The world is a global village, and we often need to communicate with people from different countries. If you’re using WhatsApp, you may be wondering how to add international numbers to your contacts. It’s actually a pretty simple process, and I’ll walk you through it step-by-step in this article. But before we delve into the specifics, let’s first understand why it’s important to add international numbers on WhatsApp.
There are many reasons why you might need to add international numbers to your WhatsApp contacts. For example, you may have friends or family members who live in other countries. Or, you may need to contact businesses or organizations that are located overseas. Whatever the reason, adding international numbers to WhatsApp is a quick and easy way to stay connected with people all over the world. In this guide, we’ll provide detailed instructions on how to add international numbers to WhatsApp for both Android and iOS devices. We’ll also cover some common issues you may encounter and how to resolve them. So, whether you’re a seasoned WhatsApp user or just getting started, read on to learn how to add international numbers to WhatsApp.
The first step is to open WhatsApp and go to the Chats tab. Then, tap on the New Chat icon in the top right corner. In the search bar, enter the phone number of the person you want to add, including the country code. For example, if you’re adding a number from the United States, you would enter +1 followed by the phone number. Once you’ve entered the number, tap on the Add Contact button. WhatsApp will then send a verification code to the phone number you entered. Enter the verification code in WhatsApp and tap on the Verify button. The contact will now be added to your WhatsApp contacts list.
Acquiring an International Phone Number for WhatsApp
Acquiring an international phone number for WhatsApp is a convenient way to stay connected with friends and family abroad without incurring exorbitant roaming charges. There are several methods to obtain an international number, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
### Using a Virtual Phone Number Provider
Virtual phone number providers offer a cost-effective way to obtain an international number. These providers assign you a real phone number in the country of your choice, which can be used to make and receive calls and SMS messages. The number is typically routed through the internet, allowing you to use it from anywhere with an internet connection.
The cost of a virtual phone number varies depending on the provider and the country you choose. Some providers offer monthly subscriptions, while others charge a one-time fee. It’s important to compare prices and features before choosing a provider.
Here is a table comparing some popular virtual phone number providers:
| Provider | Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Google Voice | Free (U.S. numbers only) | Call forwarding, voicemail, SMS messaging |
| Skype | Varies depending on country | Call forwarding, voicemail, SMS messaging, video calling |
| Vonage | Starting from $19.99/month | Call forwarding, voicemail, SMS messaging, international calling |
Benefits of Using an International Number
Using an international number on WhatsApp offers a multitude of benefits, especially for businesses and individuals with global connections.
Enhanced Reach and Accessibility
An international number expands your reach to a broader audience by allowing you to connect with people from various countries without the need for local numbers. It eliminates geographic barriers and makes your business more accessible to potential customers or contacts abroad.
Cost Savings on International Calls
With an international number, you can avoid roaming charges and expensive long-distance calls. WhatsApp’s VoIP technology enables you to make calls and send messages at no extra cost, regardless of the recipient’s location. This can significantly reduce communication costs for businesses operating internationally.
Professional and Credible Presence
Using an international number adds a level of professionalism and credibility to your business. It indicates that you have a global presence and are committed to serving customers from different regions. This can boost your brand reputation and enhance customer trust.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Reach and Accessibility | Connect with people globally without local numbers |
| Cost Savings on International Calls | Eliminate roaming charges and long-distance costs |
| Professional and Credible Presence | Project a global image and boost customer trust |
Compatibility and Availability
One of the major factors to consider when adding an international number to WhatsApp is compatibility. The ability to add an international number depends on the country and carrier of both the sender and the receiver and compatibility varies between different countries and phone carriers.
Country Compatibility
Not all countries support the addition of international numbers to WhatsApp. In some countries, you may only be able to add numbers from specific countries. To check if your country is compatible with adding international numbers, you can visit the WhatsApp website or contact your phone carrier for more information.
Supported Countries
| Country |
|---|
| United States |
| Canada |
| United Kingdom |
| Mexico |
| Spain |
It’s important to note that this is just a sample list and the availability of international number support can change over time. Always check with your phone carrier or the WhatsApp website for the most up-to-date information.
Verifying Your International Number
To be able to add an international number on Whatsapp, You will need to verify the number first. Here are the steps on how to do it:
Open WhatsApp and go to the “Settings” tab.
Select “Account” and then “Change Number”.
Enter your new international phone number in the format +[country code] [phone number].
Tap “Next” and then “Verify”.
WhatsApp will send a verification code to your new phone number. Enter the code in the app and tap “Verify”.
Once you have verified your international number, you can start adding it to WhatsApp. Here’s how:
Open WhatsApp and go to the “Chats” tab.
Tap the “New Chat” button.
Enter the international phone number you want to add in the format +[country code] [phone number].
Tap “Create” and then “Add”.
The international number will be added to your WhatsApp contacts.
Managing Multiple Numbers in WhatsApp
WhatsApp allows you to manage multiple phone numbers on a single device, making it convenient for users with separate personal and business phone numbers.
Adding an Additional Number
To add an additional number to WhatsApp:
- Open WhatsApp and tap on the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Select "Settings" and then "Account."
