How do I start a chat on WhatsApp - briefly?
To initiate a chat on WhatsApp, first open the app and locate the contact you wish to message. Then, tap on their name or profile picture to start a new conversation.
How do I start a chat on WhatsApp - in detail?
To initiate a chat on WhatsApp, follow these detailed steps:
- Install and Set Up WhatsApp: Firstly, ensure you have the WhatsApp application installed on your device. If not, download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). After installation, open the app and follow the setup instructions. This includes verifying your phone number via SMS or call.
- Access Your Contact List: Once WhatsApp is set up, you will be directed to the main screen where you can see your list of contacts who are also using WhatsApp. If a contact does not appear in your WhatsApp contact list, it means they have either not installed WhatsApp or have chosen to hide their status.
- Select the Contact: To start a chat with someone, find their name in your contact list and tap on it. This action will open a new conversation window dedicated to that specific contact.
- Compose Your Message: At the bottom of the screen, you will see a text input box where you can type your message. Tap inside this box to begin typing. You have the option to add emojis, stickers, or even send voice messages by tapping on the corresponding icons next to the text input box.
- Send Your Message: After composing your message, tap the 'Send' button (usually depicted as a paper airplane icon) located on the right side of the text input box. This will transmit your message to the selected contact. Once sent, you should see your message appear in the conversation window with a timestamp indicating when it was delivered and read by the recipient.
- Starting a Group Chat: If you wish to start a group chat, tap on the 'New Group' icon (usually depicted as three people) located at the top-right corner of the main screen. Select the contacts you want to include in the group and tap 'Next'. You can then add a group subject and a group icon before tapping 'Create'. Once created, you can start typing your message in the text input box and send it by tapping on the 'Send' button.
- Additional Features: WhatsApp offers additional features such as sharing documents, photos, videos, or making voice and video calls directly from the chat window. These options are accessible via icons located above the text input box.