How to Add Someone on WhatsApp (2024): Step-by-Step Guide

To add someone on WhatsApp, you can sync a contact from your phone's address book, scan their QR code, or use an invite link. The most common method is syncing an existing phone contact so they appear in your chats list.

How to add someone on WhatsApp from your phone's address book

Adding someone from your phone's address book is the most common method for connecting on WhatsApp. When you have a contact saved in your phone's contacts list, WhatsApp automatically syncs that person to your WhatsApp contacts if they also have an active WhatsApp account. To add someone this way, open WhatsApp and tap the new chat icon (usually a pencil or chat bubble with a plus sign). Select "New Contact" or "Add Contact" to view your phone's address book. The contact will appear in your WhatsApp chats list, and you can start a conversation immediately.

How to add someone on WhatsApp using a QR code

Using a QR code lets you add a new contact without manually entering their phone number. The steps differ slightly between iPhone and Android:

On iPhone

Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
Tap the QR Code displayed next to your name.
Tap Scan and hold your device over the other person's QR code.
Optionally, tap the Photos icon at the bottom of the screen to scan a QR code image from your photo library, then tap Add to Contacts.
Tap Add to Contacts to save the person to your WhatsApp.

On Android

Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.

You can also share your own QR code so friends and family can add you. To share it, tap the QR Code next to your name, then select a contact or app to share the code with. The recipient can scan it to add you as a contact. WhatsApp QR codes are valid for a limited time; if your QR code changes, you will need to share the updated code.

How to add someone on WhatsApp with an invite link

An invite link provides another way to connect with a new contact. When someone shares a WhatsApp invite link with you, open the link on your mobile device. It will automatically prompt you to open WhatsApp. If the link is for an individual contact, you can tap "Save Contact" to store their name, phone number, and profile picture to your phone's address book. Once saved, they will appear in your WhatsApp contacts list.

Start chatting with your new contact

Once you have added someone through any of these methods, the contact appears in your WhatsApp chats list. Tap their name to open a conversation. No separate verification step is required beyond adding them. You can send text messages, make voice or video calls, and share photos and videos immediately. WhatsApp provides a help center for phone numbers and calling help (Phone Numbers, Calling and Messaging Help) if you encounter issues with connectivity or account setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add someone on WhatsApp without their phone number?

Yes. You can add someone by scanning their QR code or using an invite link, both of which do not require you to manually enter their phone number. The contact information is transferred automatically through the scan or link.

How can I find my contacts on WhatsApp?

After syncing your phone's address book, all contacts who have WhatsApp will appear in your WhatsApp contacts list. You can also search for a specific contact using the search bar at the top of the chats or contacts screen.

Are there any restrictions on adding people on WhatsApp?

The person you add must have WhatsApp installed and an active account. WhatsApp's supported devices include Android phones running Android 6.0 and newer, and iPhones running iOS 15.1 and newer. WhatsApp says that starting November 30, 2026, only iOS 15.5 and newer will be supported.

Can I remove someone from my WhatsApp contacts?

Yes. To remove a contact, open your phone's address book, find the contact, and delete or edit their information. Alternatively, you can block the contact within WhatsApp, which prevents them from messaging or calling you.