Get WhatsApp running in five minutes
WhatsApp is a messaging app that works over Wi-Fi or mobile data instead of text messages. You download it from your phone's app store, create an account with your phone number, and start messaging. The whole process takes about five minutes, and the app itself is free.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you have an iPhone or Android phone, but both routes are straightforward. You do not need a Facebook account, a credit card, or any special permission from your phone company.
Key Takeaways
- WhatsApp downloads from the App Store on iPhone or Google Play on Android, and the app costs nothing.
- You need your real phone number to set up an account, and WhatsApp will send you a verification code by text or call.
- After you verify your number, you can start messaging anyone else who has WhatsApp installed.
- WhatsApp works over Wi-Fi or mobile data, so you can message without using your phone plan's text messages.
Installing WhatsApp on an iPhone
Step 1: Open the App Store. Tap the blue App Store icon on your home screen. It looks like a white stylized "A" made of sticks.
Step 2: Search for WhatsApp. Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen (it looks like a magnifying glass). Type "WhatsApp" in the search box and tap the result that says "WhatsApp Messenger" with the green icon.
Step 3: Download the app. Tap the cloud icon with a down arrow, or if you see a button that says "Get", tap that instead. Your phone may ask you to confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. Do what your phone asks.
Step 4: Wait for installation to finish. The button will change to say "Open" once the download is complete. This usually takes less than a minute on Wi-Fi.
Installing WhatsApp on Android
Step 1: Open Google Play. Tap the Google Play Store icon on your home screen. It looks like a white triangle inside a colored circle.
Step 2: Search for WhatsApp. Tap the search icon at the bottom (magnifying glass). Type "WhatsApp" and tap the result labeled "WhatsApp Messenger" with the green icon.
Step 3: Download the app. Tap the button that says "Install". Your phone may ask for permission to access certain features — tap "Allow" or "Install" when prompted.
Step 4: Wait for installation to finish. The button will change to say "Open" once the download is complete. This usually takes less than a minute on Wi-Fi.
Creating your WhatsApp account
After installation finishes, tap "Open" to launch WhatsApp for the first time. The app will ask for your phone number — enter it with the country code included (for example, +1 for the United States). WhatsApp uses this number as your account, so use the number on the SIM card in your phone.
WhatsApp will send you a verification code by text message. If you do not receive a text within a few seconds, the app will offer to call you instead and read the code aloud. Enter the code when it arrives, and your account is ready to use.
The app may ask for permission to access your contacts. Tap "Allow" so WhatsApp can show you which of your contacts already have the app installed. You can also message people without this permission — it just means you will have to type their number manually.
What to do if the download fails
If the download stops or shows an error, the most common cause is a weak internet connection. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router or wait until you have a stronger signal, then try again. On iPhone, go back to the App Store and tap the cloud icon again. On Android, open Google Play and tap "Install" again.
If you see a message saying "This app is not available in your country", WhatsApp may not be distributed in your region through that app store. This is rare but does happen. Try opening a web browser and searching "WhatsApp APK download" (on Android) or contact WhatsApp support through their website for alternatives.
If your phone says you do not have enough storage space, you will need to delete other apps or files first. Go to your phone's settings, find Storage or Device Storage, and look for apps you no longer use. Delete them, then try installing WhatsApp again.
Troubleshooting after installation
If WhatsApp opens but will not let you enter your phone number, restart your phone completely. Turn it off, wait ten seconds, and turn it back on. This clears temporary glitches that prevent the app from working.
If you do not receive the verification code, check that you entered your phone number correctly, including the country code. WhatsApp sends codes by text, so make sure your phone can receive text messages. If you still do not receive it after two minutes, tap "Didn't get the code?" and choose the option to receive a call instead.
If you see a message saying "This phone number is already registered", someone else may have used your number to create an account. This sometimes happens if you bought a used phone with a recycled number. Tap "This isn't my account" and follow the steps to take over the account with your own password.
What happens after you are set up
Once your account is active, WhatsApp will show you a list of your contacts who also have the app. You can start a new chat by tapping the message icon (looks like a speech bubble) and selecting a contact. Messages are free to send over Wi-Fi or mobile data — you do not pay per message.
WhatsApp also lets you make voice and video calls, send photos and videos, and create group chats. All of these features work the same way: tap the contact or group, then tap the phone or video camera icon at the top of the chat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Facebook account to use WhatsApp?
No. WhatsApp is owned by Meta (the company behind Facebook), but you do not need a Facebook account to download or use WhatsApp. You only need a phone number.
Can I use WhatsApp on a tablet or computer?
Yes, but you need WhatsApp installed on your phone first. On a tablet or computer, you can use WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop, which connect to your phone account. Search for "WhatsApp Web" or "WhatsApp Desktop" in your web browser to get your free guide.
What if I do not have a data plan?
WhatsApp works over Wi-Fi, so you can message anywhere you have Wi-Fi access without using your phone's data plan. If you are away from Wi-Fi, you will need either a mobile data plan or a cellular connection to send and receive messages.
Is WhatsApp really free?
Yes. The app costs nothing to download or use. WhatsApp makes money from business accounts, not from regular users. You will never be charged to message friends or family.
Can I delete WhatsApp and reinstall it later?
Yes. If you uninstall WhatsApp, your account stays active for 30 days. If you reinstall within that time, your old chats and account will be there. After 30 days, your account is deleted and you will need to set up a new one.