How to Add a Contact to WhatsApp

This article explains how to add people on WhatsApp and invite people to use the app. The screenshots below are from WhatsApp for Android, but the steps also work with iOS.

How to Add Someone to WhatsApp

Adding someone on Whatsapp lets you find and communicate with your friends. All you have to do is add a number and a name. You can also share your WhatsApp contacts with others.

1. Go to the Chats tab in the app.

2. Tap the Compose icon in the bottom-right of the screen to launch a new chat page.

3. Tap New Contact to add a person.

   If you have the person's Whatsapp QR code, press the QR symbol to scan it and add them as a contact that way.

4. Tap the First name field and type the name of the person you're adding.

5. Tap the Last name field and add their last name.

6. Enter the person's phone number in the Phone field. If their number is registered in a different part of the world (i.e., you are based in the U.S., but your friend is in the UK) you may need to add a country code.

7. Tap Save in the top-right corner of the page to save the contact.

8. You can now see the person's name and their contact details.

   If the individual isn't using WhatsApp you'll see an option to invite them to the service. Tap Invite to WhatsApp to generate an SMS message you can send to their number (carrier rates apply). This provides them with a WhatsApp download link.

9. Tap Done to return to the Chats page.

   Adding a number on WhatsApp automatically adds it to your device's address book. The same is true if you add a contact to the device address book. Likewise, deleting a contact from WhatsApp removes it from your device address book and vice versa.

How to Find Friends on WhatsApp

To find and add a contact that's already using WhatsApp is simple.

1. Open WhatsApp on your device.

2. If you're not currently in the Chats tab, tap Chats to take you there.

3. Tap the magnifying glass to reveal the search bar.

4. Type in the name of the contact you're looking for.

5. Results appear populated with chats, contacts, and contents from relevant messages. Tap the correct contact name to launch your conversation.

Make Sure Your Number is Up to Date on WhatsApp

You have to provide a phone number when you sign up for WhatsApp, which means anyone who has your number can find you on the app. If you ever change your phone number, you can update it on WhatsApp. Tap More > Settings > Account > Change Number and follow the prompts.