How to start a chat in WhatsApp by phone number?

How to start a chat in WhatsApp by phone number - briefly?

To initiate a chat on WhatsApp using a phone number, open the app and tap on the "New Chat" icon at the top right corner. Enter the phone number of the person you wish to contact and follow the prompts to start the conversation.

How to start a chat in WhatsApp by phone number - in detail?

Starting a chat on WhatsApp using a phone number is a straightforward process, but it requires some initial setup and understanding of the app's features. Here’s a detailed guide to help you get started:

1. Installation and Setup:

   • Firstly, ensure that you have the WhatsApp application installed on your device. You can download it from the Google Play Store for Android devices or the App Store for iOS devices.
   • After installation, open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your account. This typically involves entering your phone number, verifying it via an SMS code, and creating a profile with your name and photo.

2. Adding Contacts:

   • WhatsApp allows you to start a chat with anyone who has the app installed on their device and whose number is saved in your phone's contact list. To begin, navigate to the "Contacts" tab within the WhatsApp interface.
   • If you don’t already have the desired contact saved, you can manually add them by tapping the three dots (menu) at the top right corner of the screen and selecting “New Contact.” Enter the necessary details such as their name and phone number.

3. Starting a Chat:

   • Once the contact is added to your phonebook, go back to the WhatsApp main screen and tap on the "Chats" tab at the bottom of the screen. This will display a list of all your contacts who use WhatsApp.
   • Find the desired contact from the list and tap on their name or profile picture. This action will open a new chat window where you can start typing messages to them.

4. Sending Your First Message:

   • In the chat window, you’ll see a text input field at the bottom of the screen. Tap on it to bring up your keyboard and type your message.
   • Once you have finished composing your message, tap the send button (usually depicted as a paper airplane icon) next to the text input field. Your message will be sent instantly, assuming you have an active internet connection.

5. Initiating a Chat with Someone Not in Your Contacts:

   • If the person you want to chat with is not in your contacts list, you can still initiate a conversation by using their phone number. Open WhatsApp and go to the "Chats" tab.
   • Tap on the “New Chat” icon, which is typically represented by a speech bubble with a plus sign (+). This will bring up a list of options including "New Contact," "Start a Group Chat," and "Message a Business."
   • Select "New Contact" and enter the person's phone number. Once you’ve added them as a new contact, follow the steps above to start a chat with them.

6. Using WhatsApp Web:

   • If you prefer using a computer for messaging, you can also start a chat via WhatsApp Web. Visit web.whatsapp.com on your browser and scan the QR code displayed on the screen using your phone’s WhatsApp app (go to Settings > WhatsApp Web).
   • Once connected, you can select the contact you wish to message from the list on the left-hand side of the screen and start typing in the chat window.

By following these detailed steps, you should be able to start a chat with anyone on WhatsApp using their phone number effectively and efficiently.