WhatsApp FAQ

• What is it?
• Why use WhatsApp?
• What makes WhatsApp unique?
• How do I sign up?
• I don't see my friend's status... Why?
• How can my contacts get WhatsApp?
• Will my status remain visible if my phone is turned off?
• Can I set a separate status message for specific contacts or contact groups?
• Does the status I set expire automatically? Can I set it to expire at a certain time?
• Will you support other smart phones?
• How long can my custom status be?
• My SMS authentication code never arrived... Why?
• Can people outside of USA use WhatsApp?
• Do you use GPS to learn my location?
• Can I edit a status text on the iPhone?
• How can I contact WhatsApp with questions, suggestions, or feedback?
• Why do you ask for my phone number?
• How do I clear my status on the iPhone?

What is it?

WhatsApp is a status indicator for your iPhone and BlackBerry phones. This application allows users to share their availability status with each other. WhatsApp revolutionizes the way we communicate by eliminating poorly timed calls.

Why use WhatsApp?

Unfortunately, not all of us have the gift of telepathy :) In all seriousness, we all have situations where we wish it would be possible to tell our friends how or when we can best be reached. Do the following situations apply to you?

• You are in a meeting and it is best to send you an SMS or email
• You are about to get on a plane and can only be reached after a certain time
• You are at the gym and don't have your phone handy
• Your battery is about to die
• Or you are sleeping, in a class, at the movies, or at a loud concert

These are just a few out of the thousands of scenarios you may encounter in you busy life.

What makes WhatsApp unique?

WhatsApp is a tool that lets you share your availability with your contacts. It is practical and useful. WhatsApp automatically works with your existing iPhone and BlackBerry Contacts. There is no hassle of adding friends, creating accounts, or memorizing passwords.

How do I sign up?

No sign up is necessary! Simply download WhatsApp to your iPhone or BlackBerry device and it will automatically allow you to set your status. It will only display the status to your other contacts who also use WhatsApp.

I don't see my contact's status... Why?

Did your contact download WhatsApp to their iPhone or BlackBerry and set their status? If not, go here. If yes, the next issue could be is the way their phone number is saved in your AddressBook. Make sure their mobile phone number is labeled as "Mobile" in your Address Book

How can my contacts get WhatsApp?

There is a "Tell a Friend" button under the "Settings" tab. Tap "Tell a Friend" and pick a method (E-mail or SMS). After you select your friends, WhatsApp will send them a link to the application at the Apple Store. Contacts can also visit the Apple Store directly.

Will my status remain visible if my phone is turned off?

Yes, your status will continue to stay visible to your contacts.

Can I set a separate status message for specific contacts or contact groups?

Not yet, but with enough demand these features will be included in future versions of WhatsApp.

Does the status I set expire automatically? Can I set it to expire at a certain time?

Yes, you can configure your status to expire automatically. You also have the option of setting a new status to be displayed after the current one expires.

Will you support other smart phones?

There is no denying it, we love our iPhones and BlackBerry's! We do however plan to support other smart phones in the future.

How long can my custom status be?

We limit the custom status length to 139 characters.

My SMS authentication code never arrived... Why?

It is possible that the provider simply "lost" the SMS message or it got delayed. You can generate a new SMS code from the number verification screen. If you are still having problems, Contact us and will try to help.

Can people outside of USA use WhatsApp?

Of course. We took extra steps during development to make sure WhatsApp works everywhere in the world and even among contacts in different countries.

Do you use GPS to learn my location?

We respect your privacy. WhatsApp does NOT utilize iPhone's or BlackBerrie's GPS capability.

How can I edit a status text on the iPhone?

Simply tap on "Edit" button and select a status that you wish to edit.

How can I contact WhatsApp with questions, suggestions, or feedback?

We would love to hear from you. Please E-mail us at feedback@whatsapp.com

Why do you ask for my phone number?

We ask because WhatsApp assigns your status messages to your phone number. We value your privacy and will never share your number with third parties. Additionally, WhatsApp uses Secure Socket Layer (SSL) for all server communications to preserve the integrity and security of the information you share with us. If you would like to learn more, take a look at our Privacy Notice.

How do I clear my status on the iPhone?

Flick down to the bottom of the status list to find a "Clear Status" button.