WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users. It allows you to send messages, photos, videos, documents and voice notes to your contacts for free over wifi or mobile data. Getting started with WhatsApp is quick and easy, whether you have an iPhone or Android phone.
Downloading and Installing WhatsApp
The first step is to download WhatsApp from your device’s app store. On iPhone, go to the App Store and search for “WhatsApp”. On Android, go to the Google Play Store and search for “WhatsApp”. Tap the WhatsApp icon to go to the app page and tap “Get” or “Install” to download it. The app is completely free.
Once downloaded, open WhatsApp and it will guide you through the setup process. First, agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Then, verify your phone number by entering it and tapping “OK”. WhatsApp will send a 6-digit code via SMS to confirm your number. Enter this code and tap “OK” to verify. You may be prompted to allow WhatsApp access to your contacts so it can find other WhatsApp users.
Setting Your Profile
Before you start chatting, you’ll want to set up your profile. Tap the 3 dots icon in the top right corner, then tap “Settings”. Tap your name at the top and you can add a profile photo, your name and an optional “About” status.
To add a profile photo, tap the default avatar icon and select “Edit”. You can then choose an existing photo or take a new one directly in WhatsApp. Resize and reposition the photo as needed. When done, tap “Save”.
To add your name, tap “Name” and type in your first and last name or whatever you want displayed. Tap “OK” to save.
For an About status, tap “About” and type a short personal description or quote. This will be visible to your contacts. When done, tap “OK”.
Finding and Messaging Contacts
With your profile set up, it’s time to start chatting. Tap the Chats tab at the bottom to see your contacts who already have WhatsApp. You can search for specific contacts here. If someone isn’t listed, that means they aren’t yet using WhatsApp.
To message a contact, simply tap their name to open the chat screen. At the bottom, type your message in the text box. You can tap the arrow beside it to send. Messages will deliver instantly over wifi or mobile data.
Some key things you can do in a chat:
- Send photos, videos, documents from your device’s gallery
- Capture and send photos or videos directly within WhatsApp
- Record and send voice notes by holding down the mic icon
- Video or audio call your contacts by tapping the phone or video icon
- See when messages are delivered and read with blue and grey checkmarks
Group Chats
Aside from one-on-one chats, you can message multiple contacts at once via Groups. To create a new Group:
- Tap the Chats tab and tap “New group” in the top right.
- Give the group a name at the top, then tap contacts to add them.
- Tap the checkmark when done selecting contacts.
- Tap “Create” to make the group.
This will make a group chat with all the contacts you selected. You’ll see when group members have read your messages. As the admin, you can add or remove people and change the group’s name, photo or description.
Voice and Video Calls
For real-time communication, WhatsApp allows free voice and video calls over wifi or mobile data. To make a voice call to someone:
- Open your chat with them and tap the phone icon at the top.
- The call will connect instantly if they’re available. Tap the red phone icon to end the call.
For video calls, tap the video camera icon at the top of your chat instead. Swipe up from the bottom to minimize the call if needed.
You can also make group voice and video calls with up to 8 participants. In a Group chat, tap the phone or video icon at the top and select participants to call.
Using WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp isn’t limited to your phone – you can also use it on your computer browser. WhatsApp Web allows you to seamlessly sync your chats between devices.
To get started, open the WhatsApp app on your phone and tap the 3 dots menu. Then tap “WhatsApp Web”. Point your phone’s camera at the QR code on web.whatsapp.com to link your account. WhatsApp will open in your computer’s browser.
Chats will automatically sync between your phone and computer. You can send and receive messages, make calls, etc. from the browser. Note that your phone will need an active internet connection to use WhatsApp Web.
Advanced Tips and Features
Take your WhatsApp experience further with these handy tips:
- Pin chats – Long-press a chat and tap “Pin” to pin it to the top of your chats list.
- Star messages – Long-press a message and tap “Star” to bookmark it with a star.
- Mark as read – Long-press a chat and tap “Mark as read” to instantly mark the chat’s unread messages as read.
- Mute chats – Long-press a chat and tap “Mute” to mute notifications from the chat.
- Archive chats – Long-press a chat and tap “Archive” to organize chats you don’t interact with often.
- Delete chats – Swipe left on a chat, then tap “Delete” to delete the chat’s history. Or long press and select “More” > “Delete Chat”.
- Share status – Tap “Status” to post text, photos or videos that disappear after 24 hours.
- Dark mode – Enable this in Settings > Chats to switch to a black UI.
Take some time to explore WhatsApp’s settings to customize notifications, data usage, security and more. Tap the 3 dots menu > Settings to access these options.
Staying Safe on WhatsApp
Here are some tips to stay safe and secure while using WhatsApp:
- Use two-step verification for added security. Enable this in Settings > Account.
- Be wary of strangers contacting you out of the blue – block and report suspicious accounts.
- Never share personal info like passwords or credit cards over WhatsApp.
- Avoid opening links or attachments from unknown senders – they may contain malware.
- Set chats to “My Contacts Only” in Settings > Account to avoid unwanted contact.
- Take care with media sharing as photos/videos can be downloaded and shared by recipients.
- Review WhatsApp’s privacy policy so you understand how your data may be collected and used.
Conclusion
Learning how to use WhatsApp is easy and the app makes chatting with contacts a breeze. Download it for free, set up your profile, find friends, join groups and start messaging today.
Leverage handy features like voice/video calling, pinning chats and WhatsApp Web for an enhanced messaging experience. And be sure to follow basic security protocols to stay safe.
With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp is a communication must-have. Keep in touch with family, friends and workmates at no cost – WhatsApp makes it simple.