How to Use WhatsApp: Setup, Contacts, Groups and Calls

If a client, a relative or a supplier has asked you to 'just message me on WhatsApp' and you've never used it, this page is for you. WhatsApp is a messaging app that runs on your phone number, and the basics take about ten minutes to learn. I've pulled the steps from WhatsApp's help centre so you can register, save a contact, send your first message, join a group and make a call without guessing. Where menus differ between phones, I'll say so.

What you need before you use WhatsApp

The official help centre sets out the registration requirements plainly. Here's the short list:

• A phone number you own, that can receive SMS or phone calls.
• The latest version of WhatsApp from your phone's official app store.
• A working internet connection through mobile data or Wi-Fi.
• A supported number. The help centre says VoIP numbers, toll-free numbers, premium-rate numbers, universal access numbers and landlines aren't supported (landlines only work on the WhatsApp Business app).

One more practical point: if you want to use both WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business, you'll need a different phone number for each app.

How to register your phone number to use WhatsApp

1. Open WhatsApp and tap Agree and continue to accept the terms of service.
2. Tap Allow if you want notifications for calls and messages.
3. Choose your country and enter your phone number in full international format.
4. You'll receive a 6-digit verification code by SMS. Enter it to finish registering.

If no code arrives, tap Didn't receive a code? and choose SMS or Phone call for a new one, and wait for the progress bar to finish before you try again. The help centre also says don't guess the code, because you'll be locked out for a period of time. After registering, WhatsApp walks you through setting up your account, or restoring an existing one.

WhatsApp also lets you register with a Meta Account if you already use Facebook or Instagram. That's optional. Adding WhatsApp to a Meta Account only happens if you choose it.

How to add a contact and start a chat on WhatsApp

The help centre says you can add a contact in three ways: with a new chat, from an existing chat where you only see a phone number, or from a group. In each case you enter their details and save. There's also a Sync contacts to phone switch, which you can turn on or off while saving.

To start chatting, open the new chat option, choose the person, type your message in the box at the bottom and tap send. My longer walkthrough on adding a contact on WhatsApp covers editing and deleting them too.

How to send photos, videos, documents and voice messages on WhatsApp

Next to the message box you'll find an attach button for photos, videos, documents and contacts, and a microphone for voice messages. On the computer version, WhatsApp says you can send up to 100 photos or videos at once and add a caption to each. The maximum size for a document is 2 GB. You can also change the quality of a photo before sending, between standard and HD, and you can share a link by copying it and pasting it into the chat.

For a voice message, press the microphone and speak. The help centre says you can pause and resume while recording, and cancel to delete the recording if you change your mind.

How to use a WhatsApp group

Groups are where WhatsApp becomes useful for a team, a club or a customer list. WhatsApp says you can create a group with up to 1024 members, and the group name can be up to 100 characters. When you create one you choose contacts, give it a name, and can add an icon, set disappearing messages and review group permissions.

To bring someone in later, open the group, tap the group name and choose Add member, or share an invite link. WhatsApp advises sharing group links only with people you trust, because anyone with the link can join and forward it. My page on adding someone to a WhatsApp group goes step by step.

How to make a WhatsApp call

WhatsApp calls use your internet connection. Open the chat with the person, choose the call option and pick voice or video. During a voice call, tap the camera icon to switch to video. The help centre notes that you can mute your microphone from the call screen, and it recommends a headset for the best audio.

Using WhatsApp on a computer too

Once you're comfortable on the phone, you can link a computer. WhatsApp says you can link up to four devices to your primary phone, as long as you log in to WhatsApp on that phone at least every 14 days. Linked devices are end-to-end encrypted just like your phone, so your chats stay private, and you can still reply from a bigger keyboard.

Safe habits when you start using WhatsApp

• Never share your registration code with anyone. Not a friend, not someone claiming to be support.
• Stick to the official WhatsApp app. Fake versions break the terms of service and can lead to a ban.
• Use WhatsApp responsibly. Spam, scams and bulk messaging can lead to restrictions or a ban.
• Check your linked devices from time to time and log out of any you don't recognise.

If someone you don't want to hear from gets in touch, blocking someone on WhatsApp takes a few taps. For tips on the rest of the app, my WhatsApp help guides are a good next stop.

If you can't get started with WhatsApp

• No code? Wait a few minutes, then request SMS or a phone call.
• Number not accepted? Check it's a supported type and that you included the country code in full international format.
• Still stuck? Check WhatsApp is up to date, you have a working connection, and call-blocking apps are switched off.

Frequently asked questions

How do I start using WhatsApp?

Install the app, accept the terms, choose your country, enter your phone number and type in the 6-digit code WhatsApp sends you by SMS or phone call.

Do I need a phone number to use WhatsApp?

Yes. WhatsApp's help centre says you must register a phone number you own and be able to receive the registration code by SMS or phone call.

Can I use WhatsApp on a computer?

Yes. You link a computer or WhatsApp Web to the account on your phone. You can link up to four devices to one primary phone.

How many people can be in a WhatsApp group?

WhatsApp's help centre says a group can have up to 1024 members.

Can I use WhatsApp with a landline number?

Not on the standard app. The help centre says landlines are only supported on the WhatsApp Business app.