WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, with over 2 billion active users. Its features like end-to-end encryption, group chats, free messaging and calling over the internet have made it many users’ preferred way to stay in touch.
In addition to online messaging, WhatsApp also has the capability to send and receive SMS text messages. This has led some users to wonder – can WhatsApp replace the default messaging or SMS app on your phone?
Can WhatsApp act as an SMS app?
The short answer is yes, WhatsApp does have the capability to send and receive SMS text messages, which is a feature included in most smartphones’ default messaging app. However, there are some limitations to using WhatsApp as your only SMS app.
Here are the key capabilities of WhatsApp when it comes to SMS messaging:
- Sending and receiving texts – WhatsApp allows you to send regular SMS texts to any mobile number, using your phone plan’s text messaging capability. You can also receive incoming SMS messages with WhatsApp.
- No need for mobile data – WhatsApp can send SMS texts over your cellular network. This means you don’t need a mobile data connection to send texts through WhatsApp.
- Sync across devices – Like other WhatsApp messages, any SMS texts you send and receive will be synced across your linked devices. So you can seamlessly continue conversations whether you’re on your phone, tablet or computer.
So in summary, WhatsApp does support core SMS messaging functionality without using mobile data. However, there are some significant limitations…
Limitations of using WhatsApp as default SMS app
While WhatsApp can send and receive SMS texts, there are some drawbacks to replacing your smartphone’s default messaging app with WhatsApp:
- Limited SMS features – WhatsApp has very basic SMS capabilities compared to most default messenger apps. For example, there is limited support for group MMS, SMS scheduling, blocking texts, archiving and other common SMS management features.
- No SMS sync between Android and iOS – SMS messages sent and received on WhatsApp will only sync on devices linked to the same phone number. So SMS texts won’t sync across Android and iOS like your regular WhatsApp chats.
- Separate threads for online vs SMS – Conversations will be split into separate threads in WhatsApp for online WhatsApp messages vs SMS texts with the same contact.
- Potential issues with 2FA SMS – Some users report issues receiving SMS-based two-factor authentication codes through WhatsApp, which can cause problems logging into accounts.
- Lack of native SMS integration – Since it’s not built as the default SMS app, some users find WhatsApp lacks deep integration with their phone’s native messaging capabilities.
Due to these constraints, many users find WhatsApp unsuitable as a full replacement for their usual SMS app.
Can you set WhatsApp as default SMS app on Android?
On Android phones, you can set WhatsApp as your default SMS app, replacing apps like Messages or Samsung Messages. Here are the steps:
- Open WhatsApp Settings
- Tap on “SMS” option
- Toggle on “Make WhatsApp Your Default SMS App”
This will route all SMS messages to WhatsApp by default instead of your regular SMS app. You can reverse this at any time by toggling the “Default SMS App” setting off.
However, for the reasons mentioned above, most Android users encounter issues or limitations when trying to use WhatsApp as the sole SMS app. It is designed as a messaging app rather than a full SMS/MMS solution.
Can you set WhatsApp as default on iPhone?
On iPhone, you cannot directly set WhatsApp as the default SMS app. The default Messages app is the only option for handling SMS/MMS messaging on iOS.
While WhatsApp can send SMS texts on iPhone, you cannot fully replace the Messages app with WhatsApp for SMS capabilities.
Pros of using WhatsApp for SMS
Despite the limitations, some users do choose to use WhatsApp for SMS messaging where possible. Here are some potential benefits:
- Avoid switching between apps – Manage conversations with the same contact in one place rather than jumping between WhatsApp and SMS apps.
- Cross-device sync – Seamlessly continue SMS or WhatsApp chats from your computer or tablet when linked to the same WhatsApp account.
- Enhanced features – Take advantage of WhatsApp features like document sharing, video calling, group messaging and encrypted chats along with basic SMS.
- Lower costs – Route texts over WiFi using WhatsApp to avoid SMS charges when traveling internationally or having limited texts.
For users who extensively use both SMS and WhatsApp, consolidating messaging into WhatsApp can maximize convenience in some situations.
