Installing WhatsApp on an iPhone is quick and easy. Here is a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process.
What do I need to install WhatsApp on iPhone?
To install WhatsApp on your iPhone, you will need:
- An iPhone running iOS 10 or later
- A stable internet connection (WiFi or cellular data)
- Your phone number
- The latest version of WhatsApp
Step 1: Download WhatsApp from the App Store
The first step is to download WhatsApp from the App Store on your iPhone:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone.
- Tap the search bar at the bottom and search for “WhatsApp Messenger”.
- Tap on the WhatsApp app from the search results.
- Tap “Get” to download WhatsApp to your iPhone.
The WhatsApp download will begin. Once it completes, the WhatsApp app icon will appear on your iPhone’s home screen.
Step 2: Open WhatsApp and Agree to Terms of Service
After WhatsApp finishes downloading:
- Tap on the WhatsApp icon to open the app.
- A screen with WhatsApp’s Terms of Service will appear. Tap “Agree and Continue” to accept them and move to the next screen.
Step 3: Verify Your Phone Number
WhatsApp needs to verify your phone number to connect your account:
- On the Verify Your Number screen, enter your full phone number including the country code.
- Tap “Next” when done.
- You will receive a 6-digit verification code via SMS from WhatsApp.
- Enter the code and tap “OK”.
- WhatsApp will verify your phone number.
Step 4: Set a Profile Name
With your number verified, you can now set a profile name that will be visible to your WhatsApp contacts:
- Tap in the text field next to your phone number.
- Enter your name or nickname.
- Tap “OK” to set your profile name.
Step 5: Allow WhatsApp Access to Contacts (Optional)
On the next screen, WhatsApp will ask for permission to access your iPhone’s contacts:
- Allow – WhatsApp will sync your phone’s contacts who also use WhatsApp to your account. This makes it easy to quickly message people you know.
- Don’t Allow – WhatsApp won’t access your contacts. You can still message anyone using their phone number.
Tap your choice to move to the next screen.
Step 6: Set a Profile Photo (Optional)
You can also set a profile photo that will be visible in your contacts’ WhatsApp account:
- Tap the default profile icon in the center of the screen.
- Select Take Photo to use your iPhone’s camera to take a new photo. Or tap Choose from Library to select an existing photo from your Camera Roll.
- Crop and select the photo you want.
- Tap “Done” to set it as your profile picture.
Conclusion
That’s it! WhatsApp is now successfully installed and set up on your iPhone. To start using it:
- Tap the New Chat button to start messaging contacts.
- Tap the Calls tab to make WhatsApp calls.
- Tap the Camera button to send photos and videos.
You can also customize additional WhatsApp settings like notifications, privacy, and storage usage in the Settings section. Enjoy using the popular messaging app on your iPhone!
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Download WhatsApp from the App Store |
| 2 | Open WhatsApp and Agree to Terms of Service |
| 3 | Verify Your Phone Number |
| 4 | Set a Profile Name |
| 5 | Allow WhatsApp Access to Contacts (Optional) |
| 6 | Set a Profile Photo (Optional) |
Additional Information
Backing Up Your WhatsApp Chats
It’s recommended to regularly back up your WhatsApp messages to avoid losing your chat history if you lose your phone or switch devices. WhatsApp provides multiple backup options:
- iCloud – WhatsApp can automatically back up your chats to iCloud daily if you have iCloud Backup turned on in your iPhone settings.
- Local Backup – You can manually back up your chats to local storage on your iPhone.
- Google Drive – Turn on Google Drive backup in WhatsApp settings to store your chat history on Google Drive.
Restoring Chats on New Device
If you get a new iPhone and want to restore your existing WhatsApp chats, you need to restore from your latest iCloud or Google Drive backup:
- Install WhatsApp on your new iPhone.
- Verify your phone number.
- On the Restore Chat History screen – tap “Restore” and select the backup source (iCloud or Google Drive).
- WhatsApp will restore your chats and media from the backup.
Use WhatsApp Web to Message from Computer
You can use WhatsApp on your computer browser by linking your WhatsApp account with WhatsApp Web:
- Open web.whatsapp.com on your computer browser.
- Open WhatsApp on your iPhone > Settings > Linked Devices.
- Tap “Link a Device” and scan the QR code from your computer screen.
- Your iPhone WhatsApp will now be linked to use on your computer browser.
Group Chats with Friends and Family
WhatsApp makes it easy to communicate in groups. Here are some group chat tips:
- Tap the New Chat icon > New Group to create a new group.
- Add group name, group photo, and participants.
- You can add up to 256 participants in a group.
- Tap the group name to change settings like notifications and invite links.
Use WhatsApp Calling and Video Chat
WhatsApp offers free voice and video calls over WiFi or data:
- Make a WhatsApp call by tapping a contact’s name > Voice Call icon.
- For video calls, tap the Video Call icon.
- Incoming WhatsApp calls will show on top of your screen. Tap to answer.
- Manage call settings like voicemail and call blocking in WhatsApp Settings.