications. This allows you to conveniently stay on top of WhatsApp messages without needing to pull out your phone every time.
So if you frequently use WhatsApp for messaging, having it on your Apple Watch 8 is a very handy way to stay connected without disruption. The app reliably mirrors your iPhone and works seamlessly as an extension of your phone’s WhatsApp account.