Download WhatsApp from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) or the WhatsApp website (WhatsApp Web/Desktop).
Open the app and enter your phone number.
Verify your number using the SMS code or phone call.
Set your profile name and add a photo (optional).
Grant permissions when prompted (contacts, microphone, storage).
Add contacts by saving their phone numbers or using the “Invite” option.
Start a chat by tapping the New Chat button and selecting a contact.
Send a message by typing in the chat box and tapping Send.
Send a photo, video, document, or audio by tapping the attachment icon in the chat.
Make a voice call by tapping the phone icon in the chat.
Make a video call by tapping the video icon in the chat.
Create a group by tapping New Chat and selecting New Group.
Add members to the group and tap Create.
Share your location by tapping the attachment icon and selecting Location.
Use stickers or GIFs by tapping the sticker/GIF option in the chat.
Search chats by using the search bar at the top of the Chats screen.
Mute a chat by opening the chat menu and selecting Mute.
Archive chats by swiping left (iOS) or long-pressing and selecting Archive (Android).
Pin important chats by selecting the chat menu and choosing Pin.
Block a contact by opening the contact/chat menu and selecting Block.
Report a contact or spam by selecting Report after opening the chat menu.
Back up chats by going to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup and selecting a backup option.
Restore chats by reinstalling WhatsApp and using the same phone number and backup.
Use WhatsApp Web/Desktop by opening web.whatsapp.com or the desktop app and scanning the QR code from your phone.
Link devices by going to Settings > Linked Devices and scanning the QR code.