WhatsApp Messenger for Android

WhatsApp Messenger is a communication app by WhatsApp LLC that provides end-to-end encrypted messaging and voice and video calling over an internet connection. It addresses the basic problem of staying in touch with contacts across distances without per-message costs: instead of relying on carrier SMS or MMS tariffs, it routes text, photos, videos, documents and calls through the phone's data connection, and it remains usable on slow networks. Registration is tied to a phone number rather than a username or password, so the app can match your existing address book against other registered users and let you begin a conversation immediately. Conversations are organized into one-to-one threads and group chats, and the same account can be extended to a desktop client and to a Wear OS watch, which keeps a single thread synchronized across devices. Optional extras include Status updates that expire after 24 hours, live location sharing that can be stopped at any time, and voice messages for quick replies.

Key features

• End-to-end encryption applied to personal messages and calls, so content is not readable by anyone outside the conversation
• One-to-one and group voice and video calls supporting up to 32 participants at the same time
• Group chats that carry messages, photos, videos and documents and sync between mobile and desktop
• Phone-number based sign-up with no separate username or login, plus quick discovery of contacts already using the service
• Status updates made of text, photos, video or GIFs that disappear after 24 hours, shareable with all contacts or a chosen subset
• Location sharing limited to the current individual or group chat, with the option to stop at any time
• Voice messages for sending a spoken note instead of typing
• Wear OS support for replying to messages, taking calls, sending voice messages and reaching chats through tiles and complications

How to install

1. Tap the download button on this page to get the APK file.
2. When Android asks for permission, allow your browser or file manager to install apps by enabling the "Install unknown apps" setting for that app.
3. Open the downloaded APK file from your notifications or file manager.
4. Tap Install and wait for the package to finish; the download is 142 MB, so keep enough free storage.
5. Open the app once installation completes. Your device needs Android 6.0 or newer to run it.

What's new

Recent updates to WhatsApp Messenger introduce two changes. When adding new members to a group, you can now decide whether they see recent group history. For group calls, you can transfer calls between mobile and desktop, add a waiting room for call links, and pin a participant to a larger tile. These features are being rolled out gradually over the coming weeks.

This app suits people who want a single, widely adopted channel for everyday conversations, whether that means texting family, running a group for a small team or club, or placing voice and video calls over Wi-Fi instead of cellular minutes. It is a reasonable fit for users on older or slower connections, for anyone who prefers phone-number based sign-up over account names, and for those who want the same threads available on a desktop client or a Wear OS watch. Users who are uncomfortable granting contacts, location, camera and microphone access, or who prefer a service without any optional paid items, may want to weigh those points first.

Because registration is tied to your phone number, keep access to that number if you plan to move the account to another device. Review the permission prompts during first launch and grant only what you actually use, such as camera or microphone access for calls. For group administration, the recent addition of sharing group history when adding members can be toggled, so decide whether new participants should see earlier messages before inviting them.

WhatsApp Messenger covers messaging, group chat, voice and video calling in one app, and its end-to-end encryption and cross-device syncing are the features most users will notice day to day. It is a mature, free option for Android 6.0 and above, with a 142 MB download and optional in-app purchases to keep in mind.