WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users. It allows people to easily communicate with friends, family and coworkers through text, voice messages, video calls and more. While WhatsApp offers a convenient way to stay connected, one downside for some users is that it requires a paid subscription after an initial free trial period.
What are the costs associated with WhatsApp?
WhatsApp uses an annual subscription model for monetization. After installing the app and verifying your phone number, you get access to WhatsApp for free for the first year. However, after 12 months, you need to pay a subscription fee to continue using the service. Here are the current WhatsApp subscription costs:
| Platform | Cost per year |
|---|---|
| iPhone | $0.99 |
| Android | $0.99 |
| Web | Free |
As you can see, the annual subscription cost is relatively inexpensive at just $0.99 per year. However, this model means WhatsApp is not completely free to use after the first 12 months. The subscription fee applies if you want to continue using WhatsApp on your iPhone or Android device.
Can I use WhatsApp web for free?
Fortunately, there is a way to access WhatsApp’s core messaging capabilities without paying the annual subscription fee – by using WhatsApp web. WhatsApp web allows you to run WhatsApp through your browser on your computer. As long as you have an active account and an internet connection, you can use WhatsApp web to send messages, make calls and video chat with your contacts for free.
To use WhatsApp web:
- Go to https://web.whatsapp.com/ in your web browser
- Open WhatsApp on your phone and tap Menu > Linked Devices
- Point your phone to the screen to capture the QR code
- You will now be logged in and able to use WhatsApp through the browser window
The main limitation with WhatsApp web is that it mirrors the app on your phone. If you don’t have an active WhatsApp account on mobile, you can’t use the web version. However, as long as you have the app set up and verified on your phone, WhatsApp web provides unlimited free messaging through desktop and laptop computers.
Can I get around the subscription fee?
While WhatsApp web provides a free messaging solution for computers, you may still want to use the app on your phone as well. Is there any way to avoid paying the $0.99 annual subscription to keep accessing WhatsApp on mobile?
There are a few options to try getting around the subscription paywall:
Use an old phone number
When you first install WhatsApp, it activates your account using your current phone number. The 12 month free trial applies to that phone number. If you happen to have an old number you don’t use anymore, you can install WhatsApp, activate it with your old number, and get another year of free usage.
Change SIM cards
Similarly, you could change your SIM card to get a new phone number. Activate WhatsApp with your new number to reset the 12 month countdown. When the next year is almost up, switch back to your original SIM to get another free trial period.
Uninstall and reinstall
If you uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp on your device, it may reset the 12 month timer and let you sign up again for free. This doesn’t always work, but can be worth trying before paying the annual subscription.
Use a VPN
Some users report success using a VPN service to disguise their phone’s location and phone number. By appearing to sign up from a different country, you may be able to bypass the subscription requirement. However, VPNs come with their own costs, so this may not be the most economical approach.
Are there any risks to avoiding the subscription?
While the suggestions above may help you continue using WhatsApp while avoiding the annual subscription fee, it’s important to keep the risks and downsides in mind:
- You could lose access to your chat history if your account is deactivated
- Constantly switching numbers and reinstalling the app is inconvenient
- Your account could be banned for violating WhatsApp’s terms of service
- Some methods like VPNs add extra costs that may equal or exceed the $0.99 fee
Because of these potential issues, trying to avoid the WhatsApp subscription long-term may be more hassle than it’s worth. The $0.99 annual cost is quite affordable for most people. Paying the small fee ensures uninterrupted access to a service used by over 2 billion people worldwide.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp has become a paid service for mobile users after the first year, there are still ways to access its messaging capabilities for free through WhatsApp Web. Trying techniques like using old numbers or constant reinstallation to avoid the mobile subscription fee comes with risks of account deactivation or bans. For uninterrupted access on both mobile and desktop devices, most users are better off paying the inexpensive $0.99 annual subscription cost. But for those looking to use WhatsApp entirely for free, utilizing WhatsApp Web through the desktop browser remains an effective option.