5 Ways to Send a Message on WhatsApp: Step-By-Step Guide 2024

13 Min Read

Written by

Nishtha Singh

Published on

November 12, 2024

WhatsApp has become a global communication tool, with billions of people using it to stay connected daily. Whether you’re chatting with family, friends, or colleagues, WhatsApp makes messaging easy and fast. However, not everyone knows there are multiple ways to send a message on WhatsApp, depending on your device. From Android and iPhone to KaiOS and even computers, this guide will walk you through five different methods to send a message, ensuring you’re covered no matter your platform.

In this step-by-step guide for 2024, we’ll explain each method clearly so that even beginners can follow along without any hassle. Plus, we’ll share a bonus tip on how to send messages using a direct link to WhatsApp. Ready to become a WhatsApp pro? Let’s dive into how you can send a message on WhatsApp!

How to Send a Message on WhatsApp: A Quick Guide

Sending a message on WhatsApp is simple and fast, no matter your device. Whether you’re new to WhatsApp or need a quick refresher, this guide will show you how to send messages in a few easy steps, helping you stay connected with friends and family instantly. Here’s a quick guide to help you get started, no matter which device you’re using:

1. Open WhatsApp: Launch the WhatsApp app on your device.

2. Select a Contact: Tap the “Chats” tab and either start a new conversation or select an existing one.

3. Type Your Message: Type your message in the text box at the bottom.

4. Send: Once you’ve typed your message, tap the send button (paper plane icon) to deliver it.

That’s it! Now, you know the most basic way to send a message on WhatsApp. Let’s dive into specific instructions for different devices.

How to Send a Message on WhatsApp on Android

Using WhatsApp to send a message on Android is simple and efficient. Whether texting friends or sharing media, WhatsApp offers a seamless experience. This guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions to help you send a message quickly and effortlessly on your Android phone. Let’s walk through the steps:

Step 1: Open WhatsApp

Begin by “Unlocking your Android Device” and locating the WhatsApp app icon on your home screen or in your app drawer. Tap the icon to launch WhatsApp. The app will open to the main screen, showing your chat list if you’re logged in.

Step 2: Tap on the “Chats” Tab

You’ll see several tabs at the top of the screen: Chats, Status, and Calls. Ensure you are on the “Chats” tab. This is where all your current conversations are listed, making it easy to find existing chats or start new ones.

Step 3: Start a New Chat

To send a message to someone new, tap on the “Green Message Icon” in the bottom-right corner of your screen. This will bring up your contact list, allowing you to select the person you want to chat with.

Step 4: Select a Contact

Once your contact list opens, you can scroll to “Find the Person” you want to message, or you can use the search bar at the top to quickly type in their name. After finding the correct contact, tap on their name to open the chat window.

Step 5: Type Your Message

At the bottom of the chat window, you’ll see a text box labeled “Type a message.” Tap on this box to bring up your keyboard. Now, type the message you want to send to your contact. You can send text, emojis, GIFs, or even voice notes using icons near the message box.

Step 6: Send Your Message

Once you’ve written your message, you’ll see a “Green Paper Plane” icon (the send button) to the right of the text box. Tap this button to send your message instantly. Your message will appear in the chat window, and you’ll see a small checkmark next to it, indicating it has been sent. A double checkmark means it has been delivered; the blue checkmarks indicate that the recipient has read it.

Step 7: Attach Media (Optional)

If you want to send more than just text, you can also “Attach Media” such as photos, videos, documents, or your location. Tap the paperclip icon next to the message box to open a list of options for attaching files. Select the type of file you want to share and choose it from your phone’s gallery or file manager.

Step 8: End the Chat

After you’ve sent your message, you can “Exit the Chat” by pressing the back arrow in the top-left corner of the screen. This will return you to the main Chats list, where you can start new conversations or continue existing ones.

By following these steps, you can easily send a message to any of your WhatsApp contacts from your Android device. Whether a simple text or a media file, WhatsApp allows for smooth and instant communication.

How to Send a Message on WhatsApp on iPhone

Sending a message on WhatsApp using your iPhone is quick and easy. Whether you’re new to the app or need a refresher, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you can connect with friends, family, and colleagues effortlessly in just a few simple steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Open WhatsApp

“Locate the WhatsApp App” on your iPhone’s home screen. The icon looks like a green speech bubble with a white phone. Please tap on the app to launch it.

