How to Start a New WhatsApp Chat: A Definitive Guide

So, you’re ready to dive into the vibrant world of WhatsApp conversations? Excellent choice! Connecting with friends, family, and colleagues has never been easier. Starting a new chat is deceptively simple, but understanding all the nuances ensures you’re communicating efficiently and effectively. Let’s break down the process step-by-step, covering everything from individual chats to group dynamics.

How to Start a New WhatsApp Chat: The Core Steps

The process is virtually identical on both Android and iOS. Here’s your playbook for launching a fresh conversation:

1. Open WhatsApp: Launch the app on your smartphone. This is the bedrock of the entire operation.
2. Locate the “New Chat” Icon: Look for a round green button typically located in the bottom right corner of the screen. It usually features a chat bubble icon with a plus sign inside. This is your gateway to new connections.
3. Select Your Contact: Tapping the “New Chat” icon will present you with your contact list. Scroll through to find the person you wish to chat with. Alternatively, use the search bar at the top to quickly locate them by name or phone number.
4. Initiate the Conversation: Once you’ve found your contact, tap their name. This opens a new chat window with that individual. Now you can type your message in the text field at the bottom and hit the send button (the paper airplane icon) to fire away your first salvo.

That’s it! You’ve successfully started a new WhatsApp chat. But the journey doesn’t end there. Let’s delve into some frequently asked questions to enhance your WhatsApp mastery.

Understanding WhatsApp Chats: FAQs

Here’s a comprehensive guide to common queries that often arise when starting and managing WhatsApp chats.

1. How do I start a chat with someone who isn’t in my contacts?

WhatsApp’s fundamental design relies on phone numbers. To chat with someone not in your contacts, you have a few options:

• Save their number to your contacts: This is the most straightforward approach. Once saved, refresh your WhatsApp contact list (usually by pulling down on the chat screen) and their name will appear.
• Direct Link via wa.me: If you know their phone number, you can create a direct WhatsApp link. The URL format is wa.me/[country code][phone number]. For example, if the number is +1-555-123-4567, the link would be wa.me/15551234567. Clicking this link will open a chat window in WhatsApp.
• Using Third-Party Apps (Use with Caution): Some third-party apps claim to facilitate chats without saving numbers. However, exercise extreme caution when using such apps, as they may compromise your privacy or security. Always prioritize saving the contact or using the wa.me link for a safer experience.

2. How do I create a group chat?

Group chats are essential for coordinating events, sharing information with multiple people, or simply keeping in touch with a circle of friends. Here’s how to create one:

1. Tap the “New Chat” Icon: Just as with individual chats, start by tapping the green chat bubble icon.
2. Select “New Group”: Instead of choosing a contact, select the “New Group” option. This is usually at the top of the contact list.
3. Add Participants: Choose the contacts you want to include in the group. You can search for contacts or scroll through the list. Once you’ve selected your participants, tap the arrow button.
4. Name Your Group: Give your group a descriptive and memorable name. You can also add a group icon by tapping the camera icon.
5. Create the Group: Finally, tap the green checkmark to create your new group chat.

3. Can I start a chat with myself?

While WhatsApp doesn’t explicitly offer a “chat with myself” feature, you can achieve a similar result for note-taking or self-reminders:

• Create a Group and Remove Everyone Else: Create a group, add one other contact, and then immediately remove that contact from the group. You’ll be left alone in the group, effectively creating a private space for yourself.
• Use the “Message Yourself” Feature (If Available): Some versions of WhatsApp Business, or specific WhatsApp mods, might offer a dedicated “Message Yourself” feature. Check your app’s settings for this option.
• Use the wa.me Link: As mentioned earlier, you can use the wa.me link method with your own phone number. This allows you to directly open a chat with your own account.

4. How do I mute a chat?

Sometimes, you need a break from constant notifications. Muting a chat allows you to silence notifications without leaving the conversation.

