WhatsApp Business API (Platform) and WhatsApp Business App have become a game-changer for small and large businesses throughout the world. Though they are two distinct offerings from WhatsApp, each catering to different business needs. Every next business in the world is using WhatsApp Business Platforms either business API or business App that goes beyond personal messaging (we as individual use WhatsApp personal account as WhatsApp Messenger). With a range of features tailored for online or offline business needs, the WhatsApp Business API and WhatsApp Business app offering numerous advantages that contribute to improved customer communication, engagement, and overall efficiency.

People can use multiple WhatsApp account in their desktop as WhatsApp web client, using WhatsApp payment feature, using WhatsApp for video calling, and using WhatsApp application for the marketing.

In this article you can find out the difference in WhatsApp Business API or platform and WhatsApp Business App, how to download WhatsApp Business API and features.

A. Differences between WhatsApp Business API (Platform) and WhatsApp Business App

1. WhatsApp Business API (Platform)

• • Enterprise-Level Solution
    WhatsApp Business API is designed for larger enterprises and businesses with higher communication volumes. It offers deeper integration possibilities with business systems and applications.
  • Cost Structure
    This involves costs associated with API usage, setup, and ongoing maintenance. It is suitable for businesses with higher communication needs and a budget for a more sophisticated solution.
  • Global Business Reach
    This platform is ideal for businesses with a global customer base due to its scalability and advanced features. The platform provides more extensive customer support options, including 24/7 availability.
  • Automation and Scalability
    The platform allows for automation of messaging through APIs, making it suitable for handling large-scale customer interactions. It integrates with CRM systems and other business tools for seamless workflow.
  • Official Business Verification
    Businesses using WhatsApp Business API can obtain an official business verification, adding a layer of authenticity for safe and loyal business representation.
  • Limited Access
    Access to WhatsApp Business API is currently limited, and businesses need to apply for access through WhatsApp’s official partners.

2. WhatsApp Business App

• • Individual Use
    The WhatsApp Business App is designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individual entrepreneurs. It includes features like automated greetings, quick replies, business profiles, and labels for organizing chats. It is designed for the single users or small teams managing customer communication through messaging, voice and video calls.
  • Download WhatsApp Business App-Free of Charge
    The WhatsApp Business App is free to download and use. It is ideal for businesses with moderate communication needs that don’t require advanced features.
  • Suitable for Local Businesses
    It is typically used by local businesses, retailers, and service providers to connect with customers on a personal level. Businesses can showcase their products or services through the catalog feature.
  • Direct Customer Communication
    It enables direct communication between businesses and customers. It’s user-friendly interface, making it accessible to businesses without extensive technical requirements.

B. Features of WhatsApp Business Platform (API)

WhatsApp Business API (Application Programming Interface) or platform is a powerful tool designed for larger enterprises and businesses seeking advanced communication solutions. You can find some key features of the WhatsApp Business API.

1. Enterprise-Level Communication
The WhatsApp Business API is designed to handle higher communication volumes and complex business needs. It is ideal for enterprises with a large customer base and extensive communication requirements.
2. Messaging Automation
The platform enables businesses to automate messaging workflows, facilitating efficient communication with customers. It offers predefined message templates for common use cases, ensuring consistency and compliance.
3. Rich Media Messaging
It allows businesses to send rich media such as images, videos, and documents, enhancing the visual appeal of messages. It supports interactive content elements within messages for a more engaging user experience.
4. CRM Integration
The WhatsApp Business Platform integrates with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems and other business tools for a seamless workflows. It also facilitates the synchronization of customer data, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information.
5. Official Business Verification
Businesses using WhatsApp Business API have the opportunity to obtain an official business verification badge, adding authenticity to their profile. It enhances customer trust by displaying the verified business badge.
6. Global Reach
The platform allows businesses to communicate with customers globally, catering to a diverse and widespread audience. It has multiple languages support to meet the needs of diverse customer bases.
7. 24/7 Customer Support
It provides businesses with the capability to offer 24/7 customer support through automated responses and agent-based interactions. The process ensures timely responses to customer inquiries, improving overall customer satisfaction.
8. Security and Compliance
It maintains end-to-end encryption for secure and private communication between businesses and customers. It adheres to WhatsApp’s policies and guidelines, ensuring businesses operate within the platform’s compliance standards.
9. Multiple Business Accounts
The WhatsApp Business Platform allows businesses to manage multiple WhatsApp Business API accounts, facilitating segmentation for different business units or purposes. You can track and analyze the performance of different business accounts associated with different campaigns.
10. Customization and Personalization
It supports personalized messaging based on customer interactions and preferences. It also allows businesses to customize their messages to align with their brand identity.
11. Reporting and Analytics
It supports to provide businesses with analytics and reporting features to track the performance of messaging campaigns. It also enables businesses to gather insights into customer engagement and behavior.
12. Two-Way Communication
The platform facilitates two-way communication between businesses and customers, allowing for dynamic and interactive conversations. Businesses can collect feedback and conduct surveys within the messaging interface.

