Stay connected with friends and family abroad by adding their international numbers to your WhatsApp account. WhatsApp, the popular messaging app used by millions worldwide, allows you to communicate easily with people from different countries. Whether you need to stay in touch with loved ones overseas or collaborate with international colleagues, adding an international number to WhatsApp is a must.
The process of adding an international number to WhatsApp is similar to adding a local number. However, there are a few key differences. First, you need to include the country code when entering the number. The country code is a unique number that identifies the country where the number is registered. For example, the country code for the United States is +1. Once you have the country code, enter it followed by the full phone number, including the area code. For example, if you want to add the number 555-123-4567 from the United States, you would enter +1 555-123-4567 into WhatsApp.
Once you have entered the international number, WhatsApp will automatically detect the country and display the correct flag. You can then save the contact and start chatting with them. It’s important to note that adding an international number to WhatsApp may incur additional charges from your carrier. Be sure to check with your carrier for specific rates before adding international numbers to your account.
Locate the Settings Icon
Finding the settings icon in WhatsApp is a straightforward process that can vary slightly depending on your operating system and device model. Here’s a detailed guide for both Android and iOS users:
| Operating System | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Android |
1. Launch the WhatsApp app on your Android device. |
| iOS |
1. Open the WhatsApp app on your iPhone or iPad. |
Once you have located the settings icon, you can proceed to the next step of adding an international number to WhatsApp.
Navigate to Account Settings
To change your WhatsApp phone number to an international one, you will need to first navigate to your account settings. Here are the steps on how to do this:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Tap on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select “Settings” from the menu that appears.
- Tap on “Account” in the settings menu.
- Select “Change Number” from the account menu.
Once you have completed these steps, you will be taken to a screen where you can enter your new phone number.
Please note that you will need to enter your phone number in international format. This means that you will need to include the country code for your country. For example, if you are in the United States, you would need to enter your phone number as +1 (xxx) xxx-xxxx.
Changing Your Phone Number
Once you have entered your new phone number, you will need to tap on the “Next” button. WhatsApp will then send you a verification code to your new phone number. You will need to enter this code into WhatsApp in order to complete the process of changing your phone number.
Once you have entered the verification code, you will be able to start using WhatsApp with your new international phone number.
| Country Code | Example |
|---|---|
| United States | +1 |
| Canada | +1 |
| United Kingdom | +44 |
| France | +33 |
| Germany | +49 |
Select “Change Number”
To initiate the process of changing your WhatsApp number, begin by opening the WhatsApp application on your device. Once the application is open, locate and select the three vertical dots situated in the top right-hand corner of the screen. When the drop-down menu appears, choose the “Settings” option.
Within the “Settings” menu, scroll down and select the “Account” section. Under this section, you will find the “Change Number” option. Select this option to proceed with the number change process.
Entering Your New Number
In the “Change Number” screen, WhatsApp provides clear instructions on the steps involved in changing your number. The first step requires you to enter your current phone number. This step verifies that you are the authorized user of the account and ensures a seamless transition to your new number.
Once your current phone number is entered, WhatsApp will ask you to provide your new phone number. Ensure that you enter the complete international format of your new number, including the country code and area code. For example, if your new number is in the United States and has the area code 212, you would enter it as +1 212 XXX-XXXX.
After entering your new number, WhatsApp will send a verification code to that number. This code serves as a security measure to ensure that you are the authorized user of the new number. Enter the verification code in the designated field to complete the number change process.
Enter Your International Number
When entering your international number, it’s crucial to adhere to the correct format. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you input your number accurately:
1. Remove Leading Zeros
If your number starts with a ‘0,’ remove it. For instance, if your number is +49 0123456789, enter it as +49 123456789.
2. Include the Country Code
The country code is essential for identifying the country where your phone number is registered. It typically consists of one to three digits. For example, the country code for the United States is +1, and for Germany, it’s +49.
3. Add the Area Code
The area code is usually a two- or three-digit number representing the specific region or city where your phone number is connected. For example, if you’re in Berlin, Germany, the area code is 030.
4. Enter the Phone Number
The phone number is the remaining digits after removing the country code, area code, and leading zeros. Ensure that you enter the full phone number, including any dashes or spaces.
| Example: | Format: |
|---|---|
| +49 123456789 | +Country Code Area Code Phone Number |
| (030) 123456789 | (Area Code) Phone Number |
| 0123456789 | Phone Number (without leading ‘0’) |
Verify Your Number
To verify your international number on WhatsApp, you’ll need to use a valid phone number that can receive text messages. The verification process typically involves the following steps:
1. Enter Your Number
Open WhatsApp and select the option to create a new account. Enter your full phone number, including the country code. The country code is a two-digit number that indicates the country where your phone number is registered.
2. Choose Your Country
Select your country from the drop-down list to ensure that you’re using the correct country code.
3. Request a Verification Code
Tap on the “Verify” button to request a verification code that will be sent to your phone number via SMS.
4. Enter the Verification Code
Wait for the text message containing the verification code and enter it into the field provided in WhatsApp.
5. Troubleshooting Verification Issues
If you’re having trouble verifying your number, try the following solutions:
– Ensure that you have entered the correct country code and phone number.
– Check your network connection and make sure you have stable internet or mobile data.
– Wait a few minutes and try requesting the verification code again.
– Restart your device and try the verification process again.
– Contact WhatsApp support if none of the above solutions resolve the issue.
| Country Code | Country |
|---|---|
| +1 | United States |
| +44 | United Kingdom |
| +33 | France |
| +86 | China |
| +91 | India |
Select Your Preferred Country Code
Once you have successfully created your WhatsApp account, the next step is to select your preferred country code. WhatsApp allows you to choose from a wide range of country codes, ensuring that you can connect with friends and family from all over the world. To select your preferred country code, follow these simple steps:
- Open the WhatsApp application on your mobile device.
