Yes, WhatsApp is completely free. You can download the app for free and use it to send messages, make voice/video calls, and share media without any subscription fees.
WhatsApp Does Not Provide Enterprise Data Protection
While WhatsApp has announced improved encryption, it currently does not provide enterprise-grade encryption (e.g., metadata, storage on devices, storage on servers, etc.). In addition, free services like WhatsApp require user data to make a living.
No, WhatsApp does not charge you to send messages, make calls, or share media. However, because the app requires an internet connection, standard mobile data charges from your cellular provider may apply if you aren't connected to Wi-Fi.
Simple, reliable, private messaging and calling for free*, available all over the world. * Data charges may apply.
Since most mobile data plans in the US include unlimited SMS texts. Therefore, most individuals do not feel the need to download third-party apps like WhatsApp, Line, etc., to contact each other. Instead, they use SMS. Of course, many millions of Americans continue to use WhatsApp.
No, someone cannot see if you are looking at their WhatsApp chat, profile picture, or "Last Seen" timestamp.
Most Americans do not use WhatsApp for everyday communication. Because unlimited texting has been standard on U.S. mobile plans for decades, they default to native texting (SMS) and built-in chat apps, largely relying on the platforms pre-installed on their phones.
WhatsApp messages are encrypted end-to-end, which makes them much more secure than email messages. This is important for businesses that need to keep sensitive information confidential, such as employee salaries or customer data.
Starting Sept. 8, 2026, WhatsApp will stop working on devices running Android 5.0 and 5.1, raising its minimum requirement to Android 6.0.
Yes, people can steal your information and hijack your account through WhatsApp, primarily using social engineering, phishing links, and account takeovers. While WhatsApp features end-to-end encryption, hackers can compromise your data if you are tricked into giving them access.
WhatsApp is an app that is like the phone and text messaging apps already on your phone, except it uses the internet instead of your phone minutes or text message allowance. It still uses your mobile phone number, but you can use WhatsApp to message and call your friends and family for free, even if they are abroad!
No, you cannot call anyone on WhatsApp. You can only call people who also have an active WhatsApp account and are connected to the internet.
Traditional texting (SMS/MMS) uses your cellular network, making it universally reliable anywhere you have a phone signal. In contrast, WhatsApp operates via the internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data). This allows WhatsApp to offer richer, free multimedia features globally, while standard text is best for instant, no-internet alerts.
Be mindful of what you share
Consider whether you would want others to see what you've sent. When you share a chat, photo, video, file or voice message with someone else on WhatsApp, they'll have a copy of these messages. They'll have the ability to forward or share these messages with others if they choose to.
2 Meta's Dodgy Record on Privacy
While WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, it regularly collects metadata attached to your messaging activities—IP addresses, phone numbers, as well as "the time, frequency, and duration of your activities and interactions".
Yes, people on WhatsApp can see your phone number. Because your phone number is your account ID, there is no built-in setting to completely hide it. However, who sees it depends on whether they have your number saved and where you interact:
Affected devices
The list includes: Samsung: Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S3 Mini, Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy Ace Plus, Galaxy Core, Galaxy Express 2, Galaxy Grand, Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy S4 Zoom. Apple: iPhone 5, iPhone 6, iPhone SE, iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus. Motorola: Moto G and Moto X.
WhatsApp works on many Android devices. This includes: Android phones with Android 5.0 and newer* Android phones that can receive SMS messages or calls.
Devices running older systems will no longer be able to use WhatsApp's messaging and calling features. iPhones affected include the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus. While the iPhone 6s, 6s Plus, and SE (1st gen) have been mentioned, they remain compatible, as they can still be updated.
Americans mostly don't use WhatsApp because standard SMS texting has been free on U.S. mobile plans for decades. Combined with Apple’s dominant market share, this led to the widespread adoption of built-in, internet-enabled messaging via iMessage and native SMS/RCS.
Emails least likely to be hacked are privacy-focused services with end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture, meaning not even the provider can read your messages.
The most secure, user-friendly alternative to WhatsApp is Signal. It mirrors WhatsApp's interface and features (group chats, voice/video calls) but uses a nonprofit, privacy-first model with end-to-end encryption and no data monetization.
While WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption for message content, privacy advocates recommend avoiding it due to heavy metadata collection, its parent company's data practices, and security vulnerabilities.
Approximately 30% to 32% of American adults use WhatsApp. While it boasts over 100 million active monthly users in the United States, adoption in the U.S. remains significantly lower than in Europe, Latin America, or Asia, where it is often the default messaging platform.