WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users. They are constantly releasing new updates to improve features and fix bugs. It’s important to keep your WhatsApp updated so you can enjoy the latest features. Here is a guide on how to update WhatsApp on both iPhone and Android devices.
Checking your current WhatsApp version
The first step is to check which version of WhatsApp you currently have installed. This will allow you to see if you’re already up-to-date or need to update to the latest version.
On iPhone, go to the App Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, then scroll down to see your installed apps and the version numbers. For Android, open the Play Store, tap the hamburger menu in the top left, go to My Apps & Games, then scroll through your installed apps to see the version numbers.
You can also find the WhatsApp version number within the app itself. On iPhone, go to WhatsApp > Settings > Help > App info. On Android, go to WhatsApp > Menu/Settings > Help > App info.
The most recent WhatsApp version number will be shown here. Make a note of this so you can compare it to the latest available version.
Updating WhatsApp on iPhone
Updating apps on iPhone is straightforward as the App Store will automatically update your installed apps when new versions are released. Here’s how to update WhatsApp on iPhone:
1. Open the App Store and tap your profile icon in the top right.
2. Scroll down to see your installed apps. If WhatsApp has an update available, you’ll see the Update button next to it.
3. Tap Update to update WhatsApp to the latest version.
4. If asked, enter your App Store password or use Touch ID/Face ID to confirm.
5. The WhatsApp update will begin downloading. Once finished, it will install automatically.
6. You can then open WhatsApp to use the latest version. The new version number should now display in Settings > Help > App info.
The App Store should automatically update apps over WiFi to save data usage. You can enable automatic updates by going to Settings > [your name] > iTunes & App Store and toggling on App Updates.
Updating WhatsApp on Android
The process is similar for updating WhatsApp on Android devices:
1. Open the Play Store and tap the hamburger menu in the top left.
2. Go to My Apps & Games.
3. Under Updates, you’ll see any apps that have new versions to install.
4. Tap Update next to WhatsApp to update it.
5. Tap Accept to start the WhatsApp update download.
6. Once it has finished downloading, tap Install to install the latest version.
7. You may need to give permission for the install. The latest version of WhatsApp will then install.
8. Open WhatsApp to use the new updated version. Check Settings > Help > App info to confirm the new version number.
To enable auto-updates:
1. Go to Play Store > Menu/Settings icon > Settings.
2. Tap Auto-update apps.
3. Select an auto-update option, like Auto-update apps at any time.
This will allow WhatsApp and your other Play Store apps to automatically update whenever new versions are released.
Updating WhatsApp Beta on Android
WhatsApp Beta is a test version of WhatsApp released earlier than the main app. It lets you try out new WhatsApp features before general release. If you’re a Beta tester, here’s how to update it:
1. Go to play.google.com/apps/testing/com.whatsapp/join and join the WhatsApp Beta program if not already done.
2. Open the Play Store and go to My Apps & Games.
3. You’ll see WhatsApp and WhatsApp Beta as separate listings.
4. Tap Update next to the WhatsApp Beta to update to the latest beta version.
The beta update will download and install like normal app updates. You’ll get early access to new WhatsApp features to try out before they’re publicly released. To leave the beta program, go back to the WhatsApp Beta testing page and tap Leave.
Troubleshooting WhatsApp update issues
Sometimes WhatsApp updates may fail to install correctly. Here are some troubleshooting tips for update issues:
– Check for app store errors – The Play Store or App Store may show an error message explaining why the update failed. Read the error carefully for clues.
– Restart your device – Turn your phone off and back on. Then retry updating WhatsApp. Restarting clears out minor glitches that could prevent an update.
– Update over WiFi – Updating apps over mobile data can sometimes fail. Connect to WiFi and try updating again.
– Free up storage space – WhatsApp may fail to update if your phone lacks storage space. Delete unused apps and files to free up room for the update.
– Clear app cache and data – Within WhatsApp settings, find the Storage Usage section and tap Clear Cache or Clear Data. Then try updating again.
– Uninstall and reinstall – As a last resort, uninstall WhatsApp, restart your phone, then reinstall WhatsApp from the app store. This gives you a clean slate to install the latest update.
– Contact WhatsApp support – If the above steps don’t fix a failing update, contact WhatsApp support through WhatsApp > Settings > Help > Contact Us for assistance troubleshooting.
New WhatsApp features and changes
Now let’s look at some of the new features and changes introduced in recent WhatsApp updates:
WhatsApp Status Reactions
– WhatsApp now allows reacting to Status updates with 8 emoji: thumbs up, heart, crying, laughter, surprised, praying, fire, 100 points.
– Tap and hold on a contact’s Status update to bring up the reaction emojis.
– Status reactions are private and not shared with the contact.
Larger Media Previews
– When receiving photos or videos in chats, they now display larger previews.
– Multi-media files show up to 3 preview images in larger sizes.
– See more of videos and images without opening them.
Call Links
– You can now create call links to start calls with a single tap.
– Generate a call link within individual or group chats by tapping the menu/call icon.
– Share the link and anyone can tap to join the call immediately with no setup needed.
32-person Group Calls
– Group calls now support up to 32 participants at once.
– Video calls remain limited to 8 participants.
– Larger groups allow more friends, family or colleagues to join calls together.
Larger File Sharing
– Files up to 2GB can now be shared within WhatsApp.
– The previous file size limit was 100MB.
– Large documents, media files and more can now easily be sent.
Find Nearby Businesses
– A new Business Nearby feature helps find and contact nearby businesses.
– Browse business categories like Food & Drink, Shopping, Travel, Services, Entertainments, Health, Automotive.
– Use the map to locate nearby businesses and chat with them within WhatsApp.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Status Reactions | React to Status updates with emoji |
| Larger Media Previews | See bigger previews of photos and videos in chats |
| Call Links | Share links for easy tap-to-join calls |
| 32-person Group Calls | Double the group call participant limit |
| 2GB File Sharing | Increased maximum file size for sharing |
| Nearby Businesses | Discover and contact local businesses |
Conclusion
Updating to the latest version of WhatsApp allows you to enjoy the newest messaging features and improvements. Be sure to keep WhatsApp automatically updated on your iPhone or Android device for a smooth messaging experience. Check the App Store or Play Store after major updates to see what’s new in each WhatsApp release. Some major recent additions include Status Reactions, bigger media previews, call links, larger group calls, increased file sharing, and finding local businesses. Keep your chats engaging by always updating to the most recent WhatsApp version.