New to WhatsApp? Here’s how to get started on WhatsApp Messenger

WhatsApp is a simple yet creative tool to connect with your friends and family. Know how to start with WhatsApp.

Meta-owned WhatsApp has more than 2 billion monthly active users globally. (Shutterstock)

When it comes to free messaging apps then surely, WhatsApp is one of the top ones that come instantly to the mind. There are others like Signal and Telegram and they too are growing and may well have some outstanding features that are better than the similar ones on WhatsApp, but the Meta owned app has stolen a march on everyone. In fact, nothing comes close to WhatsApp monthly active users count, which is more than 2 billion. Its exciting features and simplistic nature is what make it connect with people of all age groups - its iconic name has also helped spread the word. It always helps to have a snappy name, just check out iPhone, Google, Facebook and other similar ones. From text to audio and video, WhatsApp has all the means to ensure that you keep connected with your loved one. But if you haven't experienced it, and want to start with WhatsApp, then it is not too late. To simplify things, we have listed the step-by-step guide on how to get started on WhatsApp Messenger. Have a look.

How to get started on WhatsApp

Step 1:

Download WhatsApp: First and foremost step is obviously to download the WhatsApp application from your mobile app store. 

Step 2:

Install WhatsApp: Once WhatsApp is on your phone, move forward with the installation process. 

Step 3:

Read Terms of Service: After that it will give you the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, read them thoroughly, and then only tap Agree and Continue to accept the terms. 

Step 4:

Register your number: You will need to enter your number to register yourself with WhatsApp. But before that add your country code. To do so, select your country from the drop-down list, then type your phone number in international phone number format. Then tap Done or Next, which will give you a 6-digit code on the registered number. Enter that and your registration is done here.

Step 5:

Set up profile: Once you are successfully registered, then you will need to set up your profile. It will ask you to enter your name, tap next. Then you will need to add a profile picture. 

Step 6:

Access to contacts and media files: You will just need to allow WhatsApp to get access to the existing contact information and other media files, such as photos, videos, and files to communicate and share these in the future.

Step 7:

It’s done! The starting process to set up your WhatsApp profile is done. Now it's time for the most important thing. To chat! You can message anyone from your contacts through WhatsApp. To find your contact, tap on a message icon inside a green circle or notepad with a pencil icon to search your contact, enter your message and send it.

Step 8:

Make groups: You can even create groups with your family and friends to communicate with all within a place. WhatsApp allows you to add up to 256 members to a group. You will need to tap on three dots on the top-right corner, which will give you the option of ‘New Group’ and then add members.

Step 9:

Communicate via different mediums: WhatsApp is a broad term for communication. Within that, you can chit-chat with friends, call them without any charges, and even can do video calling to anyone across nations. Not just these, within a chat, you can use stickers, GIFs, and audio notes while chatting to make it more interesting.