You have to be at least 13 to use WhatsApp on your own, or older where your country requires it. Younger children can only use it through a parent-managed account, where that's available, set up by a parent or guardian.
WhatsApp's age rule is short, but there's a newer option most parents haven't heard of: parent-managed accounts. Here's what WhatsApp's terms and help centre say.
The minimum age
WhatsApp says you must be at least 13 years old, or older if your country or region requires it, to register for and use WhatsApp on your own. The words 'on your own' matter, because they point to the one legitimate route for younger children.
Parent-managed accounts
If a child is under the minimum age, WhatsApp's terms say a parent or guardian can create a parent-managed account for them, if it's available in their country or territory. A few things come with that:
- The parent who creates it agrees to WhatsApp's terms and responsible for the child's activity on the app.
- WhatsApp asks parents to read the terms with their child.
- When the child reaches 13, or the minimum age where they live, they're allowed to manage their own account.
What's not allowed is setting up a normal account for someone too young. WhatsApp says registering an account on behalf of someone who doesn't meet the minimum age breaks its terms.
The age rule by situation
| Your case | What WhatsApp allows |
|---|---|
| 13 or over (or the local minimum) | Your own account |
| Under the minimum, where parent-managed accounts exist | A parent-managed account set up by a parent or guardian |
| Under the minimum, no parent-managed option | No account |
| Child on a parent-managed account turns 13 | They can manage their own account |
If a child already has an account
WhatsApp's help centre gives two routes. You can show the child how to delete the account, or a parent can set up a parent-managed account if it's available. A parent can also report the account to WhatsApp by email, attaching proof of parental authority, such as a copy of a birth or adoption certificate, and proof of the child's date of birth. WhatsApp warns that if it can't reasonably verify the account belongs to the reported child, it may not be able to act.
Why 'or older' matters
WhatsApp doesn't publish a single worldwide number beyond 13. Both its terms and its help centre say 13 or such greater age required in your country or region. So if your country sets a higher digital age for apps like this, that higher age is the one that applies, and a 13 year old there isn't allowed an account of their own. Check before you assume 13 is the answer where you live.
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Common mistakes parents make
- Registering a normal account with the parent's details for a younger child. WhatsApp says registering on behalf of someone under the minimum age breaks its terms.
- Entering an older birthday to get past sign-up. If the account is reported, WhatsApp can act on it.
- Assuming parent-managed accounts exist everywhere. WhatsApp says they're available only where offered in your country or territory.
Setting a teen up, step by step
- Check the minimum age where you live; it can be higher than 13.
- For under-13s, see whether parent-managed accounts are available in your country.
- Agree the ground rules on groups and unknown numbers before the account goes live.
- Review privacy settings together, such as who can add them to groups.
My verdict
Thirteen is the rule for a standard account, and a parent-managed account is the honest route below it. Don't register a normal account in a younger child's name; WhatsApp treats that as a breach, and you lose the protections the managed route gives. While you're setting things up, here's how to stop WhatsApp saving photos and how to switch WhatsApp's language.
Frequently asked questions
Can a child under 13 use WhatsApp?
Not with their own account. WhatsApp's minimum is 13, or older where local law requires it; younger children can only use a parent-managed account where that's available.
What is a WhatsApp parent-managed account?
An account a parent or guardian creates for a child under the minimum age, where available. The parent is responsible for the child's activity, and the child can manage it themselves at 13.
Can I set up a WhatsApp account for my child in my name?
Registering an account on behalf of someone who doesn't meet the minimum age breaks WhatsApp's terms. Use a parent-managed account where it's available.
How do I report an underage WhatsApp account?
A parent or guardian can email WhatsApp with proof of parental authority and proof of the child's date of birth.
