WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. It allows you to easily connect with friends, family, coworkers, and new people you meet. If you’ve got someone’s phone number, starting a chat on WhatsApp is quick and simple.
Get Their Phone Number
The first step is getting the new person’s phone number. Here are some ways to go about this:
- Ask them directly for their number. This is the most straightforward approach.
- Get their number from a mutual friend. Let your friend know you want to chat with the person on WhatsApp.
- Search online directories or social media. Sites like Facebook often have public phone numbers available.
- Exchange business cards. If meeting someone professionally, swap contact info including phone numbers.
Make sure to get their full phone number including the country code. For example, a US number would be +1XXX-XXX-XXXX. Having the right number is important for lookup on WhatsApp.
Check If They Use WhatsApp
Now that you have their phone number, you’ll want to check if they actually use WhatsApp. There are a couple ways to confirm this:
- Ask directly if they use WhatsApp and what their account is linked to. This is the simplest way to find out.
- Look them up on WhatsApp using their phone number. Open WhatsApp, tap the Calls tab, then Calls to “New Contact”. Enter the phone number and it will indicate if the person has WhatsApp.
- Check their social media profiles for WhatsApp info. People sometimes list WhatsApp on social media bios or in contact sections.
If the person doesn’t yet use WhatsApp, you can invite them to join by sending them a download link. WhatsApp works best when both people have active accounts.
Add Them as a Contact
Once you’ve confirmed they are on WhatsApp, add them to your contacts list:
- Open WhatsApp and tap the Calls tab.
- Tap “New contact” then enter the person’s phone number in full international format.
- Tap “Add to Contacts” to save their number to your contacts.
This will associate their phone number with your new WhatsApp contact.
Start Your Chat
You’re now ready to start chatting with your new WhatsApp contact!
Open WhatsApp and go to your contacts or chats. Tap the new contact you added.
From here, you can:
- Send an initial message – Say hi and introduce yourself if they don’t know you.
- Send a photo/video – Break the ice by sharing something interesting.
- Make a voice/video call – Have your first conversation over call.
- Send a sticker – WhatsApp has fun stickers to help start a chat.
Some first message ideas include:
- “Hey [name]! It’s [your name] from [context where you met].”
- “Hi there! I got your number from [mutual contact]. Just wanted to say hello on WhatsApp.”
- “Great to connect on WhatsApp! How’s your day going?”
Keep your first message casual and friendly. Briefly re-introduce yourself if they don’t know you well yet.
Continue the Conversation
Once you’ve broken the ice, continue the conversation by:
- Asking questions – Show interest in learning more about them.
- Sharing about yourself – Open up bit-by-bit to build a connection.
- Sending memes, emojis, voice notes – WhatsApp has lots of fun chat features.
- Following up on previous interactions – Reference your first meeting or mutual friend.
Some sample follow-up messages include:
- “It was great meeting you the other day! How was the rest of your weekend?”
- “I came across this funny meme and thought you’d appreciate it.”
- “Hey! Jessica mentioned you just got back from a trip. How was it?”
Keep the conversation light at first as you continue getting to know each other. Discuss interests, tell funny stories, and look for common ground.
Set Chat Expectations
As you start regularly chatting, it’s helpful to set some expectations around response times and conversation norms. For example:
- Let them know when you’re generally available to chat on WhatsApp.
- Indicate if you don’t respond right away such as when busy at work.
- Ask what emoji use or texting style they prefer.
- Agree to notify each other if you’ll be offline for a while.
Setting these expectations upfront can prevent miscommunications or confusion down the line. Be open about your personal messaging preferences and ask about theirs.
Respect Their Boundaries
As you get to know someone through WhatsApp, always respect their boundaries and comfort level:
- Don’t insist on texting constantly if they prefer less frequent chats.
- Don’t share personal details they haven’t asked for.
- Don’t push them to meet up before they’re ready.
- Don’t send inappropriate or unsolicited content.
It takes time to build a connection through chatting. Let things progress naturally and don’t make assumptions.
Consider Voice and Video Calls
Once you’ve gotten comfortable chatting via text, consider using WhatsApp’s voice and video call features:
- Voice calls – Have real-time phone conversations to share stories and laugh together.
- Video calls – Add visuals to your chat so you can read facial cues.
- Group calls – Call each other while including other friends for a group hangout.
Calls help conversations feel more natural. Use them to take your WhatsApp friendship to the next level.
Meet in Person When You’re Both Ready
Eventually, you may want to meet up in person for the first time:
- Suggest a casual hangout like grabbing coffee.
- Pick a public place you’re both comfortable with.
- Set clear plans including date, time, and location.
- Exchange contact info like social media profiles.
Only meet up if you’ve chatted enough to establish some familiarity and trust. Go at a pace you’re both okay with.
Maintain the Friendship
To develop a lasting WhatsApp friendship:
- Check in regularly without being overbearing.
- Remember important details they share like birthday or big events.
- Send interesting updates, memes, photos from your day.
- Follow up if they haven’t replied to your chat in a few days.
Nurturing your WhatsApp connection helps transform it into a true friendship over time.
Conclusion
Starting a chat with a new person on WhatsApp is exciting. Follow these tips:
- Get their phone number and confirm they use WhatsApp.
- Add them as a new WhatsApp contact.
- Send a friendly introductory message.
- Continue getting to know them through casual chats.
- Respect their boundaries as you build rapport.
- Consider using voice and video calls.
- Meet up when you’re both ready.
- Maintain the friendship by staying in touch.
With some care and effort, your new WhatsApp connection can blossom into a great friendship over time. Enjoy the journey of getting to know someone new!