This wikiHow teaches you how to add contacts in WhatsApp. While you cannot speak to contacts who do not have WhatsApp installed on their device, you can invite non-WhatsApp contacts to download the app.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Add a contact on an iPhone
Step 1. Open the WhatsApp app
This is the white phone icon on a green speech bubble.
If this is your first time opening WhatsApp on your phone, you need to set up WhatsApp first
Step #2. Tap on Chats tab
It's at the bottom of the screen.
When WhatsApp opens a new conversation, tap the Back button at the top left of the screen
Step #3. Tap on the box with a pen
It's at the top right of the screen.
Step #4. Tap on New Contact
You will find this option at the top of the screen below the Search bar. That will open a screen for adding a new contact.
Step 5. Enter the person's first name
You do this in the First name field at the top of the screen.
You can also add a last name in the field below
Step 6. Tap on Add Phone
It's under the Work field. This will open a text field with 'Phone' written in it.
Step 7. Enter your contact's phone number
If the number is from a different area, you may need to enter a country code (such as '1' for the US or '44' for the UK) before the default 10-digit number.
Step 8. Tap Done
This is at the top right of the screen. This stores the person's number in your iPhone's Contacts app. If the contact uses WhatsApp, the contact will also be added to your WhatsApp contact list.
Method 2 of 4: Add a contact using an Android
Step #1. Open WhatsApp app
This is the white phone icon on a green speech bubble.
If this is your first time opening WhatsApp on your phone, you need to set up WhatsApp first
Step #2. Tap on the speech bubble icon
You'll find this in the top right corner of the screen, to the left of the button ⋮.
- When WhatsApp opens a conversation, first tap the ← at the top left of the screen.
Step #3. Tap on the person icon with the plus sign
This is at the top right of the screen. This will take you to the screen for adding a contact.
Step 4. Enter the person's name
You do this in the Name field at the top of the screen.
Step 5. Tap on the Phone field
It's below the Business field.
Step 6. Enter your contact's phone number
If the number is from a different area, you may need to enter a country code (such as '1' for the US or '44' for the UK) before the default 10-digit number.
Step 7. Tap Done
This is at the top left of the screen. This stores your contact information in your Android's Contacts app. If the contact uses WhatsApp, the contact will also be added to your WhatsApp contact list.
Method 3 of 4: Invite a contact to WhatsApp using an iPhone
Step 1. Open the WhatsApp app
It's the white phone icon on a green speech bubble.
If this is your first time opening WhatsApp on your phone, you need to set up WhatsApp first
Step #2. Tap Settings
It's in the bottom right corner of the screen.
When WhatsApp opens a new conversation, tap the Back button in the top left corner of the screen
Step #3. Scroll down and tap Tell a Friend
You will find this option at the bottom of the screen.
Step #4. Tap on Message
It's right here in the middle of the pop-up window.
Step 5. Tap on your contact's name
You may have to scroll down to find it.
- All names that appear here are non-WhatsApp users of your iPhone's Contacts app.
- You can use the search bar at the top of the screen to search for a specific contact.
Step 6. Tap on Send 1 Invite
This is at the bottom right of the screen. This will open a New Message window with a link to WhatsApp.
- However, if you've tapped more than one name, you'll see Send [Number] Invitations.
Step 7. Tap on the send arrow
It's the green or blue icon on the right side of the text box near the bottom of the screen. This sends an invitation to the person (or people) you selected. If they download WhatsApp and sign up, it becomes possible to reach them via WhatsApp.
Method 4 of 4: Invite a contact to WhatsApp with an Android
Step 1. Open the WhatsApp app
It's the white phone icon on a green speech bubble.
If this is your first time opening WhatsApp on your phone, you need to set up WhatsApp first
Step #2. Tap on ⋮
It's at the top right of the screen.
- When WhatsApp opens a conversation, first tap the ← at the top left of the screen.
Step #3. Tap Settings
It's right here at the bottom of the drop down menu.
Step #4. Tap on Contacts
You'll find this at the bottom of the page.
Step 5. Tap on Invite a Friend
This is at the top of the page.
Step 6. Tap on Messages
It's right here in the middle of the pop-up window.
Step 7. Tap on your contact's name
You may have to scroll down to find it.
- Any name that appears here belongs to non-WhatsApp users of your Android's Contacts app.
- You can use the search bar at the top of the screen to find a specific contact.
Step 8. Tap on Send 1 Invite
This is at the bottom right of the screen. This will open a Messages window with a link to WhatsApp.
- However, if you tapped on more than one name, you will see Send [Number] Invitations.
Step 9. Tap the Send button
This will send your invitation to the selected person (or people). When they download WhatsApp, they are automatically added to your WhatsApp contact list.