Whatsapp Help Needed

[wolf63]

I have had to install WhatsApp on my phone and my laptop.

It works okay on the laptop, but I am not sure how it works on the phone.

Does it come via my broadband?  I don't have any data on my PAYG phone package.  Do I have to link the phone to the router and keep it attached all the time?  I don't want to incur extra charges for using WhatsApp.

I know this question may seem really basic, but I am out of my comfort zone with stuff like this.

 

[JimF]

WhatsApp on a mobile device is no different from any other mobile app, really. It polls its own servers for incoming messages and sends the outgoing messages that you send.

As for "linking" the phone to the router, I presume you mean connecting to the router's wifi, which you'd want to do anyway to avoid using 3G/4G/5G data.

[barry1010]

WhatsApp shouldn't need data on your phone if your phone  is connected to WiFi 

[ToraToraTora]

Whatsapp is web based it does not use the normal phone/SMS route normally, so yes it will use the WIFI if available. It can also use your "data allocation" which does go via the mast system so could potentially cost depending on your contract. You can set it to only use WIFI if necessary.

[Prudie]

Whatsapp only works with internet - your broadband at home, presuming you've linked your phone to the router,  and your data when  away from your router so if you have no data usage as part of your PAYG plan you'll not be able to make or receive Whatsapp messages/calls unless you're home but that might not matter. 

[ToraToraTora]

for clarity as prudie says Whatsapp only works on the internet but confusingly it works using your data allocation but as an internet function not as a call/SMS would.

So if wifi is available it will use it if not it will use your nG data allocation.

[wolf63]

Thanks to all three of you.... and Prudie.

I do not intend to use WhatsApp for long.  I will keep my phone attached to my wifi.  

We have been advised that the basement of our building is structurally unsound and myself and the landlords of the other flats needed a way to talk to each other about the issue.  It is going to be costly and stressful.

 

[ToraToraTora]

the beauty of whatsapp is that you can use it to call anyone in the world at no cost.

[ToraToraTora]

yes it's great for setting up groups. I use it all the time espcially for lengthy texts as I can just type on the PC rather than fiddling about on the phone.

 

[wolf63]

TTT, I prefer using my laptop.  I don't understand how people can post questions/answers on here using a phone.

But, as you say, for groups, it is a lot better than the emails that have been clogging up my inbox for the past week or so.

 

[barry1010]

Just to clarify, you can't call any number in the world. Both of you need WhatsApp

It's not like Skype which could call any landline or mobile.

 

[wolf63]

Barry, or is it Windy Miller

Skype is dead, I think.  I hate using the phone unless I have to; I go off subject and get distracted far too easily.

[ToraToraTora]

"TTT, I prefer using my laptop.  I don't understand how people can post questions/answers on here using a phone." - yes I find it unusable on a phone.

[barry1010]

I know Skype has died 😡

[naomi24]

I use my phone most of the time for AB.  So convenient.
 

WhatsApp has a habit of growing on you.  I didn't want it initially - but I use it all the time now.  It's great for sending messages, voice messages and pictures.

[ToraToraTora]

yeah that's why you keep closing posts by mistake!

[naomi24]

Which posts have been closed, TTT?  Let me know and I'll open them again.  I haven't closed any but someone else may have.

[ToraToraTora]

18:49 none today it did happen quite a bit. In fact it was you that said the button to close on the phone is easy to hit by mistake.

[naomi24]

So nothing is wrong, TTT.   Thought not.  You're just moaning - as usual.  

[Canary42]

Not bad, over a dozen posts before going off-topic and a spat starting - that's quite good for recent Ab performance. 

(Yes, ironic that this post does the same)

[Gettingonabit]

Whatsapp works on your laptop  because your  laptop has an Internet connection.  Whatsapp on your laptop is linked to the  Whatsapp app on your phone and that is what actually  receives  the messages.  You don't  have to have your phone connected your WiFi for this to work.  I have whatsapp on my phone and tablet  and often don't turn wifi on on my phone.  There's  nothing to stop you connecting  your phone to your home WiFi, like your  laptop, it wouldn't  cost you  any extra should  you decide to use it. Neither would free WiFi when you are out and about. Hope this helps