Using WhatsApp When You Only Have Email (Not Phone Numbers)

A common situation is this: two people want to use WhatsApp to message and video chat, but they have only exchanged email addresses, not phone numbers.

This creates a problem because WhatsApp identifies users by phone number, not email address.

Important: WhatsApp Requires Phone Numbers

To connect on WhatsApp:

• Each person must have a WhatsApp account linked to their phone number
• Each person must have the other person’s phone number saved in their contacts

Simply having someone’s email address is not enough to find or message them on WhatsApp.

Step 1: Exchange Phone Numbers

Both people need to share their mobile phone numbers with each other (for example, by email).

Each person should then:

• Open their phone’s Contacts app
• Create a new contact
• Enter the person’s name
• Enter their phone number (include country code if international)
• Save the contact

Step 2: Install WhatsApp on the Phone

On each phone:

• Go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android)
• Search for WhatsApp Messenger
• Install the app

Step 3: Verify the Phone Number

When opening WhatsApp for the first time:

• Enter your phone number
• Receive a verification code by SMS
• Enter the code into the app

This step activates your WhatsApp account.

Step 4: Start a Conversation

Once both users are set up:

• Open WhatsApp
• Tap “New Chat”
• Select the contact you just added
• Send a message

You can now also tap the camera icon to start a video call.

Using WhatsApp on a Windows Computer

WhatsApp can also be used on a computer, but it is linked to your phone.

Option 1: WhatsApp Web (Browser)

• Go to https://web.whatsapp.com
• A QR code will appear

On your phone:

• Open WhatsApp
• Go to Settings (iPhone) or Menu (Android)
• Select Linked Devices
• Tap Link a Device
• Scan the QR code on your computer screen

Your chats will now appear in your browser.

Option 2: WhatsApp Desktop App (Windows)

• Download WhatsApp Desktop from the Microsoft Store
• Open the app
• Scan the QR code using your phone (same steps as above)

The desktop app works the same way as WhatsApp Web but runs as a standalone application.

Summary

To use WhatsApp:

• You must exchange phone numbers (email alone is not enough)
• Install and verify WhatsApp on your phone first
• Then link your computer using WhatsApp Web or the desktop app

Once set up, you can message and make video calls from both your phone and your computer.