To update WhatsApp on Android, open the Google Play Store, find WhatsApp Messenger and tap Update. On an iPhone, update it from the App Store the same way you update any other app. WhatsApp recommends backing up your chats and using a strong internet connection first, and if you're registering a phone number you need the latest version or registration might fail.
Most of the time WhatsApp updates itself, which is why people only go looking when something breaks or a feature they've heard about isn't showing. Here's how both kinds of update work and how to fix the errors that stop one installing.
How to update WhatsApp manually
On Android
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Search for WhatsApp Messenger.
- Tap Update.
On iPhone
Open the App Store, find WhatsApp and tap Update if it's offered. WhatsApp's help page says automatic app updates can be turned on in your device or app store settings, so if you'd rather not do this by hand, switch automatic updates on there.
Before you tap Update
- Back up your chat history, in case anything goes wrong during the update.
- Use a strong internet connection.
- Leave enough free space: WhatsApp recommends at least 1 GB free when installing or updating apps.
One more detail: WhatsApp says updates may not be available in certain regions because of local regulations, so an update a friend abroad has may not reach you yet.
WhatsApp auto-update on Android
WhatsApp now has its own auto-update setting on Android, separate from the Play Store. WhatsApp says auto-updates are turned on by default when you accept its Terms of Service, and with Meta Preloads it updates automatically over Wi-Fi so you don't use mobile data.
| To do this | Go to |
|---|---|
| Turn off WhatsApp auto-update | WhatsApp Settings, then App updates, switch off Auto-update WhatsApp and tap Turn off |
| Get a notification instead | WhatsApp Settings, then App updates, and under Notifications turn on WhatsApp update available |
Even with WhatsApp's own setting off, WhatsApp says Google Play stays the first option for updates, so you may still get auto-updates or update prompts from the Play Store.
When WhatsApp won't update: the error fixes WhatsApp gives
| Error you see | What WhatsApp suggests |
|---|---|
| There's insufficient space on the device | Clear the Google Play Store's cache and storage, restart your phone and try again |
| This app is incompatible with your Android device | Check WhatsApp's list of supported Android devices |
| This item isn't available in your country | Try Google Play Help first, then download WhatsApp as an APK file from WhatsApp's own site |
| Error 490 | Try Wi-Fi instead of mobile data, turn on background data for the Play Store, then clear its cache and storage |
| Errors 101, 498 and 919 | Follow the insufficient space steps |
| Errors 403, 495, 504, 911, 920, 923 and failed downloads | Free up space, then install WhatsApp as an APK from WhatsApp's site |
How to clear the Play Store cache
- Go to your phone's Settings, then Apps, then Google Play Store.
- Tap Storage and cache, then Clear cache.
- Tap Clear storage, then Delete.
- Restart your phone and try the update again.
If you install from WhatsApp's APK file, Android asks you to allow installs from that source: tap Settings, then Allow from this source. Only use the APK from WhatsApp's own site, never a modified version from anywhere else.
If you're about to register a new phone number on WhatsApp, update first. WhatsApp's help page says registration might fail on an older version, so it's quicker to update before you start than to troubleshoot a failed code afterwards.
Clearing data has a cost, so WhatsApp's advice is to back up before you delete anything: once photos, voice messages or videos are deleted, you can't see or listen to them again.
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Updated and still not seeing a new feature?
Updating is the first step, not a guarantee, because WhatsApp itself says some updates aren't available in every region. If the app itself is misbehaving after an update, start with what to do when WhatsApp keeps stopping, or this guide to WhatsApp not working if messages aren't sending at all. Messenger works the same way, and I've covered updating Messenger too.
My verdict
Leave automatic updates on. It's the simplest way to get security fixes and new features, and on Android WhatsApp's own updater only uses Wi-Fi. Update by hand when you're registering a new number or a feature's missing, back up first, and if the Play Store throws an error, clear its cache and storage before you reach for an APK.
Frequently asked questions
How do I update WhatsApp?
On Android, open the Google Play Store, find WhatsApp Messenger and tap Update. On iPhone, update it from the App Store, or turn on automatic updates in your device or app store settings.
Does WhatsApp update automatically?
Yes on Android, by default. WhatsApp says auto-updates are turned on when you accept its Terms of Service, and with Meta Preloads it updates over Wi-Fi.
How do I turn off WhatsApp auto-update?
Go to WhatsApp Settings, then App updates, switch off Auto-update WhatsApp and tap Turn off. Google Play may still update WhatsApp or prompt you to.
Why can't I update WhatsApp?
Usually it's storage. WhatsApp recommends at least 1 GB of free space and suggests clearing the Google Play Store's cache and storage, then restarting your phone.
Do I need the latest WhatsApp to register my number?
Yes. WhatsApp says you need the latest version when registering your phone number, otherwise your registration might fail.
