WhatsApp remains one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide in 2025, with several new features that make staying connected easier than ever. The app continues to evolve with improved video calling capabilities and creative tools like camera effects and selfie stickers. Getting started with WhatsApp is simple – just download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, open it by tapping the icon, and follow the setup instructions.
Users should be aware that WhatsApp regularly updates its compatibility requirements. As of May 2025, certain older iOS versions (iOS 13, 14, and 15) are no longer supported. This means people using older devices may need to upgrade their operating systems or potentially their devices to continue using the platform.
1. Getting Started: Setup and Security
In 2026, setting up WhatsApp is faster and more secure than ever.
- Registration: You still sign up with your phone number, but Passkeys have largely replaced SMS verification codes. Link your account to your FaceID or TouchID for instant setup.
- Privacy Checkup: Upon first launch, go to Settings > Privacy > Privacy Checkup. This tool guides you through locking down your profile photo, “Last Seen” status, and silencing unknown callers.
- Username Support: You no longer have to share your phone number to chat with someone. You can create a unique WhatsApp Username to maintain privacy in large groups or communities.
2. Core Messaging & Media
The way we communicate has expanded beyond simple text.
- Voice & Video Messages: You can send a quick voice note or a “Video Note” (a circular video snippet). By 2026, WhatsApp includes Auto-Transcripts for all voice notes—simply tap “Read” below a voice message to see the text if you can’t listen.
- HD Media by Default: You no longer need to manually select “HD” for every photo. In Settings, you can set your media upload quality to “Always HD” for crisp sharing.
- Message Editing: You can edit any message within 15 minutes of sending it. Long-press the message and select “Edit.”
3. Using Meta AI (The 2026 Updates)
AI is now a core part of the WhatsApp experience. Look for the colorful AI circle in your chat list.
- Chat Summaries: If you’ve been away from a busy group chat, WhatsApp AI can provide a “Catch Up” summary, highlighting the most important points you missed.
- AI Image Generation: Type
@MetaAIin any chat followed by “Imagine a futuristic kitchen” to generate images instantly for your friends. - Real-Time Translation: For international chats, you can enable Live Translation. As your contact types in Spanish, the text appears to you in English (and vice-versa).
4. Communities and Channels
WhatsApp is now a major hub for organized groups and news.
- Communities: This is a “folder” for multiple related groups. For example, a “Neighborhood” Community might contain separate groups for “Security,” “Lost Pets,” and “Social Events.”
- Channels: These are one-way broadcasts. You can follow your favorite news outlets, sports teams, or celebrities under the Updates tab. In 2026, Channels support “Polls” and “Voice Broadcasts” from creators.
- Third-Party Chats: Due to global regulations, you may see a folder for “Third-Party Chats.” This allows you to receive messages from other apps (like Signal or Telegram) directly inside WhatsApp.
5. Advanced Privacy Features
- Chat Lock: You can hide specific sensitive chats in a “Locked Chats” folder that requires biometrics (FaceID/Fingerprint) or a secret code to open.
- Disappearing Messages: You can set chats to automatically delete after 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days.
- Screen Lock for Desktop: If you use WhatsApp on a computer, you can enable a password lock so coworkers can’t read your messages when you step away.
6. Multi-Device Usage
In 2026, your phone doesn’t need to be online for WhatsApp to work elsewhere.
- Linked Devices: You can link up to 4 additional devices, including tablets (iPad finally has a native app!), laptops, and even smart glasses.
- How to Link: Go to Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device and scan the QR code on the secondary screen.
7. WhatsApp Business
If you use WhatsApp for work, the 2026 version allows for:
- AI Customer Service: Small businesses can set up an AI bot to answer common questions (hours, pricing) while they are asleep.
- Payments: In many regions, you can pay for goods and services directly in the chat using WhatsApp Pay or integrated digital wallets.
Summary Checklist for New Users
- Enable Passkeys for easy login.
- Set a Username to hide your phone number.
- Check the Updates Tab to follow your favorite Channels.
- Use the Search Bar to ask Meta AI questions or find old messages.
