📋 Verified Walkthrough
iPhone & iPad • Messaging

How to send free messages, photos, and video calls on WhatsApp

Direct Answer

WhatsApp lets you text, send photos, record voice notes, and make free HD video calls over Wi-Fi anywhere in the world. Tap the new chat icon, select a contact, and tap the camera icon to send photos or the video camera icon for a face-to-face video call. Beware of fake text messages from unfamiliar numbers claiming "Hi Mum/Dad, I lost my phone, please text me here."

Why You Might Want to Do This

  • To message and video call family living across the country or overseas without paying international calling fees.
  • To record quick "Voice Notes" with your voice instead of typing on a small keyboard.
  • To share family photos in group chats with kids, grandkids, and siblings.

Before You Start

  • Download the free WhatsApp app from your phone's App Store.
  • Enter your phone number during initial setup to verify your account with a text code.

WhatsApp uses your home Wi-Fi or cellular internet connection. All calls and text messages are completely free, regardless of distance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Open WhatsApp and tap the new chat icon

    Open WhatsApp and tap the pencil/pad icon in the top right corner (iPhone) or the green message circle in the bottom right corner (Android) to see your contacts.

    👀 New chat pencil or green speech bubble icon.

  2. 2

    Tap a family member's name to open your conversation

    Scroll through your contacts list and tap your relative's name. WhatsApp automatically highlights contacts who already have the app installed.

    👀 Contact list row with profile photo.

    3. ✅ Success Checkpoint: You're Doing Great

    If your screen matches the description above, you have followed the steps correctly. Continue to the next step.

  3. 3

    Tap the Video Camera icon for a free face-to-face video call

    Inside the chat window, tap the small video camera icon in the upper right corner to initiate an HD video call. Make sure you are connected to home Wi-Fi for crystal clear video.

    👀 Video camera icon in top right of chat.

  4. 4

    Hold the microphone icon to send a simple Voice Note

    Instead of typing, press and hold the small microphone icon next to the message bar, speak your message out loud ("Hi Sarah, giving you a call later!"), and release your finger to send.

    👀 Microphone icon on right side of text bar.

  5. 5

    Beware of the "Hi Mum / Hi Dad" WhatsApp scam

    If you receive a WhatsApp message from an unknown number saying "Hi Mum, I dropped my phone in the toilet, this is my new temporary number, can you pay a bill for me?," STOP. Call your child on their regular phone number. It is a widespread impersonation scam.

    👀 Unknown sender message alert.

If You Don't See It / Troubleshooting

If WhatsApp asks for permission to access your Contacts or Camera...

Tap "Allow" or "OK." WhatsApp requires permission to display your contact list and use your front camera for video calls.

Good to Know

  • WhatsApp messages are end-to-end encrypted, meaning nobody except you and the person you are chatting with can read or listen to them.
  • You can create family group chats (e.g. "Smith Family Reunion") where everyone receives photos and updates simultaneously.