WhatsApp users on iPhone can now set the popular messaging app as their default for calls and messages. This new capability allows you to streamline your communication by routing calls and messages through WhatsApp instead of Apple’s built-in Phone and Messages apps. Let’s explore how to set this up and what it means for your iPhone usage.
Enabling WhatsApp as Your Default App
To make WhatsApp your go-to app for calls and messages, you’ll need to adjust a few settings on your iPhone. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Ensure your iPhone is running iOS 18.2 or later. You can check this by going to Settings > General > About > Software Version.
Step 2: Update WhatsApp to version 25.8.74 or newer. Open the App Store, search for WhatsApp, and tap “Update” if available.
Step 3: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 4: Scroll down and tap on “Apps”.
Step 5: Tap on “Default Apps” at the top of the screen.
Step 6: Select “Calling” from the list of options.
Step 7: Choose WhatsApp from the list of available calling apps.
Step 8: Go back to the previous screen and select “Messaging”.
Step 9: Again, choose WhatsApp from the list of messaging apps.
What This Means for Your iPhone Usage
Setting WhatsApp as your default calling and messaging app changes how your iPhone handles communication tasks:
Calling
When WhatsApp is set as your default calling app, tapping on a phone number in your Contacts, Safari, or other apps will initiate a WhatsApp call instead of a regular phone call. This means all your outgoing calls will be Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls through WhatsApp, using your internet connection rather than your cellular minutes.
It’s important to note that WhatsApp doesn’t support standard cellular calls or Wi-Fi calling. All calls placed to phone numbers will be initiated as VoIP calls within WhatsApp. However, calls made directly from the Phone app will still use the standard cellular network.
Messaging
With WhatsApp as your default messaging app, tapping the message button on a contact card will open a new message in WhatsApp instead of the Messages app. This applies to actions across your iPhone, such as sharing content via messages.
However, if you open the Messages app directly and start a new conversation, it will still use iMessage or SMS/MMS, not WhatsApp. This allows you to maintain flexibility in your messaging options.
Considerations Before Switching
Before making WhatsApp your default app, consider these factors:
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Internet Dependency: WhatsApp calls and messages require an internet connection. If you’re in an area with poor data coverage, you may have difficulty making calls or sending messages.
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Contact Availability: Not all your contacts may use WhatsApp. For those who don’t, you’ll need to use alternative methods to reach them.
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Battery Usage: VoIP calls can be more battery-intensive than regular cellular calls. Keep this in mind if you’re away from a charger for extended periods.
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Data Usage: If you’re not on an unlimited data plan, be aware that WhatsApp calls and messages will count towards your data usage.
Reverting to Default iPhone Apps
If you decide you prefer the standard iPhone experience, you can easily switch back:
Step 1: Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps.
Step 2: Select “Calling” and choose “Phone”.
Step 3: Select “Messaging” and choose “Messages”.
This will restore Apple’s built-in apps as your defaults for calling and messaging.
WhatsApp’s new status as a potential default app for iPhone users marks a significant shift in how we can use our devices. Whether this change suits your needs depends on your communication habits and preferences. Give it a try and see if it streamlines your daily interactions!