To download WhatsApp, install it from the Google Play Store on an Android phone or the Apple App Store on an iPhone, then register your phone number. WhatsApp supports Android 6.0 and newer and iOS 15.1 and newer, and from 30 November 2026 iPhones will need iOS 15.5 or newer.
That's what WhatsApp's Help Center lists as of October 2026. The catch most people miss comes after the download: your phone must be able to receive SMS or calls during verification, and WhatsApp doesn't support setting up a new account on a device that can only connect to Wi-Fi. A tablet or an old phone without a working number can install the app, but it can't start a fresh account on its own.
Those devices still have a route in. WhatsApp supports linking a selection of devices to your phone, including iPads, Android tablets and WearOS smartwatches, once your main account is set up.
Where to get WhatsApp for each device
| Device | Official source | Minimum version WhatsApp lists | How it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android phone | Google Play Store | Android 6.0 | Full app; phone must receive SMS or calls |
| iPhone | Apple App Store | iOS 15.1 now, iOS 15.5 from 30 November 2026 | Full app; phone must receive SMS or calls |
| iPad | Apple App Store | iOS 15.1 | Linked to your phone's account by QR code |
| Windows computer | Microsoft Store | Windows 10.1 64-bit 1903 or later | Desktop app, no browser needed |
| Other computers | WhatsApp Web in a browser | Your web browser | No install needed |
My advice on safety is simple: stick to the stores WhatsApp itself names in its Help Center. They're where WhatsApp points you for installs and updates, and they're where the official app lives.
Getting it on your phone in three steps
- Check your phone's software version against the table above. Android needs 6.0 or newer; iPhone needs iOS 15.1 or newer, rising to 15.5 on 30 November 2026.
- Open the Google Play Store or Apple App Store on that phone and install WhatsApp.
- Open WhatsApp and register your phone number. You'll need to receive a code by SMS or call, so use a phone with a working number.
Once you're in, our beginner's guide on how to use WhatsApp covers the basics from your first chat onwards.
The iOS 15.5 change on 30 November 2026
This is the date to know if you're on an older iPhone. WhatsApp's supported operating systems article says that starting 30 November 2026, only iOS 15.5 and newer will be supported, up from iOS 15.1 today. If your iPhone can't move past an earlier version, plan for it now rather than finding out when the app stops.
WhatsApp explains how it decides. Every year it reviews which devices and software are the oldest and have the fewest users, because those may lack the latest security updates or the functionality WhatsApp needs to run. Before support ends for your system, you'll be told inside WhatsApp, and it'll remind you a few times to upgrade. WhatsApp says it updates that article regularly, so it's the place to check the current list.
WhatsApp on an iPad, tablet or watch
WhatsApp for iPad is a download from the Apple App Store and needs iOS 15.1 or newer. It doesn't register its own number: you link it to the account on your phone by scanning a QR code. On an iPhone, that's Settings or your profile picture, then Linked devices, then Link device. On Android, it's Linked devices, then Link a device.
Linking an iPad syncs up to a year of your most recent chat history, and everything stays on your phone too. WhatsApp notes that linked devices may not have every feature the phone app has. The full setup is in our guide to using WhatsApp on an iPad. Android tablets and WearOS watches are also on WhatsApp's list of devices you can securely link to your phone.
WhatsApp on a computer
WhatsApp says you can use it on a desktop without a browser. On Windows, go to the Microsoft Store, download the app and follow the prompts; it needs Windows 10.1 64-bit 1903 or later. For other operating systems, WhatsApp's download article points you to WhatsApp Web in your browser. For more detail, read our piece on the WhatsApp desktop app.
When WhatsApp won't download or update on Android
WhatsApp's troubleshooting article says Google Play Store problems usually come down to one of three error messages. Before you clear any app data, back up your chats so you don't lose your history.
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| Google Play message | What WhatsApp suggests |
|---|---|
| There's insufficient space on the device | Clear Google Play Store's cache and storage, restart and try again; then free up space if needed |
| This app is incompatible with your Android device | Check your phone meets WhatsApp's supported Android list: Android 6.0 or newer and able to receive SMS or calls |
| This app is currently not available in your country or region | Work through the troubleshooting tips in Google Play Help |
| Error codes 101, 498 and 919 | Follow the same steps as for insufficient space |
Freeing space so the install goes through
WhatsApp recommends at least 1 GB of free space when installing or updating apps. If space is the problem, it suggests these steps in order:
- Go to your phone's Settings, tap Apps, then Google Play Store, then Storage and cache, and tap Clear cache.
- Tap Clear storage, then Delete.
- Restart your phone and try installing WhatsApp again.
- If it still fails, delete data and apps you no longer use, or move them to an external SD card.
- If WhatsApp is already installed and won't update, go to Settings, then Apps, then WhatsApp, then Storage and cache, and tap Clear cache.
A warning WhatsApp repeats for good reason: if you delete WhatsApp photos, voice messages or videos to make room, you can't see or listen to them again. If your issue isn't one of these, WhatsApp's own advice is to check Google Play Help for that specific error.
My verdict
Downloading WhatsApp is the easy part. The two things that trip people up are an outdated operating system and trying to start an account on a device without a working number. Check your version first, especially on an older iPhone ahead of 30 November 2026, and set up on your phone before you add an iPad, a computer or a watch. If you'd like it on your wrist too, here's how WhatsApp works on a smartwatch.
Frequently asked questions
How do I download WhatsApp?
Install it from the Google Play Store on Android or the Apple App Store on iPhone, then open it and register your phone number. The phone must be able to receive SMS or calls to verify.
Which phones does WhatsApp support?
WhatsApp lists Android phones running 6.0 and newer and iPhones running iOS 15.1 and newer. From 30 November 2026, only iOS 15.5 and newer will be supported.
Is there a WhatsApp app for iPad?
Yes. WhatsApp for iPad is in the Apple App Store and needs iOS 15.1 or newer. You link it to your phone's account by scanning a QR code.
How do I get WhatsApp on a computer?
On Windows, download WhatsApp Desktop from the Microsoft Store; it needs Windows 10.1 64-bit 1903 or later. For other operating systems, WhatsApp points you to WhatsApp Web in your browser.
Why can't I download or update WhatsApp?
On Android it's usually low storage, an incompatible device or the app not being available in your region. Clear Google Play Store's cache and storage, free up space and check Google Play Help for other errors.
Can I set up WhatsApp on a Wi-Fi only tablet?
Not as a new account. WhatsApp says it doesn't support setting up new accounts on devices that can only connect to Wi-Fi, but you can link supported tablets to an account on your phone.