Step 2: Go to the Chats Tab

Once WhatsApp opens, you’ll land on the “Chats” screen. This tab is at the bottom of the screen, where you can view your ongoing conversations. If you are not in the “Chats” tab, tap on it to switch to this section.

Step 3: Start a New Chat or Select an Existing One

To send a message to a new contact, tap on the “New Message Icon” located in the top-right corner of the screen (it looks like a pencil and paper). If you want to continue an existing conversation, scroll through your chats list and tap on the one you want to message.

Step 4: Select a Contact

If you’re starting a new chat, you’ll be prompted to “Select a Contact” from your contact list. Scroll through the list or use the search bar at the top to find the person you want to message. Tap on the contact’s name to open the chat window.

Step 5: Type Your Message 

A text box at the bottom of the chat window with the placeholder “Type a message.” Tap on this box to bring up the keyboard. Type out your message using the iPhone keyboard. You can also use emojis by tapping the smiley face icon or send a voice message by holding the microphone icon next to the text box.

Step 6: Send the Message 

After you’ve typed your message, press the “Green Send Button” (a paper plane icon) on the right side of the text box. Once tapped, your message will be instantly delivered to the recipient.

Step 7: Attach Media (Optional)

If you want to send photos, videos, documents, or a location, tap the “+ Icon” next to the text box. A menu with options to attach a file, take a new picture, or share your location will pop up. Select the option that fits what you want to send, and follow the on-screen prompts.

Step 8: Check for Message Delivery

After sending, you can check if your message has been delivered or read. A single grey check means the message was sent, two grey checks mean it was delivered, and two blue checks mean the recipient has read the message.

With these simple steps, you can now easily send a message on WhatsApp using your iPhone.

How to Send a Message on WhatsApp on KaiOS

KaiOS is widely used in feature phones, offering a simple way to access essential apps like WhatsApp. If you’re using a KaiOS device, sending a message on WhatsApp is straightforward. Follow these step-by-step instructions to get started:

Step 1: Open WhatsApp

Press the center button on your “KaiOS Device to Open the App” menu. Scroll through your apps using the arrow keys and highlight the WhatsApp icon. Press the center button again to open WhatsApp. This takes you directly to your chat screen or recent conversations.

Step 2: Go to the Chats Tab

Once WhatsApp is open, navigate to the “Chats” tab with the arrow keys. The chats tab is where all your conversations are listed. If you don’t have any recent chats, this screen will be empty, and you can start a new chat.

Step 3: Start a New Chat or Select an Existing One

You can select an existing conversation or start a new one to send a message. To start a new chat, press the center button to select the “New Chat” option, usually represented by a plus icon or “New Contact” text. You can search your contacts to find the person you want to message.

Step 4: Type Your Message

Once you’ve opened a chat with your contact, scroll down to the message input box using the arrow keys. Use the numeric keypad to “Type your Message.” Like old-style texting, each number key represents multiple letters, and you can cycle through them by pressing the key repeatedly. For example, press “2” once for “A,” twice for “B,” and three times for “C.”

Step 5: Send the Message

After you’ve finished typing your message, “Scroll to the Send Button,” usually represented by a paper plane icon. Press the center button to send your message instantly. Your message will appear in the chat thread, and your contact will receive it just as they would on any other device.

Step 6: Reply or Continue the Conversation

Once your message is sent, you can continue the conversation by typing more messages, sharing media, or sending voice notes. To record a voice note, press and hold the center button on the chat screen.

KaiOS offers a simple way to stay connected through WhatsApp, even without a smartphone. These steps will help you send messages quickly and easily on any KaiOS device.

How to Send a Message on WhatsApp on a Computer

Using WhatsApp on a computer, whether through WhatsApp Web or the desktop app, is a convenient way to stay connected while multitasking. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to send a message on WhatsApp from your computer.

Step 1: Open WhatsApp Web or Download the Desktop App

Start by deciding whether to use “WhatsApp Web or the Desktop Application.” To use WhatsApp Web, open your preferred browser and go to web.whatsapp.com. If you like using an app, download the WhatsApp Desktop App from the official website for Windows or macOS. Both options provide the same user interface, so choose the one that’s most convenient for you.

