WhatsApp is a free messaging app used by over two billion people worldwide, and it’s the go-to way for many families and friend groups in the UK to stay in touch. Once you’ve got it set up, you can send messages, photos, and voice notes, and make free calls to anyone else on WhatsApp, anywhere in the world.

Here’s how to get started.

Setting WhatsApp up

Download WhatsApp from the App Store (search for “WhatsApp” and tap Get, it’s free).
Open the app and tap Agree and Continue.
Enter your phone number and tap Next. WhatsApp will send you a 6-digit code by text message, enter it to verify your number.
Add your name and, optionally, a profile photo. Tap Next.

WhatsApp now shows your contacts who are already on WhatsApp. You’re ready to go.

Sending a message

Tap the new chat icon (a pencil or speech bubble with a + sign, top right).
Choose a contact from the list, or type their name to search.
Tap the text box at the bottom, type your message, and tap the send button (a green arrow).

The person will receive your message immediately (as long as they have signal or Wi-Fi). You’ll see:

One grey tick, message sent from your phone
Two grey ticks, message delivered to their phone
Two blue ticks, message has been read

Sending a voice note

Many people find typing difficult or slow, and voice notes are a great alternative, you speak your message and the other person listens at their convenience.

In a chat, press and hold the microphone icon (bottom right of the text box).
Speak your message while holding the button.
Release to send.

Tip: if you’d like to record without holding the button, swipe up on the microphone icon after pressing it, this locks the recording so your hands are free.

Sending a photo or video

In a chat, tap the paperclip or + icon (next to the text box).
Tap Gallery to choose from your photos, or Camera to take a new one.
Select the photo, add a caption if you like, and tap Send.

You can send multiple photos at once by tapping several in the gallery before hitting send.

Making a free call

Open a conversation with the person you want to call.
Tap the phone icon (top right) for a voice call, or the video camera icon for a video call.

WhatsApp calls work over Wi-Fi or mobile data, they don’t use your phone minutes. Calling family abroad is completely free as long as both of you have WhatsApp.

Group chats

A group chat lets you message several people at once, useful for family groups, friends, or clubs.

To create a group:

Tap the new chat icon and choose New Group.
Select the people you want to add (you can add up to 1,024 participants).
Tap the green arrow, add a group name, and tap the tick to create it.

Everyone in the group can see all messages. You can leave a group at any time by tapping the group name at the top → Exit Group.

A few handy things to know

Deleting messages: press and hold a message, then tap Delete. You can delete just for yourself, or (within about 60 hours of sending) delete for everyone.
Replying to a specific message: swipe right on the message you want to reply to, then type your response. Your reply appears linked to the original message, useful in busy group chats.
Read receipts: if you’d prefer people not to see when you’ve read their messages (no blue ticks), go to Settings → Privacy → Read Receipts and turn it off. Note that this also means you won’t see whether others have read yours.
WhatsApp Web: if you want to use WhatsApp on your computer, visit web.whatsapp.com and scan the QR code with your phone (WhatsApp → Settings → Linked Devices).

New to WhatsApp, or struggling with any of the above? Get in touch with Hebden Tech Tutors, we’re happy to sit with you and get it set up.