WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users globally. It allows you to send messages, photos, videos and make voice and video calls for free. WhatsApp is available for smartphones, as well as desktop and web versions. If you want to start using WhatsApp, the first step is to download and install the app on your device. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to find and download WhatsApp on both iOS and Android devices.
Finding WhatsApp in the App Store on iOS
For iPhone and iPad users, WhatsApp can be downloaded from the App Store. Here are the steps to find and install WhatsApp on iOS:
On your iPhone or iPad
1. Open the App Store app. You can find this on your home screen or by searching.
2. At the bottom of the screen, tap the Search tab.
3. In the search bar, type “WhatsApp”.
4. Tap the search result for WhatsApp Messenger. This will open the WhatsApp page.
5. Tap Get and then Install.
6. You may be prompted to enter your Apple ID password or scan your fingerprint to confirm the download.
7. Once installed, you can open WhatsApp from your home screen.
On your Mac
1. Open the App Store app on your Mac. This can be found in the Applications folder or Launchpad.
2. In the search bar in the top right, type “WhatsApp”.
3. Press Enter to search. WhatsApp Desktop will appear as one of the first results.
4. Click on WhatsApp Desktop and then click Install.
5. Enter your Apple ID password to confirm the install.
6. Once downloaded, WhatsApp will appear in your Applications folder and Launchpad. Open it to start using WhatsApp on your Mac.
Finding WhatsApp in the Google Play Store on Android
For Android phone and tablet users, WhatsApp can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. Here is how to find and install it:
On your Android phone or tablet
1. Open the Play Store app, which is usually located on your home screen or app drawer.
2. At the top of the screen, tap the search bar.
3. Type “WhatsApp” and press Enter.
4. Tap the first result, which should be WhatsApp Messenger.
5. Tap Install on the WhatsApp page.
6. Tap Accept to give WhatsApp the required permissions.
7. The app will begin downloading. Once completed, you can open WhatsApp from your app drawer or home screen.
On Chromebook
1. Open the Play Store app on your Chromebook.
2. Search for “WhatsApp” using the search bar.
3. Tap WhatsApp Messenger from the search results.
4. Tap Install.
5. WhatsApp will download and automatically install.
6. Once installed, you can find WhatsApp by searching or in your app launcher.
Downloading WhatsApp Directly from the Official Website
You can also download WhatsApp directly from the official website at whatsapp.com. Here’s how:
1. Go to whatsapp.com in your phone or computer’s web browser.
2. Tap Download for the platform you want to install WhatsApp on.
3. On iPhone, this will take you to the App Store page for WhatsApp. Follow the install prompts.
4. On Android, tap Download and then tap the downloaded APK file to install when prompted.
5. On PC, download WhatsApp Desktop to install on your computer.
The benefit of downloading directly from the website is you don’t need to search in app stores. The process is generally the same.
Installing WhatsApp on Your Device
Once you’ve downloaded WhatsApp using one of the above methods, opening or tapping the app icon will start the installation process. Here’s what to expect when installing WhatsApp for the first time:
On iPhone and iPad
– Tap Get Started when opening the app for the first time. WhatsApp will ask for permission to access your contacts.
– Tap Allow to let WhatsApp access your contacts. This will help you easily see who else uses WhatsApp.
– WhatsApp will verify your phone number via a text message with a verification code.
– Enter the 6-digit verification code and tap Verify.
– On the next screen, allow WhatsApp to access your photos, media and files when prompted.
– Tap Continue to allow notifications and you’re all set! WhatsApp will open and you can start using it.
On Android
– Tap Agree and Continue when opening WhatsApp for the first time.
– WhatsApp will ask you to enter your phone number and tap Next.
– You’ll receive a text message with a 6-digit verification code. Enter this code in WhatsApp and tap Next.
– Allow WhatsApp access to your contacts when prompted. Tap Allow to proceed.
– Tap Continue to agree to WhatsApp’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
– Choose whether you want to receive optional confirmation notifications.
– WhatsApp may ask for permission to always run in the background. Tap Allow.
– You’re all done! WhatsApp will open so you can start messaging.
On Desktop
– On your PC or Mac, open WhatsApp Desktop after downloading it from the website.
– A QR code will appear. Open WhatsApp on your phone.
– Tap Menu > Linked Devices. Point your phone’s camera at the QR code to link your desktop app.
– Tap Continue on your phone when prompted. Your desktop is now linked!