- Turn on “Silence Unknown Callers” in Privacy settings to avoid spam.
Key Takeaways
- WhatsApp offers new features in 2025 including enhanced camera effects and selfie stickers for more creative messaging.
- Starting with WhatsApp requires just downloading the app and following the setup process.
- Device compatibility is important as WhatsApp no longer supports iOS versions 13-15 as of May 2025.
Getting Started with WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that allows users to send messages, make calls, and share media. The setup process is straightforward and only takes a few minutes to complete before you can start connecting with friends and family.
Installing WhatsApp
To begin using WhatsApp, users need to download the application from their device’s app store. For Android users, the app is available on the Google Play Store, while iPhone users can find it in the Apple App Store. The download is free and only requires a small amount of storage space.
After installation, users will need to open the app and accept the Terms of Service. WhatsApp requires users to be at least 13 years old (or older depending on country requirements) to register for an account.
The registration process requires a valid phone number. WhatsApp will send a verification code via SMS to confirm the SIM card is active and in the user’s possession. Users can also request a phone call with the verification code if the SMS doesn’t arrive.
Setting Up Your Profile
Once verified, users can create their WhatsApp profile. This includes adding a profile picture, name, and optional “About” status that friends can see. The profile picture can be taken directly with the camera or uploaded from the device’s gallery.
WhatsApp will ask for permission to access contacts. Granting this permission allows the app to identify which of the user’s contacts already use WhatsApp. This makes it easy to start conversations without manually entering phone numbers.
Users can also adjust privacy settings to control who can see their profile information. Options include showing information to everyone, only contacts, or nobody. These settings can be changed at any time through the Privacy menu in Settings.
Understanding WhatsApp’s Interface
The WhatsApp interface is divided into several main sections. At the top of the screen, users will find tabs for Chats, Status, and Calls. The Chats tab displays all individual and group conversations. The Status tab shows updates from contacts, similar to stories on other platforms. The Calls tab keeps a log of voice and video calls.
To start a new chat, users can tap the message icon (usually in the bottom right corner). They can select a contact from their list or scan a QR code to quickly add a new contact.
WhatsApp offers various communication options beyond text. Users can send voice messages by holding the microphone icon, make video calls by tapping the camera icon, or share photos, videos, and documents using the attachment button.
Advanced Features and Tips
WhatsApp offers numerous advanced features that can enhance communication and productivity. These tools help users manage their personal and business messaging needs while maintaining security and adapting to new updates.
Using WhatsApp for Business Purposes
The WhatsApp Business App provides specialized tools for small business owners. Users can create a Business Profile with important information like business description, address, email, and website. This helps customers easily identify and learn about the business.
Quick replies save time by letting business owners store and reuse frequent messages. Just type “/” to see all saved replies. Labels help organize chats by marking them as “New customer” or “Pending payment,” making follow-ups easier.
Businesses can also set up automated greeting messages that send when customers first message them. Away messages are useful during off-hours, letting customers know when to expect a reply.
For larger companies, the WhatsApp Business Platform offers more advanced features like API integration with existing business systems. This allows for handling larger volumes of customer communication efficiently.
Maintaining Privacy and Security
Two-step verification is essential for protecting WhatsApp accounts. Users can activate this in Settings > Account > Two-step verification to create a PIN that will be required when registering the phone number on any device.
Message privacy can be enhanced by turning off read receipts. Go to Settings > Privacy > Read Receipts to prevent others from seeing when messages are read, though this also prevents the user from seeing others’ read status.
The disappearing messages feature automatically deletes messages after a set time. Users can enable this for individual chats or as a default setting for all new chats, choosing durations from 24 hours to 90 days.
WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption protects all messages, calls, and media by default. Only the sender and recipient can read the content, not even WhatsApp. The app also offers screen lock features using fingerprint or face recognition for added security.
New Version Updates and Features
Double tap to react is a new time-saving feature that allows users to quickly add a thumbs-up emoji to messages. For more reaction options, users can press and hold to select from various emoji choices.
