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If you want to learn how to use WhatsApp on iPhone, a clear overview of the app and its setup process can make getting started much easier.
WhatsApp provides a simple way to stay connected through messages, voice calls, and video calls, and setting it up takes only a few steps.
In the sections that follow, you will find a step-by-step guide to installation, setup, eSIM use, safety tips, and troubleshooting so you can start using the app with confidence.
WhatsApp is an internet-based messaging and calling service that lets you stay in touch through text messages, voice notes, photos, videos, and documents.
It also supports voice and video calls, giving you a full range of ways to communicate in one place. You can chat privately with one person or create group conversations to stay connected with family, friends, or coworkers.
The app works across multiple platforms, including iPhone, Android, and web browsers, so your conversations are easy to access no matter which device you are using.
Since WhatsApp uses your internet connection instead of SMS or traditional calling, it can be a convenient and often more affordable option, especially for international communication.
WhatsApp is free to download from the App Store, and it uses WiFi or mobile data to send and receive messages and calls.
The app doesn’t charge anything for international communication, which makes it useful for staying in touch across countries.
Keep in mind that your mobile carrier may still apply data charges, especially when you are roaming abroad. Using WiFi whenever possible is the simplest way to avoid any extra fees.
Before you can use WhatsApp on your iPhone, you will need to download and install the app. Here’s how to do it:
Once the installation is finished, you can move on to the setup process.
Once the app is installed, you can set up your account in just a few minutes. Follow these steps to get everything working:
Note: Your WhatsApp account is linked to your phone number rather than the physical SIM card. This is important to keep in mind if you plan to use an eSIM.
WhatsApp doesn’t rely on a physical SIM card. It continues to use the phone number you verified during setup, even if you switch between a physical SIM and an eSIM or move between different data plans.
As long as your iPhone has an internet connection, WhatsApp will keep working through either eSIM mobile data or WiFi.
This flexibility is particularly helpful when you are abroad. If you want to avoid roaming fees, you can turn off your primary SIM and use only your eSIM for data.
WhatsApp will continue sending and receiving messages and calls without interruption. The only limitation you may encounter is in countries that restrict access to WhatsApp.
In locations such as China, the service may not work reliably, even if you try to use a VPN.
See also: Which iPhones and iOS devices support eSIM in 2025?
To support this flexibility, your iPhone must allow WhatsApp to use cellular data from whichever SIM or eSIM is active.
If this permission is turned off, the app may appear unresponsive when you are not connected to WiFi.
Go to Settings → Cellular → scroll to WhatsApp → toggle on Mobile Data.
This ensures the app can connect through your current data plan and continue working normally.
See also: Cellular data is not working on iPhone: How to fix it?
Security is an important part of learning how to use WhatsApp on iPhone. The app includes strong built-in protections, but staying safe also depends on how you use it.
Here are key safety practices:
Note: WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption to protect your conversations, but this protection applies only to chats inside the app
Even when you understand how to use WhatsApp on iPhone, you may still run into technical issues from time to time.
These problems are usually caused by connection settings, permissions, or regional restrictions, and most of them can be fixed quickly.
Below are the most common issues iPhone users encounter, along with straightforward solutions.
If your messages are not going through, start by checking your internet connection. Make sure your device is connected to WiFi or has an active cellular signal.
You should also confirm that WhatsApp is allowed to use mobile data, since the app will not send messages if this permission is turned off.
When calls fail to connect or keep dropping, it often means the WiFi or cellular signal is too weak. Try moving to an area with a stronger connection.
It can also help to review your background data settings, since restrictions may prevent WhatsApp from maintaining a stable connection during calls.
If you are missing messages or call alerts, check your iPhone notification settings to make sure WhatsApp notifications are turned on.
Low Power Mode can also interfere with background activity, so try turning it off to allow notifications to arrive normally.
If the verification code does not show up during setup, double-check that you entered the correct phone number.
Also, make sure your SIM or eSIM has enough signal to receive SMS or calls, since weak reception can delay or block verification codes.
If WhatsApp stops working after switching to an eSIM, first ensure that mobile data is enabled for the app. Some users find that turning off their primary SIM helps avoid conflicts when using an eSIM for data.
Also consider whether the country you are in restricts access to WhatsApp, since regional blocks can prevent the app from functioning properly.
Yes. Once your number is verified, WhatsApp works over WiFi or eSIM data even without a physical SIM installed.
Yes. You can manually enter phone numbers to start conversations.
Yes. You can link your WhatsApp account to a computer and use both simultaneously.
Save the number in your iPhone Contacts app. When you reopen WhatsApp, the contact will appear automatically if they use the app.
Open WhatsApp Settings, tap Chats, then Chat Backup. You can save your data to iCloud.
To message someone for the first time, open WhatsApp and tap the New Chat icon. Choose a contact from your list or enter a phone number manually.
If that person uses WhatsApp, you can start typing and send your message right away.
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