WhatsApp has more than 2 billion users worldwide, but if you don't live in one of the countries where it's popular, you may never have used it. Its nearly $20 billion purchase by Facebook gave it wild attention in 2014, but it still offers several advantages over its competitors.
If you're new to the party, the world's most popular chat app can be a bit overwhelming. To help you get started, we put together this beginner's guide on how to use WhatsApp, from installing the app to group chats with friends and family.
Let us begin!
What is Whatsapp
WhatsApp is a free chat application that was launched at the beginning of the smartphone era in 2009. It wasn't until 2015 that it became the most popular option around the world, but today it is practically everywhere in most parts of Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
The popularity of Whatsapp is because it is free, has no ads, and of course, has a large user base. It also features end-to-end encryption, so you can be sure that your messages are private and secure. Apart from individual and group chats, you can also make voice or video calls for free.
How to Install WhatsApp
The first step in learning how to use WhatsApp is installing the app, and it can be done in just a few minutes. As mentioned above, the app is completely free and only requires a phone number to sign up.
Step-by-step guide on how to install WhatsApp
Install the app from the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhones)
Launch the app and approve the requested permissions.
Enter your phone number and tap Confirm.
Enter the verification code received by SMS (WhatsApp can do this automatically).
Import existing contacts into the app (optional).
That's all about it! Now you are ready to start chatting with any of your contacts who have WhatsApp installed. You can also manually add contacts to WhatsApp if you don't want to import your entire contact list.
How to set up your WhatsApp profile
Before you start chatting, there is one more step you can take. Creating a profile will help your contacts know who you are, even if they don't have your number saved in their contacts. You can add a picture, name, and a short bio.
Tap on the three dots at the top right corner of the app and tap on Settings.
Tap your name at the top of the screen
To change your image, tap the camera icon and select a photo.
To change your name, tap the pencil icon next to Name.
To change your bio, tap the pencil icon next to About
You can also change your phone number from this screen, and the process is the same as when you first set up your account. It will send a verification code via SMS, and once confirmed, all your chats and contacts will be transferred to that number.
How To Start A Chat
Now that your profile is set up, it's time to get to the task at hand: chat! The first time you open the app, you won't have any open chats, but you can start a new chat by tapping the chat bubble button at the bottom right.
From there, simply select the contact you want to chat with from the list. If you already have a previous chat with that contact, it will open instead of a new chat. All that remains now is to write your message at the bottom of the screen. After entering your text, tap the arrow icon next to the text box to send it.
You can also send images or files on WhatsApp by touching the paper clip or camera icons at the bottom of the screen. To start a voice or video call, tap the video camera or phone icons at the top right of the screen. Both use data, and there is no additional charge for international calls.
To start a group chat, tap the same chat bubble as before, then tap New group. You can then select the members you want to invite, enter a name, and start chatting!
There are all kinds of additional features available, so be sure to check out our list of WhatsApp tips and tricks for more information.
How to Use WhatsApp Website
Now you must enter your main mobile where you have the WhatsApp app and open it. Once inside, press the icon of the three points that appears at the top right of the app to display the options. In this menu, click on the WhatsApp Web option that you will see in the third place. In the iOS version, go to the settings and you will see the WhatsApp Web option inside for you to Scan.
When you do, you will see that your mobile becomes a kind of scanner, and a square appears in the center of the screen that seems to be analyzing where you point the camera. Well, what you will have to do is point to the QR code that you have left open on the web of your other mobile so that it is all within the square. You will have to do the process as fast as you can because the QR code expires if you take time, and you will have to refresh it to generate a new one.
When you do, the web will automatically identify you and load WhatsApp. From this moment you can use the application from your mobile through the browser. Meanwhile, if you enter the WhatsApp Web section of the mobile, you will now see the sessions that you have started on different computers.