- Tap on the “Settings” icon located in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select “Account” from the menu options.
- Tap on “Country code” and a list of available country codes will be displayed.
- Scroll through the list and select the country code you prefer.
- Tap on the “Save” button to confirm your selection.
It is important to note that you cannot change your country code once it has been set. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the correct country code from the outset. If you make a mistake, you will need to create a new WhatsApp account with the correct country code.
| Country | Country Code |
|---|---|
| United States | +1 |
| United Kingdom | +44 |
| Canada | +1 |
| India | +91 |
| China | +86 |
Choose a Time Zone
When adding an international number to WhatsApp, it’s important to select the correct time zone for the recipient. This ensures that messages and calls are sent and received at the appropriate times. To determine the correct time zone:
| Time Zone | Country Code |
|---|---|
| Eastern Time Zone (ET) | +1 |
| Central Time Zone (CT) | +2 |
| Mountain Time Zone (MT) | +3 |
| Pacific Time Zone (PT) | +4 |
Add Your International Contact List
To add an international contact to WhatsApp, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Tap the “Contacts” tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap the “New Contact” button in the top right corner of the screen.
- Enter the contact’s name and phone number.
- When entering the phone number, use the following format: +[country code][area code][phone number]. For example, to add a contact in the United States, you would enter +1 (555) 123-4567.
- Tap the “Save” button.
- The contact will now be added to your WhatsApp contact list.
To ensure you have entered the correct country code when adding an international contact, you can refer to the list below:
| Country | Country Code |
|---|---|
| United States | +1 |
| United Kingdom | +44 |
| Canada | +1 |
| France | +33 |
| Germany | +49 |
Start Chatting Internationally
Connecting with friends and family overseas has never been easier with WhatsApp’s ability to send messages and make calls internationally. Here’s a step-by-step guide to adding international numbers to WhatsApp:
1. Open WhatsApp
Launch the WhatsApp application on your phone or desktop.
2. Create a New Chat
Tap the “New Chat” icon in the top-right corner.
3. Enter the Phone Number
In the “To” field, enter the international phone number you want to add.
4. Format the Number
Start the phone number with a “+” sign followed by the country code. For example, for a phone number in India, dial “+91.”
5. Select the Country Code
If necessary, WhatsApp will suggest a country code based on the number you entered. Confirm or change it if needed.
6. Add the Contact Name
Enter the contact name or nickname for the person you’re adding.
7. Tap “Save”
Tap the “Save” button to add the contact to your WhatsApp list.
8. Send a Message
Once the contact is added, you can start sending messages or making calls.
9. Country Codes by Region
To help you find the correct country code, here’s a table of the most common regions:
| Region | Country Code |
|---|---|
| North America | +1 |
| Europe | +44 (UK), +33 (France), +49 (Germany), etc. |
| Asia | +86 (China), +91 (India), +81 (Japan), etc. |
| South America | +54 (Argentina), +55 (Brazil), +57 (Colombia), etc. |
| Africa | +27 (South Africa), +20 (Egypt), +254 (Kenya), etc. |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter any issues while adding an international number to WhatsApp, try these troubleshooting tips:
1. Check the country code
Make sure you entered the correct country code. Each country has a unique country code, usually two to three digits long. You can find a list of country codes on WhatsApp’s help page.
2. Remove the leading zero
When entering a landline number, remove the leading zero from the area code or prefix. For example, if the area code is 0123, enter it as 123.
3. Use the international format
Enter the number in the international format, which includes the country code, area code, and local number. Do not use spaces or dashes.
4. Make sure the number is active
The number you want to add should be an active phone number and not a landline number that has been disconnected or reassigned.
5. Check your internet connection
WhatsApp requires an active internet connection to send and receive messages. Ensure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular network.
6. Update WhatsApp
Having the latest version of WhatsApp ensures that you have the most recent features and bug fixes. Check the App Store or Google Play Store for updates.
7. Restart your device
Restarting your device can resolve temporary glitches that may interfere with adding an international number.
8. Clear WhatsApp cache
Clearing the WhatsApp cache can resolve issues caused by corrupted data. Refer to your device’s settings to clear the cache for WhatsApp.
9. Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp
If all else fails, uninstalling and reinstalling WhatsApp can resolve persistent issues. Make sure to back up your chats before uninstalling.
10. Contact WhatsApp support
If you’ve tried all the above troubleshooting steps but still can’t add an international number, contact WhatsApp support. Provide detailed information about the issue, such as the error message you’re receiving or the number you’re trying to add.
How to Add an International Number to WhatsApp
Adding an international number to WhatsApp is a simple process that can be completed in a few steps:
- Open WhatsApp and tap on the “Contacts” tab.
- Tap on the “New Contact” button.
- Enter the contact’s name and international phone number.
- Select the country code from the drop-down menu.
- Tap on the “Save” button.
People Also Ask
How do I call an international number on WhatsApp?
To call an international number on WhatsApp, simply tap on the contact’s name and then tap on the “Call” button. WhatsApp will automatically dial the international number for you.
Can I send messages to international numbers on WhatsApp?
Yes, you can send messages to international numbers on WhatsApp. However, you will need to use the international format for the phone number.
How do I add a contact from another country to WhatsApp?
To add a contact from another country to WhatsApp, simply follow the steps outlined above. Be sure to select the correct country code from the drop-down menu.
