Quick Answer
No, you cannot directly text a WhatsApp number using iMessage. WhatsApp and iMessage are two different messaging platforms that are not interconnected. iMessage is Apple’s proprietary messaging service that only works between Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs. WhatsApp is a cross-platform messaging app that uses your phone number as your ID.
To text a WhatsApp contact using iMessage, you would need to have their regular phone number that is linked to their WhatsApp account added in your iPhone’s contacts. You can then start an iMessage chat with that phone number, but the person will not receive it on WhatsApp and would need to check their regular SMS text messages outside of WhatsApp to view your iMessage.
Comparing iMessage and WhatsApp
iMessage and WhatsApp have some similarities in that they are both popular messaging platforms used globally by millions of people. However, there are some key differences:
iMessage
- Developed by Apple exclusively for Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac)
- Uses Apple ID or phone number as identifier
- Encrypted messaging with end-to-end encryption
- Seamlessly syncs across Apple devices
- Free to use with WiFi or data connection
- Used predominantly in the US/Canada
- Cross-platform messaging app owned by Meta (Facebook)
- Uses phone number as identifier
- Encrypted messaging with end-to-end encryption
- Widely used internationally
- Free to use with WiFi or data connection
- Very popular outside the US (Europe, Asia, Latin America, etc)
The core difference is that WhatsApp relies exclusively on your phone number for registering your account and messaging, while iMessage can use your phone number or Apple ID. iMessage is also limited to the Apple ecosystem only.
Texting a WhatsApp Number from iMessage
Since iMessage and WhatsApp work independently, you cannot directly text a WhatsApp number from iMessage. Even if you have the person’s WhatsApp number stored in your iPhone’s contacts, iMessage has no direct integration with WhatsApp.
Here is what happens when you try to text a WhatsApp number using iMessage:
- The iMessage will be sent as a regular SMS text message if the contact has SMS/text messaging enabled.
- The recipient will not get the message on WhatsApp. They will only see it in their regular text messaging app outside of WhatsApp.
- If they don’t have SMS enabled, the iMessage will fail to send.
- Group chats also cannot be created between iMessage and WhatsApp users.
The only workaround is to make sure you have the person’s regular phone number stored in your iPhone’s contacts along with their WhatsApp number. You can then text their regular number using iMessage, and they will receive it as a text message on that phone number if text messaging is enabled.
Workarounds to Text WhatsApp Users from iPhone
If you need to regularly message someone who uses WhatsApp but you prefer using your iPhone, there are some workarounds to make the communicationsmoother:
Use a Dual SIM Phone
Some Android phones and newer iPhones allow connecting two SIM cards. You can have your regular phone number on one SIM and a WhatsApp number on the second SIM. This allows seamlessly messaging both iMessage and WhatsApp users from the same phone.
Use WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp Web allows you to access your WhatsApp account from a desktop browser by syncing with your mobile phone’s WhatsApp. You can use WhatsApp web on your iPhone to message your WhatsApp contacts while still having access to iMessage.
Use a Third-Party App
Some apps like Beeper act as a unified messenger that brings different chat platforms like iMessage, WhatsApp, etc into one app. This allows cross-platform messaging.
Convert Video Calls to Voice Calls
You can’t make WhatsApp calls from iMessage, but you can convert a WhatsApp video call to a voice call and talk normally. This can work for both 1-on-1 calls or group calls.
Use Email or Social Media
As a last resort, communicate with your WhatsApp contacts via email, Facebook Messenger, or other social platforms you both use. It’s not ideal but can work for non-urgent messages.
Pro Tips for Messaging WhatsApp Users from iPhone
Here are some useful tips to improve messaging WhatsApp users from your iPhone:
Save Contacts Properly
Make sure to properly save your WhatsApp contacts into your iPhone contacts with their proper country code, so you can iMessage their regular number easily.
Know When They’re Offline
See when your WhatsApp contacts were last online so you know when to expect a slow response over SMS instead of fast WhatsApp replies.
Set SMS Notifications
To avoid missing their SMS replies, set custom text tone alerts for WhatsApp contacts you message a lot.
Utilize iMessage Features
Use iMessage features like Tapback, forward messages to email, FaceTime audio calls, Apple Pay, etc. to enrich conversations.
Sync Devices
Enable iMessage sync across iPhone, iPad and Mac to stay connected from any device.
| Platform | Solution | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dual SIM Phone | Use your regular number for iMessage and WhatsApp number on second SIM | Seamlessly switch between messaging apps on same phone | Need to get a dual SIM device |
| WhatsApp Web | Sync WhatsApp account to browser | Access WhatsApp chats on desktop | Still need phone nearby connected |
| Beeper | Unified multi-platform messenger | Integrates different chat apps into one | Monthly fee to use app |
Conclusion
While iMessage does not directly support texting WhatsApp numbers, there are several workarounds iOS users can utilize, from dual SIM phones to third party apps. The easiest options are to message the user’s regular phone number via iMessage or use WhatsApp Web on a browser. With the right setup, iPhone and WhatsApp users can enjoy seamless communication.