WhatsApp Business is a version of WhatsApp designed specifically for small businesses. It provides companies with tools to automate, organize, and respond to messages quickly and efficiently. One of the key features of WhatsApp Business is the ability to update the app easily through the Google Play Store. However, sometimes businesses may encounter issues accessing the Play Store or simply want an alternative method for updating the app. Luckily, there are a few ways to update WhatsApp Business without relying on the Play Store.
Reasons for updating without the Play Store
Here are some common reasons businesses may need to update WhatsApp Business without using the Play Store:
- Play Store is blocked – In some countries, the Google Play Store may be blocked or restricted. Businesses in these regions will need another way to update.
- Problems with Play Store account – Issues with a Google account or payment methods could prevent accessing the Play Store to update.
- Prefer manual updates – Some businesses may prefer manual updates over automatic ones from the Play Store for greater control.
- Require specific version – Sometimes a specific version of WhatsApp Business is needed that can’t be found on the Play Store.
Using WhatsApp Business Beta on TestFlight
One way to update WhatsApp Business without the Play Store is by using the WhatsApp Business Beta program on TestFlight. Here are the steps:
- Join the WhatsApp Business Beta program at https://www.whatsapp.com/android/business/beta.
- Download and install TestFlight on your iOS device from the App Store if you don’t already have it.
- Open the TestFlight invitation email from WhatsApp on your iOS device and tap “Accept Invite”.
- TestFlight will take you to the WhatsApp Business Beta app page where you can install the latest beta version.
- When new beta versions are released you will receive an update notification from TestFlight.
The advantage of using the WhatsApp Business Beta on TestFlight is you can install pre-release versions and get early access to the latest updates before they are on the Play Store. The downside is that beta versions may contain bugs.
Downloading APK update files
APK files allow installing Android apps without using an app store like the Play Store. Here are the steps for updating WhatsApp Business using APKs:
- Download the latest WhatsApp Business APK file from a reputable site like APKMirror.
- On your Android device, allow installation of apps from “Unknown sources” in your device settings.
- Locate the downloaded APK file on your device and tap to install it.
- Accept any permission pop-ups that appear during installation.
- Once installed, the updated app will appear on your home screen.
Using APK files allows updating WhatsApp Business without Play Store access. However, sideloading APKs bypasses safety checks and could risk malware. Only download APKs from trustworthy sources.
Updating via Google Chrome
Here are the steps for updating WhatsApp Business by installing the app directly from Google Chrome:
- On your computer, open the Chrome web browser.
- Go to the WhatsApp Business page on the Google Play store website.
- Click the green “Update” button on the Play store page in Chrome.
- In the pop-up that appears, click “Install” to send the app update to your device.
- On your Android device, open the pending update notification and tap “Install” to update WhatsApp Business.
This method allows updating via the Play store website. However, your phone still requires internet access and the Play Store app to receive the update notification.
Using a 3rd party app store
There are various third party app stores for Android that can be used to update WhatsApp Business, such as:
- Aptoide
- Amazon Appstore
- F-Droid
- Galaxy Store
- APKPure
The steps for updating via third party stores are:
- Download and install the third party app store.
- Open the app store and search for WhatsApp Business.
- If an update is available, tap “Update” to download it.
- The app store will handle installing the latest version.
Using third party app stores can provide more update options. However, be cautious some third party stores may have looser security standards.
Updating WhatsApp Business on iPhone
For iPhone users, here are two ways to update WhatsApp Business without the App Store:
Using iTunes on a Computer
- Connect your iPhone to a computer using a USB cable.
- Open iTunes on the computer and select your iPhone.
- Go to Apps > Update Available below the icon for WhatsApp Business.
- Click Update to download the latest version to your iPhone.
Enabling TestFlight
- In the App Store, search for TestFlight and download it.
- Open the TestFlight email invitation link on your iPhone to access WhatsApp Business beta.
- Download the beta via TestFlight to get the latest update.
This allows updating WhatsApp Business without using the App Store. However, Apple restricts alternative installation methods, so options are limited on iOS.
Manually installing app updates
In some cases, it may be necessary to manually install update files for WhatsApp Business:
On Android
- Download and install the APK update file.
- In WhatsApp Business, go to Settings > Chats > Chat backup.
- Tap Back Up to create a local backup of your messages.
- Uninstall the current version of WhatsApp Business.
- Install the new APK version you downloaded.
- Restore your messages from the local backup.
On iPhone
- Create an encrypted iTunes backup of your iPhone.
- Install the WhatsApp Business IPA file using a computer.
- Restore the iTunes backup to transfer your messages.
Manual installation takes more effort but allows updating without an app store. Ensure proper app data backup first.
Using a mobile device management (MDM) platform
Businesses can use an MDM platform to push app updates and manage devices:
- Upload the latest WhatsApp Business app file to the MDM console.
- Configure deployment rules to target devices.
- Push the app update out over-the-air to devices.
- Updates get installed automatically without user input.
MDM allows centralized control and automation for large device fleets. MDM solutions include VMWare Workspace ONE, ManageEngine, and Microsoft Intune.
When to avoid alternative update methods
While alternative methods can be handy, it’s best to avoid bypassing the Play Store and App Store when possible for security, stability, and convenience. Consider using alternative update methods only when necessary in these cases:
- Play Store is restricted
- Urgent update is needed
- Specific old version is required
- Testing beta version
In most cases, the official app stores provide the safest and most reliable way to keep WhatsApp Business updated.
Key takeaways
Here are some key points about updating WhatsApp Business without the Play Store:
- Use the TestFlight beta program to get early access to updates.
- Download APK files from trusted sites to manually update.
- Update via the Chrome browser or third party app stores.
- On iPhone, update through iTunes or TestFlight.
- Back up chats before manually installing update files.
- MDM platforms allow centralized remote updating.
- Avoid bypassing app stores unless necessary.
Conclusion
While the Play Store provides the simplest way to update WhatsApp Business, there are alternatives available when needed. Testing beta versions, using reliable APK files, or leveraging MDM software can keep WhatsApp Business updated. Just be sure to carefully evaluate any risks, backup data, and only use trustworthy sources when bypassing the Play Store. With the right approach, businesses can maintain access to the latest WhatsApp Business features and fixes without the Play Store.