How to enable SMS on WhatsApp?

How to enable SMS on WhatsApp - briefly?

To enable SMS on WhatsApp, you need to use the built-in "WhatsApp for Android" feature, which allows you to send and receive messages from your phone's default messaging app through WhatsApp. Simply go to your device settings, select "Apps & notifications," find WhatsApp, and enable the "SMS by WhatsApp" option.

How to enable SMS on WhatsApp - in detail?

Enabling SMS functionality on WhatsApp can be a useful feature for users who prefer to manage all their communications through a single platform. While WhatsApp primarily focuses on messaging and voice calls over the internet, it does offer an option to send and receive SMS messages. Here’s a detailed guide on how to enable this feature:

Step-by-Step Guide to Enable SMS on WhatsApp

1. Update Your App:

   • Ensure that you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed on your device. Outdated versions may not support the SMS functionality or might have bugs that need fixing.

2. Check for Compatibility:

   • As of now, the ability to send and receive SMS through WhatsApp is only available on Android devices. iOS users do not have this feature yet.

3. Access Settings in WhatsApp:

   • Open the WhatsApp application on your Android device.
   • Tap on the three dots (vertical ellipsis) located at the top right corner of the screen to open the menu.
   • Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.

4. Navigate to Chats:

   • In the Settings menu, look for an option labeled “Chats.” Tap on it to access further settings related to your chat preferences.

5. Enable SMS Permissions:

   • Within the Chats settings, you should find an option called “Messages” or something similar. This is where you can enable WhatsApp to handle SMS.
   • Toggle the switch next to this option to turn on SMS functionality. You may be prompted to grant WhatsApp permission to access your SMS messages. Confirm these permissions if asked.

6. Set Up Default Messaging App:

   • After enabling SMS in WhatsApp, you might need to set it as the default messaging app for SMS on your device.
   • Go to your phone’s Settings app and navigate to “Apps” or “Applications.”
   • Find WhatsApp in the list of installed apps and tap on it.
   • Look for an option labeled “Default Apps” or “Advanced,” and select “SMS.”
   • Choose WhatsApp from the list of available apps to set it as your default SMS app.

7. Verify SMS Functionality:

   • Once you’ve completed these steps, open WhatsApp and go back to the Chats screen.
   • You should now see a new tab or section dedicated to SMS messages. This is where all your SMS conversations will appear alongside your regular WhatsApp chats.

Tips for Using SMS on WhatsApp

• Backup Your Messages: Before enabling SMS functionality, consider backing up your existing messages. You can do this through the Settings menu in WhatsApp under “Chats” > “Chat Backup.”
• Be Cautious with Permissions: Granting SMS permissions to WhatsApp means it will have access to all your text messages. Ensure that you trust the app and understand the privacy implications.
• Check for Updates Regularly: Developers frequently release updates to improve features and fix bugs. Keep your WhatsApp app updated to ensure smooth functionality.

By following these steps, you can successfully enable SMS on WhatsApp and manage all your communications from a single platform.