1. Open the Chat: Go to the chat you want to mute.
2. Tap the Contact/Group Name: Tap the name of the contact or the group name at the top of the screen. This will take you to the “Contact Info” or “Group Info” screen.
3. Select “Mute Notifications”: Scroll down and find the “Mute Notifications” option.
4. Choose Mute Duration: Select how long you want to mute the chat for (e.g., 8 hours, 1 week, Always).
5. Confirm Your Selection: You can optionally choose whether or not to show notifications silently. Once you’ve made your selections, tap “OK.”

5. How do I archive a chat?

Archiving a chat removes it from your main chat list without deleting it. This is a great way to declutter your inbox.

• Android: Long-press the chat you want to archive. A toolbar will appear at the top of the screen. Tap the “Archive” icon (a box with a downward arrow).
• iOS: Swipe left on the chat you want to archive. Tap the “Archive” option.

Archived chats can be found by scrolling to the bottom of your chat list and tapping “Archived.”

6. How do I delete a chat?

Deleting a chat permanently removes it from your WhatsApp.

• Android: Long-press the chat you want to delete. A toolbar will appear at the top of the screen. Tap the “Delete” icon (a trash can).
• iOS: Swipe left on the chat you want to delete. Tap “More,” then tap “Delete Chat.”

Be careful! Deleted chats are generally unrecoverable unless you have a backup.

7. How can I tell if someone has read my message?

WhatsApp uses check marks to indicate the status of your messages:

• One gray check mark: Your message has been sent from your device.
• Two gray check marks: Your message has been delivered to the recipient’s device.
• Two blue check marks: Your message has been read by the recipient.

Keep in mind that recipients can disable read receipts, so you may not always see the blue check marks.

8. How do I block a contact?

Blocking a contact prevents them from contacting you on WhatsApp.

1. Open the Chat: Go to the chat with the contact you want to block.
2. Tap the Contact Name: Tap the contact’s name at the top of the screen to access their “Contact Info.”
3. Scroll to the Bottom: Scroll to the bottom of the “Contact Info” screen.
4. Tap “Block”: Tap the “Block” option.

9. How do I report a contact?

If a contact is sending spam or engaging in abusive behavior, you can report them to WhatsApp. This also blocks them.

1. Open the Chat: Go to the chat with the contact you want to report.
2. Tap the Contact Name: Tap the contact’s name at the top of the screen to access their “Contact Info.”
3. Scroll to the Bottom: Scroll to the bottom of the “Contact Info” screen.
4. Tap “Report”: Tap the “Report” option. You’ll be given the option to block the contact as well.

10. How do I find a specific message in a chat?

WhatsApp offers a powerful search function to help you find specific messages within a chat.

1. Open the Chat: Go to the chat you want to search.
2. Tap the Three Dots (Android) or Contact Name (iOS): On Android, tap the three dots in the top right corner. On iOS, tap the contact’s name at the top of the screen.
3. Select “Search”: Choose the “Search” option.
4. Enter Your Search Term: Type the keyword or phrase you’re looking for in the search bar.

WhatsApp will highlight all occurrences of your search term within the chat.

11. How do I use WhatsApp Web?

WhatsApp Web allows you to use WhatsApp on your computer.

1. Open WhatsApp on Your Phone: Launch WhatsApp on your smartphone.
2. Go to Settings: On Android, tap the three dots in the top right corner and select “Linked Devices.” On iOS, go to “Settings” and select “Linked Devices.”
3. Tap “Link a Device”: Tap the “Link a Device” button.
4. Scan the QR Code: Open WhatsApp Web in your browser (web.whatsapp.com). A QR code will appear. Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code.

Your WhatsApp account will now be accessible on your computer.

12. How do I customize notification settings for individual chats?

Customize the notification settings for specific chats to prioritize important conversations and silence less critical ones.

1. Open the Chat: Go to the chat you want to customize.
2. Tap the Contact/Group Name: Tap the name of the contact or the group name at the top of the screen.
3. Select “Custom Notifications”: Locate and select the “Custom Notifications” option.
4. Customize Settings: Here, you can customize the notification tone, vibration, popup notification settings, and call notifications specifically for this chat. Experiment with these settings to create a perfect balance for each contact.

By mastering these fundamental techniques and exploring the FAQs, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the dynamic landscape of WhatsApp chats with confidence and skill. Happy chatting!