WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, used by over 2 billion people across 180 countries. Getting started with WhatsApp is quick and easy. In just a few simple steps, you can download, install and set up WhatsApp on your smartphone device. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to start using WhatsApp services on your phone.
Prerequisites
Before starting WhatsApp, you need to ensure that:
- You have a smartphone device – WhatsApp is available for Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and some models of Nokia S40 phones.
- Your phone is connected to the internet via WiFi or mobile data.
- Your phone number is active and able to receive SMS or calls.
In addition, keep the following information ready before starting the installation process:
- Your phone number – This will be registered as your WhatsApp number.
- Your email id (optional but recommended) – Used for registration and authentication.
- A profile name – This will be your display name on WhatsApp.
Step 1 – Download the WhatsApp app
The first step is to download WhatsApp messenger on your smartphone. Here is how to download based on your phone’s operating system:
For Android phones:
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone.
- Search for “WhatsApp Messenger” or simply “WhatsApp”.
- Select the WhatsApp app published by WhatsApp Inc.
- Tap on ‘Install’ to begin downloading WhatsApp.
For iPhones:
- Open the App Store app on your iPhone.
- Search for “WhatsApp Messenger”.
- Select the WhatsApp app by WhatsApp Inc.
- Tap ‘Get’ and then ‘Install’ to start downloading.
For other phones like Windows Phone, Nokia S40, etc. open the manufacturer’s app store and search for WhatsApp to download.
The WhatsApp download is usually around 30-50 MB and may take a few minutes over slower connections. Please be patient while the app downloads and installs automatically after the download completes.
Step 2 – Install and Register WhatsApp
Once WhatsApp has finished downloading, you can proceed to install it on your phone.
On Android:
- Open your Android phone’s app drawer or home screen to find the WhatsApp icon.
- Tap on the WhatsApp icon to open the app.
- Tap ‘Agree and Continue’ to accept WhatsApp’s Terms of Service.
On iPhone:
- Find the WhatsApp icon on your iPhone’s home screen.
- Tap the icon to launch WhatsApp.
- Tap ‘Agree and Continue’ to accept the Terms of Service.
Registration:
When launching WhatsApp for the first time, it will ask for your phone number and some additional details for registration. Follow the on-screen instructions and provide the below information:
- Your phone number – Enter your full phone number including country code.
- Profile name – Choose a display name to be shown to your WhatsApp contacts.
- Optional info – You can also add your email, profile photo, About text if you wish.
WhatsApp will send a verification code via SMS to activate your number. Once verified, your WhatsApp account will be registered successfully.
Step 3 – Grant Required Permissions
After registration, WhatsApp will ask permission to access certain features of your phone including:
- Contacts – To sync and message your existing phone contacts who use WhatsApp.
- Photos, Media, Files – To send and receive media files like photos, videos, documents over WhatsApp.
- Camera – To directly take photos/videos from within WhatsApp.
- Microphone – For voice calls as well as voice notes.
Please grant all the above permissions when prompted. This will enable full functionality of WhatsApp on your device.
Step 4 – Verify Your Number
The next step is to verify your phone number for WhatsApp. There are two ways to do this:
SMS Verification
- WhatsApp will automatically send an SMS with a 6-digit verification code to your number.
- Enter this code when prompted in WhatsApp to verify your number.
Phone Call Verification
- Tap the ‘Call Me’ button if you do not receive the SMS.
- WhatsApp will call your phone with an automated verification call.
- Answer the call and tap the confirmation button to verify your number.
Once your number is verified, your WhatsApp account will be activated successfully.
Step 5 – Set Profile Photo and About
With your WhatsApp account now ready, you can proceed to set up your profile:
- Go to WhatsApp Settings – Account – Profile Photo and select a profile picture.
- Also update the About text to add a short bio or description.
This will help your WhatsApp contacts identify you on the platform.
Step 6 – Start Chatting
You are now ready to start chatting on WhatsApp. Here are a few things you can do:
- Send a text message – Open any chat and type out your message in the text box at the bottom. Hit send to deliver it.
- Start a new chat – Tap the New Chat icon in the top right and select a contact to message.
- Voice call – Open a chat and tap the phone icon at the top right to voice call.
- Video call – Tap the camera icon in any chat window to video call.
- Groups – Tap the New Group icon to create groups and message multiple people together.
Explore all of WhatsApp’s features like media sharing, voice notes, status updates and enjoy messaging!
Useful WhatsApp Tips
Here are some handy tips to use WhatsApp:
- Import contacts – Go to WhatsApp Settings – Invite Friends to easily find and message all phone contacts who use WhatsApp.
- Chat backups – Back up chats in Google Drive or iCloud so you never lose chat histories.
- Pin chats – Long press any chat and tap Pin to pin it to the top of the chat list.
- Use desktop – Download WhatsApp desktop app or web browser to message from your PC.
- Clear storage – Free up phone storage by clearing old media or files from WhatsApp Settings.
Troubleshooting FAQs
Here are solutions to some commonly faced issues:
Problem 1: WhatsApp verification SMS not received
- Check if you have signal/cellular reception on your phone or connect to WiFi.
- Contact your carrier to ensure SMS is enabled on your number.
- Manually re-enter your number and tap ‘Call Me’ instead to receive a verification call.
Problem 2: WhatsApp notifications not showing
- Open phone settings, select WhatsApp and enable notifications with sound/vibration.
- Check Do Not Disturb mode is not turned on which mutes notifications.
- Restart WhatsApp/phone if issue persists.
Problem 3: WhatsApp crashes or won’t open
- Update WhatsApp to the latest version from your phone’s app store.
- Force close WhatsApp from device settings > apps > WhatsApp > Force Stop.
- Clear WhatsApp cache files and data and reboot device if needed.
Problem 4: WhatsApp account banned
- Your account may be banned due to violating WhatsApp Terms of Service.
- Appeal the ban by emailing [email protected] stating your case.
- Create a new account carefully following WhatsApp guidelines to avoid getting banned again.
Conclusion
Getting started and using WhatsApp is quick and convenient on any smartphone device with the step by step guide provided above. Follow the instructions carefully when installing and registering your account. Customize your profile, connect with contacts, start meaningful conversations, and stay in touch with your loved ones across the globe on WhatsApp!