The WhatsApp Business API offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to elevate business communication, enhance customer engagement, and streamline processes for large enterprises operating in the digital realm.

C. Features of WhatsApp Business App

1. Direct and Instant Communication
WhatsApp Business enables businesses to connect with their customers directly and instantly. This real-time communication fosters a more personalized interaction, enhancing customer relationships.

2. Business Profile
Businesses can create a dedicated profile on WhatsApp Business, providing essential information such as business description, address, and contact details. This adds a professional touch and helps customers easily find and connect with the business.

3. Automated Greetings and Quick Replies
The app allows businesses to set up automated greetings for customers who initiate a conversation. Quick replies can also be created to address frequently asked questions, saving time and ensuring prompt responses.

4. Labels and Organization
WhatsApp Business lets businesses organize their chats using labels. This feature helps categorize and prioritize conversations, making it easier to manage and respond efficiently.

5. Business Hours
Businesses can set their working hours on WhatsApp Business, letting customers know when they are available for communication. This transparency helps in managing customer expectations and provides clarity on response times.

6. Catalog for Products and Services
For businesses offering products or services, the catalog feature is invaluable. It allows businesses to showcase their offerings with images, descriptions, and prices, creating a virtual storefront within the app.

7. Customer Insights
WhatsApp Business provides basic analytics and insights into the performance of the business account. Businesses can track the number of messages sent, delivered, and read, gaining valuable information on customer engagement.

8. Secure and Encrypted Communication
Security is a top priority on WhatsApp. The end-to-end encryption ensures that all messages and information shared between businesses and customers remain private and secure.

9. Multi-Device Capability
WhatsApp Business is designed to be accessible across multiple devices. This flexibility allows businesses to manage their communications seamlessly, whether on a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

10. Cost-Effective Communication
Using WhatsApp Business is cost-effective compared to traditional methods of communication. Businesses can reach a large audience without incurring additional costs for SMS or phone calls.

11. Customer Trust and Familiarity
Many customers are already familiar with and trust WhatsApp for personal communication. Using WhatsApp Business adds a layer of familiarity, making customers more comfortable engaging with businesses on the platform.

12. Integration with Facebook
WhatsApp Business integrates with Facebook, allowing businesses to link their Facebook page to their WhatsApp Business account. This cross-platform integration enhances online presence and accessibility.

13. Real-Time Updates and Announcements
Businesses can use WhatsApp Business to send real-time updates, announcements, and promotional messages to their customers. This helps in keeping customers informed about new products, services, or special offers.

14. Customer Feedback and Surveys
Businesses can gather customer feedback and insights through WhatsApp Business. This direct channel for communication allows businesses to understand customer preferences and improve their products or services accordingly.

15. Global Reach
WhatsApp has a global user base, providing businesses with the opportunity to reach a diverse and widespread audience. This global reach is particularly beneficial for businesses with international customers.

D. Installation of WhatsApp Business API APK (Platform)

Before installing the WhatsApp Business API onto your system, you need approval for your business phone number and have certificate to display your business name from WhatsApp. Then after your Software Developers can refer the article on installing WhatsApp business API.

Finally, WhatsApp Business App brings a multitude of benefits to the table, making it a powerful tool for all small, medium and large businesses of any sizes. From streamlined communication to enhanced customer engagement and marketing opportunities, the features of WhatsApp Business contribute to the overall growth and success of businesses in the digital age. While WhatsApp Business API serves as a robust solution for enterprises requiring advanced features, automation, and integration capabilities. The choice between the two depends on the size of the business, communication requirements, and budget considerations.

Samsung Electronics Co. and Internet giant Google Inc. are working together to offer improved messaging experiences to allow users to engage in group chats and video calls and transfer large files without the need for additional apps. The move comes at a time when many people are opting to use popular messaging apps, such as WhatsApp and WeChat instead of traditional SMS messaging.

