Messenger
4.7Meta Platforms, Inc.
Communication
4.7Meta Platforms, Inc.
3.8Telegram FZ-LLC
4.2Snap Inc
4.6TextNow, Inc.
WhatsApp Messenger is a messaging app for sending text and voice messages, making voice and video calls, and sharing photos, videos, documents, contacts, and location. You can chat one-to-one or in groups, and use features such as Status updates and Communities where available. It requires an internet connection, and the features offered may vary by device, region, and app version.
WhatsApp Messenger is generally free to download and use, and it does not charge a standard subscription fee for messaging or calls. However, it uses mobile data or Wi-Fi, so your carrier may charge for data, especially when making calls or sending media away from Wi-Fi. Check the app store listing and your mobile plan for current details, since availability and terms can change.
WhatsApp says personal messages and calls are protected with end-to-end encryption, meaning they are intended to be readable or heard only by the participants. This protection does not automatically cover every part of your experience: backups, reports, notifications, and information such as account or usage metadata can involve different settings or handling. Review WhatsApp’s privacy controls and backup options to decide what suits you.
To create a WhatsApp account, you generally need a supported Android or iOS device, an internet connection, and a phone number that can receive a verification code by SMS or call. After verification, you can set a profile name and optionally add a photo. You may also be able to link companion devices, but account setup and device limits can change, so check the current app instructions.
WhatsApp can be used on supported computers and some tablets through linked-device options, such as the desktop app or WhatsApp Web. You typically set up the link from your primary phone, and the available steps depend on the device and app version. A linked device is not necessarily a replacement for an account phone number, so check WhatsApp’s current requirements before relying on it without your phone.