Cons of using WhatsApp for SMS
On the other hand, there are also significant downsides that prevent most people from replacing their SMS app with WhatsApp:
- Missing SMS features – Lose access to common SMS app capabilities like schedule messages, blocking, archiving chats and group MMS.
- Separate threads – SMS and WhatsApp exchanges with the same contact are split across different threads.
- 2FA issues – Some users report problems receiving SMS-based two-factor authentication codes through WhatsApp.
- Limited integration – WhatsApp lacks deep system integration as a default SMS app, leading to a poor user experience for some.
- Platform limitations – SMS functionality is limited on iPhone, and there is no SMS sync between Android and iOS.
Weighing the pros and cons, the constraints of using WhatsApp as your sole SMS messaging app are too significant for most smartphone owners to adopt this approach.
Should you use WhatsApp or default SMS app?
For most users, it’s recommended to continue using your smartphone’s built-in app for default SMS messaging (e.g. Messages on iPhone, Messages or Samsung Messages on Android).
The native messaging apps provide full-featured SMS/MMS capabilities finely tuned for each mobile OS platform. Meanwhile, WhatsApp is better suited for online messaging over mobile data or WiFi.
However, WhatsApp can be a useful secondary option for SMS in certain situations, like communicating with a group of people where some have regular phone numbers. Or when traveling internationally and looking to avoid SMS fees.
But overall, the constraints outweigh the benefits for using WhatsApp as your sole SMS app. Keep using your default messaging app for critical capabilities like SMS notifications, blocking numbers, scheduled messages and 2FA codes. Treat WhatsApp’s SMS support as a bonus feature rather than a complete replacement.
Expert Recommendation
Here is my recommendation as a technology expert on whether to use WhatsApp or your default SMS app for messaging:
- Use default SMS app (Messages, Samsung Messages) for core texting needs, taking advantage of built-in SMS/MMS features.
- Use WhatsApp for online messaging over WiFi/mobile data with contacts who have it installed.
- Only use WhatsApp for SMS as a secondary option when convenient, like messaging international contacts.
- Avoid relying solely on WhatsApp for critical SMS needs like 2FA codes, as reliability issues can occur.
- There’s no need to go through the hassle of setting WhatsApp as default SMS app, as benefits are limited.
- Overall, the default messaging app remains the best choice for SMS/MMS, complemented by WhatsApp for online messaging.
Following this approach lets you take advantage of the strengths of both your SMS app and WhatsApp based on the situation. With limitations in mind, WhatsApp can serve as a handy secondary option for SMS when the circumstances align.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does WhatsApp have all the features of an SMS app?
No, WhatsApp has limited SMS capabilities compared to a phone’s default messaging app. It lacks many common SMS features like scheduling, blocking numbers, archiving, group MMS and full integration with the mobile OS for reliable notifications and 2FA code delivery.
Can I use WhatsApp for SMS on iPhone?
WhatsApp can send SMS on iPhone, but has limited functionality compared to the default Messages app. You cannot set WhatsApp as the default SMS app on iOS. The Messages app must remain set as the SMS/MMS app on iPhone.
Is SMS reliable through WhatsApp?
For most basic SMS needs, WhatsApp messaging is reliable. However, some users report issues receiving 2FA verification codes and timely SMS notifications through WhatsApp, so critical texting should still go through your primary SMS app.
Will my SMS messages sync across devices?
SMS messages sent on WhatsApp will sync across linked devices using the same phone number, like Android phone + tablet. However, SMS texts won’t sync across platforms, like between Android and iPhone.
Can I migrate SMS chats to WhatsApp?
Unfortunately, there is no official solution to migrate your SMS/MMS chat history from your default messaging app into WhatsApp. The apps keep separate threads for online WhatsApp chats vs SMS exchanges.
The Bottom Line
While WhatsApp offers basic SMS capabilities, limitations prevent it from fully replacing default texting apps like Messages on iPhone or Samsung Messages on Android devices. For reliable messaging, keep using your default SMS app for critical texting needs, complementing it with WhatsApp for online messaging over WiFi/data when convenient.