How to create a WhatsApp account on your iPhone or Android to send messages and make calls

• You can easily create a WhatsApp account by following the step-by-step instructions to enter your phone number and name.
• WhatsApp is a popular app that lets you send text messages and make phone calls over Wi-Fi for both iPhone and Android.
• You can use any phone number to set up your WhatsApp account regardless of what device you're using, and you don't need active cellular service on your phone at all.

WhatsApp is a messaging app that lets you send and receive individual or group text messages, voice calls, and even video calls over Wi-Fi. It's popular because it's cross-platform — you can use it on both iPhone and Android, and many people use it for international travel as an alternative to using cellular service.

It's easy to get started with WhatsApp by creating an account.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Apple)

Samsung Galaxy S10 (From $699.99 at Walmart)

How to create a WhatsApp account

The process of creating a WhatsApp account is the same on both iPhone and Android.

1. If you haven't already, install WhatsApp for iOS or WhatsApp or Android on your mobile phone and then start the app.

2. The first time you open the app, you'll need to agree to the app's terms of service. Tap "Agree & Continue."

3. Enter your phone number. WhatsApp uses your phone number to identify you, and you find other users by their phone numbers. After a moment, WhatsApp will ask you to confirm your number.

4. The WhatsApp service then sends a text message to that phone number. Enter the code. If you're using an iPhone, iOS should automatically find the code and you can enter it with a single tap; if not, open your Messages app, note the code, and then return to WhatsApp and enter it.

5. Enter your name and, if you want, add a photo. Then tap "Done."

Your account is now complete. You can now use the app to send text messages and place calls.

The phone number you associate with your WhatsApp account doesn't have to be the number of the phone you're installing the app on – you only need access to the phone so you can verify the text message during setup. If you like, you can install WhatsApp on a phone that has no active cellular plan at all. As long as you have access to Wi-Fi, you can use WhatsApp to text and make calls.

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

• How to update WhatsApp on your iPhone or Android device
  

• How to join a WhatsApp group from a link or QR code invite on your iPhone or Android

• How to change your WhatsApp number on an Android, if you want to use your old WhatsApp account on a new phone

• How to delete a WhatsApp message for your own view or for everyone in the chat

• How to know if someone has blocked you on WhatsApp