How to Set Up WhatsApp on a New Phone

What You Will Need

• Your iPhone or Android phone
• Your phone number (with a working SIM card that can receive SMS)
• An internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data)

Step 1: Download WhatsApp

• On iPhone: Open the App Store, search for WhatsApp, tap Get
• On Android: Open the Play Store, search for WhatsApp, tap Install

Wait for it to download and install.

Step 2: Open WhatsApp and Accept the Terms

Tap the WhatsApp icon to open it. You will see a welcome screen.

Tap Agree and Continue to accept the terms of service.

Step 3: Enter Your Phone Number

Select your country from the dropdown list (it usually detects it automatically).

Type your phone number without the country code (it is already added).

Tap Next or Done.

Step 4: Verify Your Number

WhatsApp will send a 6-digit code to your phone by SMS. This happens automatically.

• If the code arrives as a text message, WhatsApp will detect it and verify automatically
• If it does not detect it, type the 6-digit code manually

This confirms that the phone number belongs to you.

Step 5: Set Up Your Profile

You will be asked to:

1. Add your name — type your first name (this is what people see when you message them)
2. Add a profile photo (optional) — tap the circle and choose a photo from your gallery or take a new one

Tap Done or Next.

Step 6: Start Messaging

WhatsApp will scan your phone contacts and show you who already has WhatsApp.

To send your first message:

1. Tap the pencil icon (iPhone) or chat bubble (Android) to start a new chat
2. Select a contact from the list
3. Type your message and tap Send (arrow icon)

You Did It!

WhatsApp is now set up. You can send free messages, photos, voice messages, and make video calls to anyone else who has WhatsApp, anywhere in the world.