How to Use WhatsApp 2026:
Complete Guide for Beginners
Messages, calls, video calls, groups and all the tips updated for February 2026. Step by step, even if you’re starting from scratch.
Updated February 2026 ✅
How to use WhatsApp 2026 — that’s exactly what this complete guide will teach you. Did you know WhatsApp has over 2.5 billion active users worldwide? Yet many people — especially those new to smartphones — don’t know how to make the most of it. In this complete guide updated for February 2026 we explain everything about how to use WhatsApp: from text messages to group video calls, from hidden tricks to the latest updates.
1. How to Install and Set Up WhatsApp
Learning how to use WhatsApp 2026 starts with installation. It’s free, takes about 2 minutes, and only requires a working phone number.
Step-by-step installation on Android and iPhone
- Open Google Play (Android) or App Store (iPhone) and search for “WhatsApp Messenger”.
- Tap “Install” or “Get” — it’s free and about 50 MB.
- Accept the permissions (contacts, microphone, camera) needed for the app to work properly.
- Enter your phone number — you’ll receive an SMS with a 6-digit code.
- Set your name and profile photo so your contacts can recognize you.
2. Sending Messages, Photos and Files
A key part of knowing how to use WhatsApp 2026 is mastering messages. Tap any contact’s name and start typing. The ticks tell you everything: ✓ sent, ✓✓ delivered, ✓✓ blue = read.
All message types available in WhatsApp 2026
- Text: type in the bar at the bottom and tap the green arrow to send.
- Voice message 🎤: hold down the microphone and speak. Slide up to lock hands-free recording.
- Photos and videos 📷: tap 📎 or the camera icon to choose from your gallery or take a new shot.
- Documents PDF/Word 📄: tap 📎 → “Document” to send files up to 2 GB.
- GPS location 📍: tap 📎 → “Location” to share where you are in real time.
- Contact 👤: tap 📎 → “Contact” to share someone’s phone number.
3. Calls and Group Video Calls
Knowing how to use WhatsApp 2026 means knowing its calling features too. You can call anyone in the world for free using only internet. In 2026 group video calls support up to 32 people at once.
How to start a group video call
- Open an existing group chat or start a new call from the menu.
- Tap the 📹 icon in the top right corner.
- Select the participants you want to add (up to 31 others).
- Tap “Call” — everyone will receive a notification.
4. Creating and Managing WhatsApp Groups
Groups are perfect for family, friends and colleagues. In 2026 a single group can hold up to 1,024 participants with advanced moderation tools for admins.
- Only admins can add or remove participants
- Mute notifications for 8 hours, 1 week, or always
- Share an invite link so anyone can join without being added manually
- Use @name to notify a specific member even in very busy chats
5. WhatsApp vs Other Messaging Apps 2026
| Feature | ✈️ Telegram | 🔒 Signal | 💙 Messenger | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | ✅ Free | ✅ Free | ✅ Free | ✅ Free |
| Popularity (global) | ✅ Very high | Medium | ⚠️ Low | Medium |
| Max group size | 1,024 | ✅ 200,000 | 1,000 | Unlimited |
| Privacy / Encryption | Good | Medium | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Low |
| Max file size | 2 GB | ✅ 4 GB | 500 MB | 25 MB |
| Ease of use | ✅ Very easy | Medium | Easy | ✅ Very easy |
| 🏆 Best for | Everyone | Channels/news | Total privacy | Facebook users |
6. Useful Tips and Tricks for WhatsApp 2026
Text formatting in messages
- Bold: wrap text with *asterisks*
- Italic: wrap text with _underscores_
Strikethrough:wrap text with ~tildes~- Monospace: wrap text with `backticks` — great for codes and numbers
Disappearing messages
Go to chat settings → “Disappearing messages” → choose 24 hours, 7 days or 90 days. Perfect for sensitive information like passwords or one-time codes.
WhatsApp Channels — 2026 highlight
One of the most important features of how to use WhatsApp 2026: you can now follow news sources, public figures and organisations directly in the “Updates” tab, without sharing your phone number.
7. Frequently Asked Questions about WhatsApp 2026
Is WhatsApp still free in 2026?
Yes, WhatsApp is completely free for both Android and iPhone. The only cost is your internet data — which you can eliminate by using your home Wi-Fi.
Can I use WhatsApp on two phones with the same number?
Yes. Since 2024 WhatsApp supports up to 4 linked devices on the same account. Go to Settings → “Linked devices” to add a second smartphone or tablet without losing any chats.
How do I recover deleted WhatsApp messages?
If you have an active backup (Google Drive on Android, iCloud on iPhone), reinstall WhatsApp and restore from backup during setup. Without a backup, deleted messages cannot be recovered.
Can WhatsApp read my messages?
No. WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption — messages are readable only by you and the recipient. Not even Meta can access them. However, metadata (who you contacted and when) is shared with Meta. For full details see the official WhatsApp Privacy Policy.
How do I back up my WhatsApp chats?
Go to Settings → Chats → Chat backup. On Android your backup goes to Google Drive; on iPhone it goes to iCloud. Set automatic backup to “Daily” so you never lose a message.
Conclusion
Now you know how to use WhatsApp 2026 to its full potential: group video calls for up to 32 people, Channels for news and updates, file sharing up to 2 GB, disappearing messages and much more. With this guide you have everything you need to get started right away.
Next step? Enable automatic backups to protect your chats, and check out our guide on how to free up space on your phone if WhatsApp starts to slow things down. For technical questions, visit the official WhatsApp Help Center.
🔒 Want to keep your smartphone and chats secure?
Learn how to protect your phone with PIN, fingerprint and two-factor authentication.