- Tap on "Number" and then on "Add Number."
- Enter the country code and phone number you want to add.
- WhatsApp will send a verification code to the new number.
- Enter the verification code to complete the process.
Detailed Explanation of Step 6:
Upon entering the verification code, WhatsApp will perform a series of checks to ensure the validity of the number:
- Number Verification: WhatsApp will verify that the entered number is a valid phone number that can receive SMS or phone calls. This is done to prevent spam and abuse.
- Country Code Confirmation: WhatsApp will cross-check the entered country code with the IP address of your device to ensure consistency. If the country code does not match, you may be prompted to re-enter the code or use a different number.
- Time-Based Restriction: WhatsApp limits the number of verification codes that can be sent to a single number within a certain time period. If you request too many codes in a short span of time, you may encounter delays or restrictions.
- Account Verification: WhatsApp may also verify your account by sending a separate verification code to your primary number. This is to ensure that you are the authorized user of the new number being added.
International Calling and Messaging Features
WhatsApp’s international calling and messaging capabilities make it easy to stay connected with friends and family around the world. Here’s a guide to using these features:
International Calling
To make an international call on WhatsApp:
- Open WhatsApp and tap the Calls tab.
- Tap the New Call button.
- Enter the phone number of the person you want to call, including the country code.
- Tap the green Call button.
International Messaging
To send an international message on WhatsApp:
- Open WhatsApp and tap the Chats tab.
- Tap the New Chat button.
- Enter the phone number of the person you want to message, including the country code.
- Tap the green Message button.
Country Codes
The following table lists the country codes for some common countries:
| Country | Code |
|---|---|
| United States | +1 |
| Canada | +1 |
| United Kingdom | +44 |
| France | +33 |
| Germany | +49 |
Additional Features
In addition to basic calling and messaging, WhatsApp also offers several additional features for international communication:
- Group calling: You can make group calls with up to 8 people, even if they’re in different countries.
- Voice messaging: You can send voice messages to people in other countries, similar to voicemail.
- Video calling: You can make video calls to people in other countries, as long as you both have a strong internet connection.
Tips for Using an International Number on WhatsApp
1. Use the Correct Format
When entering an international number on WhatsApp, ensure you use the E.164 format. This means including the country code prefix. For instance, for a UK number, start with +44.
2. Dial from the Address Book
To avoid formatting errors, add the international number directly to your phone’s address book. This way, WhatsApp automatically detects and applies the correct format when selecting the contact.
3. Check for Carrier Support
Not all carriers support international calling over WhatsApp. Contact your service provider to confirm compatibility before attempting to make international calls or send messages.
4. Consider Wi-Fi or Data Plan
Using WhatsApp over mobile data can incur roaming charges. To avoid these, connect to a Wi-Fi network if possible.
5. Use Country Codes
When sending messages or making calls to contacts in another country, use the country code prefix even if you’ve already saved their number with an international format. This ensures WhatsApp correctly routes the communication.
6. Make Calls without Saving Numbers
You can make WhatsApp calls to international numbers without saving them to your contact list. However, you need to enter the complete international number in the E.164 format, including the country code (+).
7. Group Chats
Adding international numbers to group chats is similar to adding them to individual contacts. Use the E.164 format and ensure participants can dial outside their own country.
8. End-to-End Encryption
WhatsApp employs end-to-end encryption, protecting communications regardless of the international destination. Your messages and calls remain private and secure.
9. Use WhatsApp Web/Desktop
If you prefer a wider screen, you can use WhatsApp Web or Desktop to chat with international contacts. The same principles apply regarding number formatting and compatibility.
10. Troubleshooting
If you experience issues using an international number on WhatsApp, check the following:
– Ensure the number is in the correct E.164 format, including the country code prefix.
– Verify that your carrier supports international calling and WhatsApp calls over Wi-Fi or data.
– Restart your device and WhatsApp to clear any temporary glitches.
– Check your internet connection, as poor connectivity can affect call quality.
– Contact WhatsApp support if the problem persists after trying these steps.
How To Add International Number On Whatsapp
Adding an international number to WhatsApp is a simple process that can be done in a few steps. Here’s how:
-
Open WhatsApp and tap on the “Chats” tab.
-
Tap on the “New Chat” icon in the top right corner.
-
Tap on the “Enter Phone Number” field.
-
Enter the international phone number you want to add. Make sure to include the country code.
-
Tap on the “Add” button.
The international number will now be added to your WhatsApp contacts. You can now start chatting with them.
People Also Ask About How To Add International Number On Whatsapp
How do I add an international number to WhatsApp without the country code?
To add an international number to WhatsApp without the country code, you need to add a plus sign (+) before the number. For example, if you want to add the number 0435234567, you would enter +0435234567.
How do I know if a WhatsApp number is international?
You can tell if a WhatsApp number is international if it starts with a plus sign (+). The country code is the number immediately after the plus sign.
Can I add an international number to WhatsApp if I’m not in the same country?
Yes, you can add an international number to WhatsApp even if you’re not in the same country. As long as you have an internet connection, you can add any international number.
