Download WhatsApp Messenger from the Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iPhone), open it, type your mobile number and enter the 6-digit code WhatsApp sends you. That is all you need to start chatting.
Before you start
- You need a working mobile number that can receive an SMS or a phone call. Keep that SIM in your phone (or at least switched on nearby) while you register.
- Turn on mobile data or Wi-Fi.
- One WhatsApp account belongs to one phone number. If you register the same number on a new phone, the old phone is logged out.
Install the right app
Only install the app named WhatsApp Messenger from WhatsApp LLC. Apps called "GB WhatsApp", "WhatsApp Plus" or anything sent to you as a file (.apk) are copies made by other people. They can steal your chats and can get your number banned.
- Android: open Play Store, search "WhatsApp", check the maker is WhatsApp LLC, tap Install.
- iPhone: open App Store, search "WhatsApp", tap Get (or the cloud icon), confirm with Face ID or your password.
Register your number (Android and iPhone)
- Open WhatsApp. Choose your language if asked, then tap Agree and continue.
- Check the country is right (for India it shows +91). Type your 10-digit mobile number without a 0 in front.
- Tap Next and confirm the number with Yes or OK.
- WhatsApp sends a 6-digit code by SMS. On many Android phones it fills itself in. If not, type it in.
- Allow access to Contacts when asked, so you can see which friends use WhatsApp. You can also allow notifications.
- If you had WhatsApp before, you may see Restore for your old chat backup. Tap it to get old chats back, or Skip to start fresh (skipping cannot be undone later).
- Type your name (friends see it), add a photo if you like, and tap Next. Your chat list opens.
If it doesn't work
- Code not arriving: wait for the timer to finish, then choose to get the code by phone call. Full steps: WhatsApp code not received.
- "Wrong number" or no code at all: check the country code and that there is no extra 0 or space.
- App will not install: free some storage and make sure your phone software is not very old; WhatsApp stops working on old Android and iPhone versions over time.
- Asked for a 6-digit PIN: this is the two-step verification PIN you (or someone) set earlier. See two-step verification.
Next steps
Set your photo and About line (how to) and turn on two-step verification so nobody else can register your number.
Safety tip
The 6-digit code is only for you. WhatsApp never asks for it by message or call. If anyone asks you to "forward the code you just got", it is a scam to take over your account.
This is GroupChatOn’s own easy guide. We are not WhatsApp and are not linked with WhatsApp or Meta. WhatsApp sometimes changes its menus: if a button looks different on your phone, update WhatsApp from the Play Store or App Store.
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Questions, or an error not listed here?
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