How to Use WhatsApp — A Beginner's Guide

WhatsApp is one of the most popular ways to stay in touch with family and friends. Millions of people over 60 use it every day to send messages, share photos, and make video calls — all for free. If you have been meaning to learn how it works, this is the guide for you.

We will walk you through everything step by step, from downloading the app to sending your first message and beyond. No technical experience is needed.

What Is WhatsApp?

WhatsApp is a free messaging app for your smartphone. It lets you send text messages, photos, and videos to other people who also have WhatsApp. You can also make voice calls and video calls through the app, just like a regular phone call but without any charge.

Unlike traditional text messages (SMS), WhatsApp uses your WiFi or mobile data connection instead of your phone plan. That means you can message anyone in the world — whether they are across the street or across the ocean — without paying for international calls or texts.

WhatsApp is owned by Meta (the company behind Facebook) and works on both iPhones and Android phones.

How to Download and Set Up WhatsApp

On iPhone

1. Open the App Store (the blue icon with a white "A" on your home screen)
2. Tap the Search tab at the bottom and type "WhatsApp"
3. Find WhatsApp Messenger in the results and tap Get
4. You may need to confirm with your Apple ID password, Face ID, or fingerprint
5. Wait for the app to download and install — it will appear on your home screen

On Android

1. Open the Google Play Store (the colourful triangle icon)
2. Tap the search bar at the top and type "WhatsApp"
3. Find WhatsApp Messenger and tap Install
4. Wait for it to download — it will appear on your home screen or in your app drawer

Setting Up Your Account

Once the app is installed, open it and follow these steps:

1. Agree to the terms — Tap "Agree and Continue"
2. Enter your phone number — Make sure you choose the correct country code (for example, +1 for the United States or +44 for the United Kingdom). Type your phone number and tap "Next"
3. Verify your number — WhatsApp will send a text message with a six-digit code. It usually fills in automatically. If it does not, type the code in yourself
4. Add your name — Type your first name (and last name if you like). This is the name other people will see
5. Add a profile photo (optional) — You can tap the camera icon to take a photo or choose one from your gallery. You can always skip this and do it later

That is it. You are now ready to start using WhatsApp.

How to Send a Message

Sending a text message on WhatsApp is straightforward:

1. Open WhatsApp and tap the Chats tab
2. Tap the new chat button — on iPhone this is a pencil icon in the top right corner; on Android it is a chat bubble icon in the bottom right corner
3. Choose the person you want to message from your contacts list. They must also have WhatsApp installed
4. Tap the text box at the bottom of the screen
5. Type your message using the keyboard
6. Tap the send button (the arrow icon) to send your message

Your message will appear in the chat with a small tick mark beneath it. One grey tick means it has been sent. Two grey ticks mean it has been delivered. Two blue ticks mean the other person has read it.

Tip: To reply to someone who has already messaged you, simply tap their name in the Chats list. You do not need to start a new chat each time.

How to Send Photos and Videos

Sharing photos of the grandchildren, a holiday, or your garden is one of the best parts of WhatsApp. Here is the quick version:

1. Open a chat with the person you want to send a photo to
2. On iPhone: Tap the plus (+) button next to the text box, then choose "Photo & Video Library" or "Camera"
3. On Android: Tap the paperclip icon next to the text box, then choose "Gallery" or "Camera"
4. Select the photo (or photos) you want to send
5. Add a caption if you like, then tap the send button

For a detailed walkthrough with screenshots and troubleshooting tips, see our full guide: How to Send Photos on WhatsApp (Step by Step).

How to Make a Voice Call

You can call anyone on WhatsApp for free, just like a normal phone call. The sound quality is often excellent as long as you have a decent WiFi or data connection.

1. Open a chat with the person you want to call
2. Tap the phone icon at the top right of the screen
3. The call will start ringing on the other person's phone
4. When they answer, talk as you normally would
5. To end the call, tap the red phone button

Tip: Make sure you are connected to WiFi when making calls over WhatsApp. Voice calls use data, and WiFi will give you the most reliable connection.

How to Make a Video Call

Video calls let you see the other person's face while you talk — perfect for catching up with family who live far away. The steps are almost the same as a voice call:

1. Open a chat with the person you want to call
2. Tap the video camera icon at the top right of the screen (next to the phone icon)
3. Wait for them to answer
4. You will see their face on your screen, and they will see yours
5. Tap the red button to end the call

You can switch between the front and back camera during a call by tapping the camera flip button on screen.

