WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, used by over 2 billion people. The app allows you to send messages, photos, videos, documents and more to your contacts for free. While WhatsApp is free to use, you do need to pay a small one-time fee to download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. However, there are a few legit ways to download WhatsApp for free. Here’s what you need to know.
Get WhatsApp for Free on iPhone
If you have an iPhone, here are some options for getting WhatsApp without paying the $0.99 download fee:
Use the App Store’s Free App of the Week Promotion
Every week, Apple features a Free App of the Week in the App Store. WhatsApp has been featured as the Free App of the Week in the past, so keep an eye out for when it comes up again. When WhatsApp is the Free App of the Week, you can download it for free without being charged. However, you have to act fast – the promotion only lasts for 7 days.
Use a Free App Trial
Some iPhone app sites like AppAdvice offer free 3-day trials of paid apps like WhatsApp. You can sign up for the free trial, download WhatsApp, and then cancel the trial before the 3 days is up to avoid being charged.
Use App Store Credit
If you have Apple App Store credit either from a gift card or other promotion, you can use this credit to buy WhatsApp without spending real money. App Store credit applies to any app purchase including WhatsApp.
Wait for a Sale
While not common, WhatsApp has gone on sale for free a couple times in the past. Keep an eye out around major holidays like Christmas to see if WhatsApp goes on sale again for free.
Get WhatsApp for Free on Android
For Android users, you have a few different options for downloading WhatsApp without paying the Google Play store fee:
Use the Google Opinion Rewards App
Google Opinion Rewards is a free app that gives you Google Play credit for answering short surveys. Most surveys pay around 10-50 cents, so after answering a few surveys you’ll have enough credit to cover WhatsApp’s 99 cent fee. This is the easiest way to get WhatsApp for free on Android.
Use Google Play Points
Google Play Points is a program that rewards you with points for purchases and other activities on the Google Play Store. You can redeem these points for Google Play credit. If you earn enough points, you can redeem them to cover WhatsApp’s 99 cent cost.
Find a Free Download Link
Some Android sites like APKMirror offer direct APK download links for WhatsApp that allow you to install it without going through the Play Store. However, be cautious when downloading APKs from unknown sources as they could contain malware.
Use Survey App Rewards
There are apps like Google Opinion Rewards that reward you with Play Store credit for completing surveys and other activities in the app. Earning enough credit through one of these apps can allow you to get WhatsApp for free.
Wait for a Sale
While not as frequent as on iPhone, WhatsApp has gone free in the Google Play Store a few times before. Watch for holiday sales or other promotions where it may go free again.
Install WhatsApp for Free Using a Computer
You can also use WhatsApp Web to access WhatsApp for free on your computer without downloading the mobile app. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open WhatsApp on Your Phone
Make sure you already have the WhatsApp app installed and set up on your iPhone or Android phone first. WhatsApp Web connects to your phone to sync messages.
Step 2: Visit web.whatsapp.com
Open the desktop browser on your computer and visit WhatsApp’s website at web.whatsapp.com. This is the portal for accessing WhatsApp Web.
Step 3: Scan the QR Code
WhatsApp will open a QR code scanner in your desktop browser. Use your phone to scan the code and this will sync your WhatsApp account between devices.
Step 4: Start Using WhatsApp Web
Once linked, you can now use WhatsApp to message contacts right from your computer browser for free. Messages will sync between your phone and computer.
Tips for Using Free WhatsApp Safely
Here are some tips to stay safe and avoid scams when using free WhatsApp downloads:
Only Download from Official Sources
Make sure to only download WhatsApp from the official App Store or Play Store, or use reliable sources like APKMirror for Android APK downloads. Avoid unknown sites to prevent malware.
Beware of Scams
Watch out for scams like offers for “lifetime free WhatsApp” or requests to call or text unknown numbers for free downloads. These are usually ploys to steal personal information.
Use Strong Password
Always use a strong unique password when creating your WhatsApp account to prevent hackers from accessing your messages.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Turn on two-factor authentication in WhatsApp’s settings for extra security. This requires a 6-digit PIN to verify your identity when logging in.
Back Up Chats
Regularly back up your WhatsApp chats to iCloud or Google Drive to keep your messages safe.
Watch Out for Verification Codes
Beware of any unfamiliar verification codes you receive by text or call as this can be a sign of your account getting hacked.
Check Data Usage
If not on WiFi, keep an eye on your data usage as WhatsApp can use up a lot of data when sending videos and other files.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp does charge a small fee to download from the app stores, there are many legitimate ways to get WhatsApp for free. You can use app rewards programs, wait for promotions, use WhatsApp Web, and more to avoid paying for the app. Just be cautious when downloading from unknown sources and follow security best practices to keep your account and information safe when using WhatsApp.