Video call effects and background blur enhance virtual meetings by helping users maintain privacy or reduce distractions. These effects can be accessed during active video calls by tapping the screen and selecting the effects icon.
WhatsApp now offers message transcription for voice messages, making it easier to understand audio content in noisy environments or when listening isn’t possible. This feature converts voice messages to text automatically.
The latest updates also include improved group chat management with communities, polls, and larger file sharing capabilities. Users can now send files up to 2GB, a significant increase from the previous 100MB limit.
Transferring WhatsApp Data Between Devices
Moving WhatsApp data to a new phone requires proper backup procedures. For Android users, backups are stored in Google Drive. Go to Settings > Chats > Chat backup to manually create a backup before switching devices.
iPhone users can back up to iCloud through Settings > Chats > Chat backup. When setting up WhatsApp on the new device, users will be prompted to restore from these backups during the initialization process.
Cross-platform transfers between Android and iPhone are now possible using the “Move chats to Android” or “Move to iOS” features. These tools help maintain conversation history when switching between operating systems.
WhatsApp Web and multi-device support allow using WhatsApp on computers and tablets simultaneously without requiring the phone to be online. Users can link up to four devices to their account through Settings > Linked Devices, maintaining conversations across all platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
WhatsApp offers many features that users often have questions about. From installation to security updates, these common queries cover the essential aspects of using the messaging platform effectively.
What are the steps for installing WhatsApp on an iPhone?
Installing WhatsApp on an iPhone is straightforward. Users need to visit the App Store and search for “WhatsApp Messenger.”
After finding the app, they should tap “Get” and authenticate with their Apple ID, Face ID, or Touch ID. The app will download and install automatically.
Once installed, users must open WhatsApp and verify their phone number. WhatsApp will send a verification code via SMS, which needs to be entered to complete the setup process.
How can one use WhatsApp Web on a computer?
WhatsApp Web allows users to access their WhatsApp conversations on a computer. To begin, users should visit web.whatsapp.com on their computer browser.
A QR code will appear on the screen. On their phone, users should open WhatsApp, tap the three dots menu (Android) or Settings (iPhone), and select “WhatsApp Web.”
The phone camera will activate to scan the QR code. Once scanned, WhatsApp conversations will sync to the computer, enabling messaging directly from the desktop.
What features are included in the latest WhatsApp update?
Recent WhatsApp updates have introduced several enhancements. Multi-device support now allows users to access WhatsApp on up to four linked devices without requiring the phone to be online.
Disappearing messages have been expanded with more duration options, ranging from 24 hours to 90 days. These messages automatically delete after the selected timeframe.
Voice message playback speed controls let users listen at different speeds (1x, 1.5x, or 2x), and improved media sending makes it easier to share photos and videos with better quality options.
How can I download and set up WhatsApp on an Android device?
Installing WhatsApp on Android begins with opening the Google Play Store. Users should search for “WhatsApp” and tap the “Install” button.
After installation, opening the app prompts users to accept the terms of service. They then need to enter their phone number for verification.
WhatsApp will send an SMS with a verification code to confirm the number. Once verified, users can set up their profile by adding a name and optional profile picture.
What is the process for starting a conversation on WhatsApp?
Starting a new conversation in WhatsApp is simple. Users should open the app and tap the chat icon or the new chat button (typically located in the bottom right corner).
The contact list will appear, showing all phone contacts who use WhatsApp. Selecting a contact opens a new chat window where users can type messages, send voice recordings, or share media.
For group conversations, users can tap the new group option and select multiple contacts to add to the group. They can then name the group and set a group icon before beginning the conversation.
Are there any new security features in the most recent version of WhatsApp?
WhatsApp has strengthened its security with end-to-end encryption for all messages, calls, and media. This ensures only the sender and recipient can read the content.
Two-step verification has been enhanced, allowing users to set up a PIN for additional account protection. This helps prevent unauthorized access even if someone obtains the verification code.
The app now offers disappearing messages with more flexible timing options, enhancing privacy. Users can also control who adds them to groups and who sees their profile information through expanded privacy settings.