For a complete guide with tips on positioning your camera, improving video quality, and troubleshooting common problems, visit: How to Video Call on WhatsApp.

How to Join a Group Chat

Group chats are wonderful for staying connected with family. Many families set up a WhatsApp group where everyone can share messages, photos, and updates in one place.

You cannot create or join a group on your own — someone needs to add you. Here is what typically happens:

1. A family member creates a group and adds your phone number
2. You will see a notification that you have been added to a group
3. The group chat will appear in your Chats list
4. Tap the group name to open it
5. You can read everyone's messages and send your own, just like a normal chat

Tips for group chats:

• Mute notifications if the group is too noisy — tap the group name at the top, then choose "Mute Notifications." You can mute for 8 hours, one week, or permanently
• Do not worry about replying to everything. It is perfectly fine to read along quietly and jump in when you have something to say
• Be careful what you share. Remember that everyone in the group can see your messages

WhatsApp Safety Tips

WhatsApp is generally very safe to use, but it is wise to be aware of a few things:

• Never share your verification code. If someone asks for the six-digit code WhatsApp sent you, do not give it to them. This is a common scam
• Be cautious with messages from unknown numbers. If someone you do not know sends you a link or asks for money, ignore and block them
• Turn on two-step verification. Go to Settings, then Account, then Two-Step Verification. This adds an extra layer of protection to your account
• Check your privacy settings. In Settings, tap Privacy. You can control who sees your profile photo, "last seen" time, and status updates. Setting these to "My Contacts" is a good choice
• Do not forward chain messages. Messages that say "forward this to 10 people" are almost always false or misleading

Common Problems and Solutions

"I cannot find the person I want to message"

Make sure their phone number is saved in your phone's contacts. WhatsApp uses your phone's contact list. If you have just added them, close WhatsApp completely and reopen it to refresh the list.

"My messages are not sending"

Check your internet connection. WhatsApp needs WiFi or mobile data to send messages. Try opening a website in your phone's browser. If that does not work either, your connection is the problem.

"I am not receiving notifications"

Go to your phone's Settings, then Notifications, and make sure WhatsApp is allowed to send notifications. Also check that you have not accidentally muted the conversation.

"The other person cannot hear me on a call"

Make sure your phone's microphone is not blocked or muted. Check that you have not accidentally tapped the mute button during the call (it looks like a microphone with a line through it). Try using earphones or a headset if the problem continues.

"My storage is full and WhatsApp will not work"

Photos and videos received through WhatsApp can take up a lot of space over time. Go to WhatsApp Settings, then Storage and Data, then Manage Storage. From there you can see which chats are using the most space and delete files you no longer need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WhatsApp free?

Yes. WhatsApp is completely free to download and use. Sending messages, photos, and making voice or video calls all cost nothing. The only thing you need is an internet connection — either WiFi or mobile data. If you are on a limited mobile data plan, using WiFi at home will make sure you do not use up your data allowance.

Is WhatsApp safe?

WhatsApp is considered very safe. All messages and calls are protected by something called end-to-end encryption. This means that only you and the person you are communicating with can read or hear what is shared — not even WhatsApp itself. Just be sure to follow the safety tips above, especially about never sharing your verification code.

Can I use WhatsApp on a tablet or computer?

Yes. You can use WhatsApp on a tablet if it supports the app, and you can also use it on a computer by visiting web.whatsapp.com and scanning a QR code with your phone. This is handy if you prefer typing on a larger keyboard.

What is the difference between WhatsApp and regular text messages?

Regular text messages (SMS) are sent through your phone network and may cost money, especially for international messages. WhatsApp uses your internet connection instead, so it is free. WhatsApp also lets you send photos, videos, voice messages, and make video calls — all within the same app.

Do both people need WhatsApp to communicate?

Yes. Both you and the person you want to message or call must have WhatsApp installed on their phones. The good news is that most people already have it — WhatsApp has over two billion users worldwide. If a family member does not have it yet, you can encourage them to download it so you can stay in touch more easily.

You Are Ready to Go

WhatsApp might seem like a lot to take in at first, but once you send your first message or make your first call, it quickly becomes second nature. Start with something simple — send a "hello" to a family member or share a photo of what you had for lunch. You will be surprised how quickly you get comfortable with it.

If you found this guide helpful, you might also enjoy our other WhatsApp guides:

• How to Send Photos on WhatsApp
• How to Video Call on WhatsApp
• What Is WiFi? Explained Simply