How to install WhatsApp — our step-by-step guide for Android, iOS, PC, and Mac

Here's how you can quickly download and install WhatsApp on your device!

A guide to install WhatsApp featuring the app's logo.

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Are you new to the world of mobile data messaging and keen to know how to install WhatsApp? If that’s the case, you’ve landed on the right page.

WhatsApp is currently available on all major platforms, including Android, iOS, PC, and Mac. One of the key things about WhatsApp is that you can have it across multiple devices and synchronize your chats. So, we’ll cover the key information you need to know about that functionality too.

Here’s our quick and easy-to-follow guide on how to install WhatsApp on different devices. So, without wasting another minute, let’s get into it!

How to install WhatsApp on Android

Here are the steps you need to follow to install WhatsApp on your Android device.

Step

1

Open the Google Play Store

On your Android device, locate the Google Play Store icon and tap on it. It usually looks like a colorful play button.

A smartphone screen displaying a variety of colorful app icons, including WhatsApp, indicating an array of installed applications.

Step

2

Search for WhatsApp

In the search bar at the top, type “WhatsApp” and hit the search icon (magnifying glass).

Step

3

Find the official WhatsApp app

Look for the official WhatsApp app, indicated by the green icon with a white phone inside a chat bubble. The developer should be listed as “WhatsApp Inc.”

Screenshot of the install WhatsApp messenger app page on the Google Play Store on a Samsung smartphone.

Step

4

Tap on the install button

Tap the green “Install” button. The app will begin downloading and installing automatically.

Step

5

Open and set up WhatsApp

Once installed, locate the WhatsApp icon on your home screen or app drawer. Tap it to launch WhatsApp, and follow the on-screen instructions to verify your phone number and set up your profile.

How to install WhatsApp on iOS

To install WhatsApp on an iOS device, follow these steps.

Step

1

Open the Apple App Store

Locate the blue App Store icon with a white “A” symbol on your iPhone’s Home screen and tap to open it.

Step

2

Search for WhatsApp

Tap the “Search” tab at the bottom of the App Store. Then, type “WhatsApp” in the search bar and tap the search button (magnifying glass).

Step

3

Install the official app

Find the official WhatsApp Messenger app, which should have “WhatsApp Inc” listed as its developer.

Tap the “Get” button next to the WhatsApp icon to start the download and installation.

Step

4

Register your phone number

Once installed, launch WhatsApp on your iOS device, register your phone number, and configure your account.

How to install WhatsApp on PC or Mac

WhatsApp can be used on PC and Mac as well, and here are the steps you need to follow to download and install it.

Step

1

Download the WhatsApp desktop app

First, download WhatsApp on your PC or Mac directly from the official WhatsApp website. Or, you can visit the Microsoft Store or Apple App Store, search for WhatsApp, and download it from there.

If you don’t want to download WhatsApp, you can visit web.whatsapp.com to use it on your PC or Mac.

Step

2

Install the app

On PC, double-click the downloaded file and follow the on-screen installation instructions. This process is typically straightforward.

On the other hand, Mac users can follow the standard app installation process within the respective app store.

Step

3

Link WhatsApp to your phone

Now, go to WhatsApp on your mobile device and scan the QR code.

Android: Tap the three dots (top-right) > Linked Devices > Link a Device.

A screenshot of the 'linked devices' feature in the WhatsApp application with an option to 'install WhatsApp' on another device and a note about end-to-end encryption of personal messages.

iOS: Tap Settings > Linked Devices > Link a Device.

Once there, point your phone’s camera at the QR code displayed on your computer screen to link the two devices.

Step

4

Use WhatsApp on your PC or Mac

Once your phone scans the QR code, your WhatsApp chats will sync to your computer, and you can begin messaging directly from your PC or Mac.

WhatsApp on your computer relies on an active connection to your phone. Ensure your phone has internet access for it to work.

Final thoughts

Now you know how to install WhatsApp, and it’s not too tricky to do if you follow the steps above. It will hardly take you a few minutes to download, install, and configure it. Also, make sure to keep WhatsApp up-to-date to enjoy all of its latest features.

Learn more about WhatsApp and how it works through these helpful guides:

Kevin is the Editor of PC Guide. He has a broad interest and enthusiasm for consumer electronics, PCs and all things consumer tech - and more than 15 years experience in tech journalism.