WhatsApp: A free, convenient, and secure messaging app

Have you ever wondered why WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps globally? With billions of users, WhatsApp is not just an app for sending messages but a platform that connects people anytime, anywhere. This article will help you understand WhatsApp better, from its history to its standout features, as well as guide you on how to use the app effectively.

What Is WhatsApp?

WhatsApp, or WhatsApp Messenger, is a cross-platform free messaging and VoIP (voice over IP) calling software owned by Facebook. This app allows users to send text and voice messages, make voice and video calls, and share images, documents, locations, and other utilities.

With its superior features, WhatsApp quickly attracted a large number of users worldwide. As long as you are connected to 4G or Wi-Fi, you can chat, send videos and images, and make international calls completely free of charge.

The History of WhatsApp

On February 24, 2009, WhatsApp was publicly launched by Jan Koum, with the initial idea of helping users quickly post short status descriptions like "I’m busy," "On the road," etc. Additionally, the name WhatsApp sounds like the phrase “What’s up,” a common greeting when starting a conversation with friends.

In June 2009, WhatsApp made its first appearance on the iPhone with only a few hundred users.  After this period, Koum used WhatsApp to receive notifications when friends updated their statuses, and then the app was used as a messaging service.

WhatsApp began to explode in popularity after this "event" and started to expand to many other platforms while continuing to add new features.  WhatsApp quickly grew, even in less developed countries, where users highly trusted SMS messages.

On February 19, 2014, Facebook spent $19 billion to acquire WhatsApp, which had more than 450 million users. The payment included $12 billion in Facebook shares, $4 billion in cash, and $3 billion in restricted stock units for WhatsApp's founders and employees over four years.  The acquisition of WhatsApp is considered Facebook’s largest deal to date.

Advantages of WhatsApp

1. Message Security

WhatsApp integrates end-to-end encryption within the app. This feature enhances security, ensuring that messages do not fall into the wrong hands. This is a standout advantage of WhatsApp compared to other apps, ensuring that only those in the conversation can view the messages.

2. Comfortable conversations

WhatsApp allows users to make calls and talk with friends and family, even if they are abroad, comfortably. Similar to messages, voice calls are also end-to-end encrypted, so neither WhatsApp nor any third party can listen to your conversations.

3. Free to Use

Users do not need to pay any fees to install and use WhatsApp. Everything is completely free, which is why WhatsApp has attracted a large number of users worldwide.

Some Common WhatsApp Features

1. Hide Last Seen Feature

WhatsApp includes a feature to hide the "Last Seen" timestamp, which shows the last time a user accessed the app. However, users can disable this feature to ensure their privacy.

2. Backup and restore messages

WhatsApp automatically backs up user messages periodically. However, there is no direct way to restore messages within WhatsApp. To restore messages, users need to uninstall the app and then reinstall it. After reinstallation, the app will prompt, "Do you want to restore recent messages?" Users can follow the guided steps to restore their messages.

3. Lock WhatsApp App

If users don’t want friends or family to see their personal information on WhatsApp, they can lock the app to ensure privacy. However, the app lock feature is only supported on Android and BlackBerry devices.

4. Create a shortcut for important contacts.

If users frequently message someone on WhatsApp, the app allows them to create a shortcut. This helps users quickly access messages with those they text often. Additionally, the contact will appear directly on the home screen, so users won’t need to open the app and search for it.

5. Change Phone Number

On WhatsApp, changing your phone number is entirely possible. Users only need to go to Settings and update the phone number.

6. Message Statistics on Android

The message statistics feature on Android is considered one of WhatsApp’s special features, allowing users to see message metrics, frequently contacted friends, and the most active groups throughout the day.

Benefits of Using WhatsApp

1. No Monthly Fees and No International Charges

With WhatsApp, users can chat and send hundreds of messages each day without any cost. As long as there is an Internet connection, WhatsApp can be used. Additionally, users can chat with friends in other countries without incurring international charges if both parties use WhatsApp.

2. Many Features

WhatsApp offers many features that support users, such as multimedia, which allows sending videos, images, and voice notes to friends, or group chat for group conversations.

3. No passwords or usernames; no need to log in or log out.

WhatsApp functions like an SMS app on Android, so users don’t need to remember passwords or usernames each time they use it. Moreover, WhatsApp doesn’t require logging in or out from computers or other devices, as users are always connected through WhatsApp.

4. No Need to Add Friends

The friends list is automatically used to connect. Users of WhatsApp Messenger will automatically be notified, so there’s no need to add friends manually.

5. Offline Messages

If users miss unread messages, WhatsApp will save them until they are read. This useful and convenient feature ensures users won’t miss any messages. Additionally, WhatsApp has many other features like sharing locations, contacts, customizing wallpapers, and sound notifications.

How to Use WhatsApp

1. How to Download WhatsApp Messenger?

To download WhatsApp Messenger, visit the WhatsApp website HERE to download the app for both Android, iPhone, and desktop.

After downloading WhatsApp on your phone, the app allows you to log in and use it immediately. To install WhatsApp on a computer, you need to scan the QR code with your mobile device to complete the installation on the computer.

2. How to Register a WhatsApp Account?

To register a WhatsApp account, simply enter your phone number, verify it, grant WhatsApp access to your contacts, and fill in the necessary personal information.

3. How to Log In to WhatsApp?

Currently, WhatsApp allows users to log in across multiple platforms, such as the web, mobile devices, and desktops. You can log into WhatsApp anytime, anywhere, and chat with friends wherever you are.

4. How to Enable Two-Step Verification on WhatsApp?

In addition to a password, you can enhance the security of your WhatsApp account with two-step verification, which protects your account from unauthorized access. This brings several benefits, such as increased account security, easy PIN recovery via email, and protection from unauthorized access by strangers.

5. How to restore WhatsApp messages?

Conversations stored in WhatsApp can be easily restored; however, restoring deleted messages is not as easy. Therefore, before deleting messages, it’s advisable to set WhatsApp to back up messages on your phone. This allows you to easily restore the backup and view old or deleted messages.

FAQs Related to WhatsApp

1. How to Use WhatsApp Without a Phone Number?

First, uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp. When prompted to enter your phone number, go to the phone settings and enable "Flight Mode." This prevents the app from verifying your phone number. You’ll be prompted to choose an alternative verification option, where you can select "Verify via SMS," then provide your email address and click "Send." Immediately select "Cancel" to complete the verification process.

2. Is WhatsApp safe?

WhatsApp is known for its high security and the ability to integrate end-to-end encryption within the app. End-to-end encryption increases security, ensuring that when you send information, it doesn’t fall into the hands of those with malicious intent.

We hope that after reading this article, you have gained useful knowledge about WhatsApp. Thank you for following the article, and we look forward to seeing you in the next ones!