Step 2: Link Your Phone to WhatsApp Web or the Desktop App

Once WhatsApp Web or the app is open, you will see a QR code on your screen. Now, on your mobile phone, open WhatsApp, tap on the three-dot menu (for Android) or Settings (for iPhone), and choose “Linked Devices”. Select “Link a Device” and scan the QR code on your computer screen. This will sync your WhatsApp account with your computer.

Step 3: Access Your Chats

After linking your device, all your “Existing Chats will Appear” on your computer screen. You’ll see a familiar interface listing all your conversations on the left. This makes accessing previous chats or starting new ones from your desktop without picking up your phone easy.

Step 4: Select a Chat or Start a New Conversation

To send a message, click on an existing conversation from the list on the left, or if you want to start a new chat, click on the “New Chat” icon (which looks like a speech bubble) at the top of the chat list. You can search for a contact or enter a phone number directly if the person is not in your saved contacts.

Step 5: Type Your Message

Now that you’ve opened a chat, “Click in the Text Box” at the bottom of the screen. Use your keyboard to type out your message. One advantage of using WhatsApp on a computer is that typing long messages or sending detailed information becomes much easier with a full-sized keyboard.

Step 6: Send Your Message

Once you’re satisfied with your message, press “Enter” on your keyboard or click the “Send Icon” (a green paper plane) to deliver your message. Your message will be sent instantly, like on your phone, and you can continue the conversation seamlessly.

Step 7: Log Out When You’re Done

It’s essential to log out of WhatsApp Web or the desktop app if you’re using a shared computer. To do this, click on the three-dot menu at the top of the chat list, then choose “Log out.” This ensures your account remains secure.

Using WhatsApp on a computer is a game-changer, especially for those who prefer typing on a keyboard or need to multitask between work and personal chats. Follow these steps, and you’ll have no trouble sending messages from your computer.

Bonus Tip: Send a Message on WhatsApp Using WhatsApp Direct Link

If you don’t have a contact saved but still want to send them a WhatsApp message, you can use a WhatsApp direct link. This feature allows you to send a message without adding someone to your contact list.

1. Open your browser

Open any ‘Web Browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.) on your mobile or desktop.’

2. Enter the WA.me link

In the address bar, type https://wa.me/1234567890. For example, to send a message to a U.S. number (1234567890), you would type https://wa.me/11234567890.

3. Hit Enter

This will redirect you to WhatsApp web, where you can click on chat.

4. Start Messaging

You can now type ‘Send your Message‘ without saving the contact.

There are also online WhatsApp link generators that can simplify this process.

Conclusion

In this guide, we’ve explored 5 ways to send a message on WhatsApp, covering different devices like Android, iPhone, KaiOS, and computers. Whether using a smartphone or a desktop, WhatsApp makes staying in touch effortless with its easy-to-use interface. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can send messages confidently, no matter your device. Plus, with the bonus tip of using a direct link to WhatsApp, you can quickly connect with anyone without adding them to your contacts.

The goal of this guide is to ensure that everyone, whether a tech newbie or a seasoned WhatsApp user, can send messages without any hassle. Remember, WhatsApp is all about keeping communication simple and accessible. So, go ahead and try out each method! Staying connected has never been easier, no matter which device you’re on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can message yourself on WhatsApp. It’s a great way to save notes, reminders, or files. To do this, create a new group, add yourself and one other person, then remove the other person. Now, you can use this chat to message yourself.

Yes, you can send a WhatsApp message without saving a contact using a WhatsApp direct link. Simply use the format https://wa.me/ followed by the phone number, including the country code (without any symbols). For example: https://wa.me/15551234567.

Yes, you can send bulk messages using WhatsApp’s Broadcast List feature. This allows you to send the same message to multiple contacts at once, without them being part of a group. However, be mindful of WhatsApp’s anti-spam policies.

WhatsApp doesn’t natively support message scheduling. However, third-party apps, such as SKEDit or Wasavi, can help you schedule messages for later. Just ensure you use trusted apps that respect your privacy and data security.

To generate a direct WhatsApp link, use the format https://wa.me/<number> where <number> is the phone number with the country code. No spaces, dashes, or special characters should be used. This link allows you to start a chat with someone without saving their contact.

To send a message on WhatsApp, open the app, select a contact from the chat list or start a new conversation, type your message in the text box, and tap the send button (paper plane icon). It’s that simple!

About Author

Nishtha Singh

Nishtha

Content Marketing Strategist at Chatbot.team

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