– On your PC, tap Continue to allow notifications when prompted.
– You can now use WhatsApp Desktop as long as your phone remains linked and connected to the internet.
Creating a WhatsApp Account
To use WhatsApp, you need to create an account using your phone number. Here are the steps:
1. Provide your country code and phone number when prompted during install.
2. Verify your number via text message.
3. Accept WhatsApp’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
4. Allow WhatsApp access to your contacts, photos, media files, etc.
5. Set up your profile name, photo, and status.
Your account is now set up! The phone number used during sign up will be your WhatsApp login. You don’t need separate usernames or passwords, just your phone for verification.
Some key points about your WhatsApp account:
– It is tied to your phone number. You can only have one account per number.
– Your contacts who also have WhatsApp will be automatically added from your phone’s address book.
– Your name, profile photo, status and last seen time will be visible to all your WhatsApp contacts by default. This can be changed in Settings.
– Verifying your number may be required periodically for security reasons when logging in on new devices.
– You can link up to 4 devices to your account such as PCs for WhatsApp Web.
– Your chat history and media are backed up online periodically. If switching phones, you can restore your chat history.
Using WhatsApp on Multiple Devices
One of WhatsApp’s newest features is the ability to use your account on multiple devices simultaneously. This means you can use WhatsApp on your phone and also up to 4 additional non-phone devices. Here’s how it works:
– **Linking:** On your secondary device like a tablet or PC, scan the QR code in WhatsApp to link the device. This associates it with your account.
– **Syncing:** Once linked, your chats will sync across devices. New messages will show up on all linked devices.
– **No Phone Required:** You can continue chatting on PC or tablet even if your phone is offline, thanks to multi-device syncing.
– **Limits:** Voice and video calls are still limited to your smartphone for now.
– **Primary Device:** Your phone remains the primary device. If you log out here, you’ll be logged out on all devices.
To get started with multi-device on WhatsApp:
1. Update to the latest version of WhatsApp on your phone.
2. Open WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices.
3. Tap “Link a Device” and scan the code on your secondary device.
4. Sign in on your additional device and you’re all set!
Multi-device is optional. You can still use WhatsApp as before on just your phone if preferred. But enabling it allows seamless messaging across multiple gadgets.
Changing Number or Phone for WhatsApp
Since your WhatsApp account uses your phone number, you may need to update your account if you:
– Get a new phone number
– Change SIM cards
– Switch to a new phone
Here are the steps to update your number or transfer your account to a new phone:
If you’re getting a new phone number:
1. Backup your chats – Go to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Chat Backup.
2. Update your number in phone settings. Your old SIM card will no longer work.
3. Install WhatsApp on your phone and enter your new number.
4. Verify your new number via SMS.
5. Restore your chat history from backup when prompted.
If you’re transferring numbers on the same phone:
1. Insert your old SIM card into your phone.
2. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Account > Change Number.
3. Enter your old and new number when prompted. Tap Next.
4. You will receive SMS verification codes for both numbers. Enter the codes and tap Done.
5. Your contacts will be notified you have a new number.
If switching to a new Android phone:
1. On your old phone, backup chats to Google Drive.
2. Install WhatsApp on your new phone and enter your number.
3. Verify your number via text.
4. Restore chat history from Drive when prompted.
If switching to a new iPhone:
1. On your old iPhone, backup chats to iCloud.
2. Install WhatsApp on your new iPhone and log in with your number.
3. Verify via SMS and tap Restore when prompted.
4. Chat history will restore from your iCloud backup.
Be sure to transfer your SIM card or update your phone number first before installing WhatsApp on your new device. This will link your account properly with your latest number.
Conclusion
Downloading and setting up WhatsApp is quick and easy on any device. To recap the key steps:
– Download WhatsApp via app stores on mobile or directly from the website on desktop.
– Sign up using your phone number and verify via SMS.
– Allow access to contacts, files and notifications when prompted.
– Set up your profile pic, name and optional status.
– Link to additional devices using QR codes if desired.
– Be sure to update your number in WhatsApp if getting a new SIM card or phone.
– Chat backups make transferring WhatsApp to a new phone seamless.
With over 2 billion users, WhatsApp is the most convenient way to stay in touch with contacts near and far. Following this guide will help you install WhatsApp correctly so you never miss a message from friends and family.
| Platform | How to Download WhatsApp |
|---|---|
| iPhone | App Store |
| Android | Google Play Store |
| PC/Mac | whatsapp.com |