WhatsApp Messenger
Social NetworkingScreenshots
Analysis by LookedApp · Published · Updated
WhatsApp Messenger is a communication application designed for users globally to send messages and make calls. It is suitable for individuals seeking end-to-end encrypted communication with friends and family across various devices. The application serves a broad audience, facilitating connections without subscription fees.
What is WhatsApp Messenger?
WhatsApp Messenger is a communication application developed by WhatsApp LLC for Google Play and WhatsApp Inc. for the App Store. The application is available on both Google Play and the App Store. It functions as a messaging and calling platform.
The App Store listing indicates that the application is used by over 2 billion people across more than 180 countries. It aims to provide a simple and reliable way for users to stay in touch with contacts worldwide.
The application operates across mobile, tablet, and desktop devices. It supports messaging and calls without requiring subscription fees, though data charges from a provider may apply.
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Is this the real WhatsApp Messenger app?
- Verified publisher infoSame developer on Google Play and the App Store (WhatsApp LLC), and the developer website whatsapp.com matches the publisher.
- Established since 2009Listed since May 4, 2009, 10,000,000,000+ installs on Google Play.
| Developer on Google Play | WhatsApp LLC |
|---|---|
| Developer on the App Store | WhatsApp Inc. |
| Same developer on both stores | Yes |
| Android package name | com.whatsapp |
| iOS bundle ID | net.whatsapp.WhatsApp |
| On the stores since | May 4, 2009 |
| Installs on Google Play | 10,000,000,000+ |
| Developer website | whatsapp.com |
| Content rating | Google Play: Everyone / App Store: 12+ |
These details come from the public store listings. LookedApp doesn't host downloads: install from the Google Play or App Store buttons on this page.
Key features
- Messages and calls benefit from end-to-end encryption, ensuring privacy between users.
- The application supports high-quality video and voice calls for up to 32 participants.
- Users can engage in group chats to share messages, photos, videos, and documents.
- It allows linking of multiple devices, including iPads, for continuous connectivity.
- Real-time location sharing is available in individual and group chats on mobile phones.
- A Status feature enables sharing of text, photos, video, and GIF updates that last 24 hours.
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Privacy and permissions
The App Store listing emphasizes that privacy is a priority, stating that personal messages and calls are protected with end-to-end encryption. This means that only the sender and recipient can access the content. The developer also provides resources to learn more about information regarding the application's privacy practices.
On Google Play, the application requests access to several permission groups. These include device and app history, identity, contacts, location, SMS, phone, photos/media/files, storage, camera, microphone, Wi-Fi connection information, and device ID and call information. The App Store listing does not explicitly detail permission groups in the same manner as Google Play.
WhatsApp Inc. publishes its privacy policy at www.whatsapp.com.
WhatsApp Messenger permissions in plain English
The Google Play listing shows 12 permission groups. Google Play also lists 21 other permissions, such as “view network connections”. That is more than most social & messaging apps LookedApp reviews (typical: 9).
- CameraCan take photos and record video
- ContactsCan read your contacts
- Device & app historyCan see recent apps and activity
- Device ID & call informationCan read your device ID and call status
- IdentityCan find accounts on the device
- LocationCan use your precise location
- MicrophoneCan record audio
- PhoneCan read phone status or make calls
- Photos/Media/FilesCan read and change your photos, media and files
- SMSCan read or send text messages
- StorageCan read and change files in shared storage
- Wi-Fi connection informationCan see Wi-Fi connection details
The App Store privacy label lists these data types:
- Linked to you: Purchases, Financial Info, Location, Contact Info, Contacts, User Content, Identifiers, Usage Data, Diagnostics
- Not linked to you: Search History
Permission names come from Google Play; the plain-English lines describe what each permission group allows, not how this app uses it.
WhatsApp Messenger at a glance
| Developer | WhatsApp Inc. |
|---|---|
| Category | Social Networking |
| Rating on App Store | 4.7 out of 5 (19M ratings) |
| Rating on Google Play | 4.6 out of 5 (246M ratings) |
| Installs on Google Play | 10B+ |
| Price | Free |
| Age rating | 12+ |
What changed in the latest WhatsApp Messenger version
App Store · Version 26.40.77, released Oct 12, 2026
The release notes are general and don't list specific changes:
“We update the app regularly to fix bugs, optimize performance and improve the experience. Thanks for using WhatsApp!”
Google Play · Listing updated Oct 13, 2026
The release notes say:
“You can now choose to share recent group history with new members when you add them to a group Group calls now include the ability to transfer calls between mobile and desktop, add a waiting room for call links, and pin a participant to a bigger tile. These features will roll out over the coming weeks. Thanks for using WhatsApp!”
Quoted from the store listings' release notes.
Pricing
WhatsApp Messenger is available at no cost on Google Play and is listed as "Free" on the App Store. The App Store listing also notes that there are no subscription fees associated with using the application.
