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How to Use WhatsApp on iPhone

This guide walks you through downloading, setting up, and using WhatsApp on your iPhone — one step at a time. No tech jargon, just clear instructions.

1Download WhatsApp

  1. 1

    Open the App Store (blue icon with a white "A").

  2. 2

    Tap the Search tab at the bottom right.

  3. 3

    Type "WhatsApp" and tap Search.

  4. 4

    Tap "Get" next to WhatsApp Messenger, then confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.

  5. 5

    Wait for the app to download and install.

2Set Up Your Account

Open WhatsApp

Tap the green WhatsApp icon on your home screen.

Agree to the terms

Tap "Agree & Continue" to accept the terms of service.

Enter your phone number

Select your country, type your phone number, and tap "Done." WhatsApp will send you a 6-digit code via text message.

Enter the verification code

WhatsApp may detect the code automatically. If not, type the 6-digit code from the text message you received.

Set up your profile

Add your name (this is what others will see) and optionally a profile photo. Tap "Done."

3How to Use WhatsApp

Send a message

Tap the pencil icon (top right) to start a new chat. Choose a contact from your list and type your message at the bottom. Tap the blue arrow to send.

Make a voice call

Open a chat with the person you want to call. Tap the phone icon at the top right to start a free voice call.

Make a video call

Open a chat and tap the video camera icon at the top right. Your front camera will turn on so the other person can see you.

Send a photo

In a chat, tap the "+" icon at the bottom left, then tap "Photos." Choose a photo from your library and tap the blue arrow to send.

Send a voice message

In a chat, press and hold the microphone icon on the right side. Speak your message, then release to send it.

Tips for Seniors

  • ✓

    Increase text size: Go to iPhone Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size and drag the slider to the right for larger text in WhatsApp.

  • ✓

    Pin important chats: Swipe right on a chat and tap the pin icon to keep your most-used conversations at the top of the list.

  • ✓

    Use voice messages when typing feels difficult — just hold the microphone button and talk.

  • ✓

    Enable read receipts (blue check marks) in Settings > Privacy so you know when your message was read.

Common Issues & Solutions

I am not receiving the verification code▼
Make sure your phone number is correct and includes the country code. Check that your phone has a cellular signal. Try the "Call me" option instead, which will read the code to you in a phone call.
My contacts are not showing up▼
Go to iPhone Settings > WhatsApp > Contacts and make sure the toggle is turned on. Your contacts also need to have WhatsApp installed on their phones.
Calls and video are poor quality▼
Make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi for the best quality. Close other apps that might be using the internet. If on cellular data, move to an area with better signal.

Use WhatsApp on a Different Device

Same app, different device. Pick yours below:

📲iPad🤖Android Phone💻Windows PC🖥️Mac💻Chromebook

More App Guides for iPhone

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