PalomaTalk
The basics of Internet and all things digital -
designed to help you learn
How to install WhatsApp
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Unlock your phone and go to your "app screen" or "app menu" - this is the page that displays all applications (or "apps") that are available on your phone. (To do this on an Android smartphone, simply swipe up from your homepage.)
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The app that you need to download WhatsApp is called Play Store or App Store - tap on it, then tap on the search line at the top of the screen and type "whatsapp". A new screen will open that will read "WhatsApp" - click on the green button that says "Install" and wait for a few seconds.
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When the setup is complete, the green button will change to say "Open" - click on it to open WhatsApp.
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If the green button says "Update", it means that you already have WhatsApp on your phone - no need to do anything on this step! Go back to the home screen, then go to the "app screen" or "app menu" and click on the WhatsApp logo to open it.
(Note: there are two main types of phone systems, which are Apple (if you have an iPhone) or Android (for most other types of phones). The pictures provided here are for an Android phone; however for a different smartphone the procedure will be very similar.)
App Store
Play Store
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When you open WhatsApp for the first time, you have to accept the terms of service. (You can check the document if you click on "Terms of service", but there is no need to worry since this is standard practice for apps.) Click "Accept and continue".
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Now you have to link a phone number to your WhatsApp accunt. Choose the country code and enter your phone number without the country code (for UK - without the first zero) and click "Next". Double-check the number and click "OK".
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If you don't remember your phone number, check in "My contacts" on your phone (there is usually an entry called "My number", which you have to call). Other options are to ask a friend who has your phone number recorded in their phone's contacts, or check with your mobile network provider. You can find more on this in BASICS.
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A message will be sent to your phone number to confirm it. WhatsApp often checks it automatically and moves to the next step; if this doesn't happen, open the text message, copy or write down the activation code, then go back to your "app screen", open WhatsApp again and enter the code.
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Almost done! You will be prompted to enter your name and choose a profile picture from the ones that you have on your phone (note: it's recomended to choose a name that your friends will recognise, but the picture isn't necessary - or it can be something fun if you'd like!)
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Now we are on the WhatsApp home screen! The last thing you have to do is allow WhatsApp access to your contacts (tap "Settings" -> "Allow" when prompted). This will allow you to see which of your contacts already have WhatsApp and start chatting with them.