However, the Google Play listing indicates that the application includes in-app purchases. The App Store description also mentions that data charges may apply, advising users to contact their service provider for details.
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How to get WhatsApp Messenger safely
To acquire WhatsApp Messenger, users should access the application solely through its listings on the App Store or Google Play. It is important to confirm that the developer listed is WhatsApp LLC on Google Play or WhatsApp Inc. on the App Store.
Users are advised to avoid third-party sources or modified versions of the application, as these might not be authentic or maintained by the developer. Before installation, it is recommended that users review the permissions requested by the application on their device to understand what data it can access.
How to install WhatsApp Messenger
On Android (Google Play)
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Search for WhatsApp Messenger, or use the Google Play button on this page to open the listing directly.
- Check that the developer under the app name is WhatsApp LLC.
- Tap Install (or the price, for a paid app) and wait for the download to finish, then open the app from your home screen.
- The listing shows in-app purchases, so review any purchase prompts before you confirm.
On iPhone and iPad (App Store)
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Search for WhatsApp Messenger, or use the App Store button on this page to open the listing directly.
- Check that the developer under the app name is WhatsApp Inc..
- Make sure your device has iOS 15.1 or later and about 384 MB of free space, as the listing states.
- Tap Get (or the price), confirm the download, then open the app from your home screen.
- The listing shows in-app purchases, so review any purchase prompts before you confirm.
WhatsApp Messenger version and app details
| Google Play | App Store | |
|---|---|---|
| Latest version | – | 26.40.77 |
| Last updated | Oct 13, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 |
| First released | Oct 18, 2010 | May 4, 2009 |
| Package name | com.whatsapp | – |
| Bundle ID | – | net.whatsapp.WhatsApp |
| Requires | – | iOS 15.1 or later |
| Download size | – | 384 MB |
| Content rating | Everyone (Users Interact) | 12+ (Infrequent/Mild Mature/Suggestive Themes; Infrequent/Mild Medical/Treatment Information; Infrequent/Mild Horror/Fear Themes; Infrequent/Mild Profanity or Crude Humor) |
| In-app purchases | Yes ($0.40 - $199.99 per item) | Yes |
| Contains ads | No | – |
| Languages | – | 38 (including English) |
| Developer | WhatsApp LLC | WhatsApp Inc. |
Who WhatsApp Messenger is for
WhatsApp Messenger is intended for a global audience, with the App Store listing indicating its use by over 2 billion people across more than 180 countries. The application is designed for individuals who wish to communicate with friends and family worldwide through messaging and calling.
The Google Play listing assigns a content rating of "Everyone," while the App Store listing indicates a content rating of "12+." This suggests it is generally suitable for a wide range of users, particularly those aged 12 and above on iOS devices, for general communication purposes.
WhatsApp Messenger for kids and families
Pros
- Provides end-to-end encrypted messaging and calls for user privacy.
- Supports high-quality group video and voice calls with many participants.
- Widely used globally, facilitating communication across countries.
- Available across mobile, tablet, and desktop devices for broad accessibility.
- Does not require usernames or logins, simplifying access with a phone number.
Cons
- In-app purchases are present within the application.
- Users may incur data charges from their service provider for its use.
- The application requests a broad range of device permissions on Android.
- Content rating varies between "Everyone" on Google Play and "12+" on the App Store.
WhatsApp Messenger: frequently asked questions
What is WhatsApp Messenger?
WhatsApp Messenger is a communication application that allows users to send messages and make calls globally.
Is WhatsApp Messenger available without cost?
Yes, WhatsApp Messenger is available at no cost on Google Play and is listed as "Free" on the App Store, though it contains in-app purchases and data charges may apply.
On which devices can WhatsApp Messenger be used?
The application works across mobile, tablet, and desktop devices, with specific versions varying by device.
Who is the developer of WhatsApp Messenger?
The developer is WhatsApp LLC on Google Play and WhatsApp Inc. on the App Store.
What is the content rating for WhatsApp Messenger?
The content rating is "Everyone" on Google Play and "12+" on the App Store.
What are some main communication features of the application?
Key features include end-to-end encrypted messaging and calls, high-quality group video and voice calls, and group chats for sharing various media.
WhatsApp Messenger
- Category
- Social Networking
- Version
- 26.40.77
Download
Looking for the WhatsApp Messenger website or sign-in? Go to whatsapp.com →The developer's website, as given on the store listing.
WhatsApp Messenger ratings breakdown
Google Play 4.6 average from 245,750,743 ratings
- 582%
- 49%
- 34%
- 21%
- 14%
App Store 4.7 average from 18,777,702 ratings
- 584%
- 48%
- 33%
- 21%
- 13%
Share of ratings for each star level, as shown on the listings, as of Oct 15, 2026.
