Downloading and Installing WhatsApp to Your Android Device

Download Article

Easily get WhatsApp up and running on your Android device

Co-authored by Travis Boylls Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: October 14, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Downloading and Installing
|
• Signing In
|
• Video
|
• Q&A

|Show more |Show less

WhatsApp is a popular messaging app from Meta. It allows you to send messages over an encrypted connection to protect your privacy. Additionally, WhatsApp allows you to send messages to people in other countries and create large group chats. This wikiHow teaches you how to download WhatsApp Messenger from the Play Store, and set up your account to start chatting with your contacts, using Android.

How to Install WhatsApp on Android

Open the Google Play Store and search for "WhatsApp." Select "WhatsApp Messenger" and tap Install. Open WhatsApp and agree to the terms of service. Register your phone number and then restore your chat from a backup, if you have one. Then enter your name and create an optional passkey.

Steps

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Downloading and Installing

Download Article

1. 1
   Open the Google Play Store app on your Android. The Google Play Store app has an icon that resembles a colorful triangle. Find and tap the icon on your Home screen or Apps tray to open the Play Store.
2. 2
   Tap the search bar at the top. The search bar is at the top of the page.
   Advertisement
3. 3
   Search WhatsApp in Google Play. Type the app's name, and tap the Enter or Return button on your keyboard. This will list all the matching results.

   • On some keyboards, you may also find a Search or the magnifying glass button.
4. 4
   Tap the green Install button next to WhatsApp Messenger. This should be the top match in your search results. This will start your download, and install WhatsApp on your Android.

   • The WhatsApp icon looks like a white telephone in a green speech bubble.
Advertisement

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Signing In

Download Article

1. 1
   Open the WhatsApp Messenger app on your Android. The WhatsApp icon looks like a white phone in a green speech bubble. You can find it on your home screen or Apps menu.

   • Alternatively, you can tap Open in the Google Play Store once WhatsApp finishes downloading.
2. 2
   Select your language and tap the arrow icon. Tap the radio option next to your preferred language. The language you have selected on your Android phone will be selected by default. Tap the green arrow icon in the lower-right corner to continue.
3. 3
   Tap Agree and Continue. It's the green button at the bottom of the screen. This will start your account set-up process.
4. 4
   Tap ALLOW. This will allow WhatsApp to export your contacts from your phonebook, and access photos, media, and files to share with your contacts in your chats.
5. 5
   Enter your valid phone number and tap Next. Make sure to include your country code at the beginning or select your country from the drop-down menu. Tap Next at the bottom of the screen when you are ready to continue.

   • You will have to verify your number in the following steps.
6. 6
   Tap Yes. Check your number and verify that it is correct. If the number is correct, tap Yes to continue. If it is not correct, tap Edit and enter the correct number.
7. 7
   Enter your six-digit verification code. Find your verification code in the automated text message from WhatsApp, and enter it here to verify your number.

   • If you receive text messages on the same Android phone, you may be able to enter the code automatically. To do so, tap Continue.
8. 8
   Restore your backup (if you have one). If you have a backup of your previous chats, tap Continue and select an account that your backup is saved to. If you do not have a backup, tap Skip instead.
9. 9
   Enter a username for yourself. Use your keyboard to enter a username for your account, and tap Next to confirm.

   • Optionally, you can enter the gray-and-white camera icon next to the username, and upload a profile picture.
   • You can change your username later on in the Settings menu.
10. 10
    Create a passkey (optional). A passkey allows you to log in to WhatsApp using your fingerprint, face, screen lock code, or pattern. If you want to create a passkey, tap Create passkey and follow the on-screen instructions to create a passkey for your device. If you don't want to create a passkey, tap Skip. Afterward, your WhatsApp account will be created and you will be ready to start using WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

• Question

  How can I install WhatsApp after my Android phone keeps saying "App not installed"?

  

  Wing Hong Chan

  Community Answer

  If you've moved WhatsApp to an SD Card, make sure it is inserted and restart your device. If not, still restart your device and see if it's still there. If not, go to the Google Playstore and install it again.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 8 Helpful 6

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!