You can also tweak the backup frequency on this page. This otherwise happens once a day as standard, and only if your phone has a Wi-Fi connection. So before you switch over, go to 'Settings > Chats > Chat backup' and you’ll see a button that manually forces a backup. However, if you switch phones as often as we do, you know WhatsApp’s backup process is not immediate. And when you make that move (assuming you haven’t enabled advanced security) you simply have to confirm a code sent to your phone number via SMS. When you switch phones, you don’t lose conversations.

The service automatically saves your chats and shared pictures to a cloud server. WhatsApp has a knack for rapidly becoming the app you use most. Image credit: TechRadar (Image credit: WhatsApp) The buttons for calls and video sit at the top of the chat screen. This uses data rather than your allowance of minutes, so is free to use while you’re connected to Wi-Fi, or if you have unlimited data. Many people use WhatsApp solely for text chat, but you can also make calls and video chat. This is also where you create groups, which are just like micro chat rooms. Just press the message icon at the bottom-right of the screen and you can choose friends to start a chat with.

The app automatically pulls in people from your contacts book. You will be sent a six-digit confirmation code by SMS, which you can copy and paste into the verification box in the app, but the app should automatically detect when the message has been received and enter it automatically. Read the terms and tap 'Agree and continue' if you're happy to proceed, then tap 'Continue' again and tap 'Allow' twice to grant the app access to your contacts and files on your phone.Įnter your phone number and tap 'Confirm'. To get started, first download and install WhatsApp for iPhone (opens in new tab) or Android (opens in new tab), then launch the app for the first time.

How to use whatsapp on android phone