WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users. It offers a convenient way to stay in touch with friends, family, coworkers, and more through texting, voice notes, video calling, and more. If you want to connect with someone new on WhatsApp, you’ll need to provide them with your WhatsApp number or username so they can add you as a contact.
There are a few different ways you can give out your WhatsApp contact info depending on the situation. Here are some common scenarios and the best practices for sharing your WhatsApp details with someone new:
Giving Your WhatsApp Number In Person
If you meet someone in person that you want to connect with on WhatsApp, the easiest way is to simply exchange phone numbers. Here are some tips for smoothly exchanging numbers in person:
- Wait for the right moment – Only ask for someone’s number when you’ve built some rapport through conversation and feel there is mutual interest in connecting further.
- Be direct – Say something like “I’d love to stay in touch over WhatsApp, can we exchange numbers?” This makes it clear you are interested in their contact details specifically for chatting on WhatsApp.
- Have your phone ready – When they agree, pull out your phone right away so you can immediately enter their number and vice versa.
- Check digits – Verify you have entered their phone number correctly by reading it back to them.
- Send a text – Send them a quick WhatsApp message saying “Hey it’s [your name]” so they have your number saved and know it’s you.
Exchanging numbers in person can feel natural when you’re actively conversing with someone interested in connecting. Just be sure to confirm the number is correct before parting ways.
Sharing Your WhatsApp Info Virtually
In online interactions, you’ll need to be a bit more explicit about requesting someone’s WhatsApp details. Some best practices include:
- Ask directly – In a messaging app, email, social media, or dating app, state clearly that you’d like to move the conversation to WhatsApp and ask if they would be willing to share contact details.
- Share yours first – To build trust, you may choose to share your WhatsApp number first before asking for theirs.
- Send a link – WhatsApp offers the option to create a simple link that will pre-populate your number when someone clicks on it from their phone. Sending this gives them a simple way to add you.
- Follow any objections – If they seem hesitant at first, respectfully find out their concerns and see if you can address them to make them feel more comfortable sharing their details.
Making the initial ask can feel nerve-wracking when you don’t know someone well yet. Staying friendly, direct and considerate of their perspective can help put them at ease to connect via WhatsApp.
What To Share Along With Your WhatsApp Details
To help someone easily add and identify you on WhatsApp, include the following when sharing your contact info:
- Full Name – Clearly state your first and last name so they know who is adding them.
- Profile Photo – Having your profile photo visible will also help them recognize your account.
- Custom Message – Sending a friendly accompanying message can help break the ice when first connecting.
You may also choose to summarize how you met or where they know you from as a reminder of the context for connecting on WhatsApp.
What To Do Once You’ve Exchanged WhatsApp Details
Here are some tips for following up once you’ve shared WhatsApp info to start connecting:
- Add them right away – Save their phone number or WhatsApp link into your contacts and send them a message on WhatsApp introducing yourself.
- Make initial small talk – Start with casual small talk and get to know them better before diving into deeper conversations.
- Don’t take delays personally – People aren’t always quick to respond on WhatsApp. Be patient if they take some time to reply at first.
- Pick the right times – Pay attention to when they tend to be most responsive, like evenings or weekends, and opt for those times to chat.
- Ask to video chat – Once you build some rapport, consider asking to video call so you can communicate face-to-face.
The first conversations after exchanging contacts are important for building rapport. Keep it relaxed and let the chats unfold naturally to get your WhatsApp connection started on the right foot.
What To Do If They Don’t Add You Back Right Away
It’s common for people to take a while to add new WhatsApp contacts, so try not to worry if they don’t immediately add you back. Here are some constructive ways to handle the situation:
- Double check accuracy – Make sure you entered their number correctly and they have the right details to add you.
- Send a reminder – Politely follow up saying you’re looking forward to connecting on WhatsApp.
- Give it time – Continue nurturing the relationship through your existing communication channels in the meantime.
- Ask if they received your info – Check in to see if they did get your WhatsApp details alright and mention you’re still interested in connecting.
- Respect their space – Ultimately, don’t take it personally if they seem hesitant and give them space if they appear disinterested.
With persistence, care and understanding, you can hopefully transition your relationship to WhatsApp eventually. But also be prepared for the possibility it may not be a fit for both parties right now.
Helpful WhatsApp Tips To Know
As you start connecting with new people on WhatsApp, keep these useful tips in mind:
- Customize notification settings – Silence chats if needed so you aren’t overwhelmed by notifications.
- Use WhatsApp Web – This allows you to message from your computer for added convenience.
- Back up your chats – Save your chat history in case you switch devices or lose your phone.
- Use Disappearing Messages – Enable this if you want added privacy in certain chats.
- Create useful shortcuts – Pin favorite chats or create chat shortcuts on your home screen.
- Organize chats into groups – Gather work, family or friend chats together under named Groups.
- Change privacy settings – Restrict who can see your Read Receipts, Profile Photo, Status and more.
Leveraging WhatsApp’s settings and features can help streamline your messaging experience, especially as you start connecting with more contacts.
Common WhatsApp FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about getting started on WhatsApp:
How do I find someone’s WhatsApp number?
You’ll need to ask them directly for their number or WhatsApp username. There is no WhatsApp phone number directory you can search. If you don’t have their contact, try messaging them on the platform where you typically communicate with them.
Can I use WhatsApp without a SIM card?
An active phone number is required to set up a WhatsApp account. However, once registered, you can use WhatsApp over WiFi without a SIM card in your phone. But you still need the validated phone number connected to the account.
Is it free to message someone on WhatsApp?
Yes! WhatsApp uses your existing phone plan or WiFi connection, so you do not get charged per message. The app itself is free to download and use withoutlimits.
Can I message without saving the contact?
You can send an initial message to someone without saving them as a contact, but you won’t be able to see their replies or continue chatting until you add them as a contact.
How do I know if someone blocked me on WhatsApp?
If a contact blocks you, you’ll no longer see their profile photo or status updates. Any messages sent to them will show only one check mark and never get delivered.
Conclusion
Connecting with people you know and meet through WhatsApp can enrich your relationships by enabling convenient, free, and fun messaging. Whether you want to exchange WhatsApp info in-person or online, being clear in your intent and considerate of others will help make the experience positive for everyone involved.
Once connected, nurture the early conversations to build rapport before starting meaningful dialogues. And leverage WhatsApp’s features to create an optimal messaging experience as your connections grow. With some care and effort, sharing your WhatsApp details can be the start of many great new connections.