As per the reports and Samsung mobile press release, in this collaboration, Android Messages and Samsung Messages will work together seamlessly, and it will boost coverage of Rich Communication Services (RCS), an upgrade to the SMS messaging system.

The South Korean tech giant said it would work to bring RCS features to existing mobile phones beginning with the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus. It also said its new Galaxy smartphones will natively support RCS messaging, starting with those on a set of carriers that have or will soon launch RCS.

“By furthering our robust partnership with Google, we will bring a richer messaging experience to our customers, letting them seamlessly chat with their friends and family across messaging platforms,” Patrick Chomet, Executive Vice President at Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business, said in comments posted on the website of Samsung Mobile Press on Wednesday.

“This collaboration will help further the industry’s momentum toward advanced messaging and global RCS coverage.”

Anil Sabharwal, Vice President for Communications Products and Photos at Google, said, “Our partnership will further advance our shared vision of a substantially improved messaging experience on Android for users, brands and the broader Android ecosystem.”

What is Rich Communication Services (RCS)

Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging is the next evolution of SMS Text Messaging (sendmode[dot]com/what-is-rcs-messaging). With Google announcing the expansion of its RCS and the rolling out an Early Access Program for the service and Android Messages application will replace the current native messaging app for android – which will be powered by the Jibe RCS Cloud. Rich Communication Services is the communication between mobile carriers and between phone and carrier. It is aiming to replacing SMS messaging with a text-message system that is richer and more interactive to the user. Similar to Apples iMessage system, RCS will offer group chat, high-resolution photo sharing, read receipts etc.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions.

About Google LLC.

Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. Through products and platforms like Search, Maps, Gmail, Android, Google Play, Chrome and YouTube, Google plays a meaningful role in the daily lives of billions of people and has become one of the most widely-known companies in the world. Google is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc.

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Credit Information Companies (CIC) or Credit Bureaus such as TransUnion Cibil, Equifax Credit Information Services Pvt. Ltd, Experian Credit Information Co. of India Pvt. Ltd and CRIF High Mark Credit Information Services Pvt. Ltd are operational in India to provide credit scores to the individuals and enterprises.

These CICs have tied up with several fintech companies/startups to provide customers credit scores, credit reports as well as monthly updates. For this you need to provide some information such as your name, PAN number, date of birth etc.

Various fintech startups are providing free credit score to the individuals and for the same Wishfin has tied up with Transunion Cibil to provide credit scores through WhatsApp, for this follow below simple steps:

1. Give a missed call on 8287151151
2. Alternatively you can enter your mobile number on Wishfin’s website (wishfin[dot]com/cibil-score)
3. If you give miss call on above given number then you will get a WhatsApp message from a verified business account “Wishfin CIBIL Score”
4. You can share your name, date of birth, gender, address, permanent account number or PAN and email etc. visiting site of Wishfin.
5. By following above steps accurately, you will receive your credit score instantly but if you want your detailed credit report then, you need to get registered in Wishfin’s website and login there

You can get your report, and 12 monthly updates free of cost as of now.

Instant messaging platform, WhatsApp, is now a days used to send the instant messages to the individuals and groups who are saved in our address book and in contacts but what about those contacts to whom we want to send the WhatsApp messages once or twice and don’t want to save those contacts in our phone book or contact list? Now it’s possible in WhatsApp to send the messages to those numbers without saving them in the smartphone.

WhatsApp has come up with a feature ‘Click to Chat’ that allows users to begin a chat with someone without having their phone number saved in your phone’s address book. However, knowing the number of the person you want to chat with is a must.

Process To Send WhatsApp Chat Without Saving The Contact Using Browser

1. Open your phone’s browser
2. Type link, api[dot]whatsapp[dot]com/send?phone= and insert the person’s full phone number in international format, after eliminating any zeroes, brackets or dashes and don’t use + sign as well
3. For example, api[dot]whatsapp[dot]com/send?phone=91 1234567890
   Don’t use: api[dot]whatsapp[dot]com/send?phone=+91 1234567890
4. Press Enter key
5. A WhatsApp window will open asking if you want to send a message to that phone number. Press on ‘send message‘
6. You will automatically be redirected to WhatsApp with the ‘start chatting‘ window to the person you entered in your phone

This ‘Click to Chat’ works on both phone and WhatsApp Web for the individual chat cases only and does not work in case you want to engage in a Group chat.

Process To Send WhatsApp Chat Without Saving The Contact Using App

1. Install and open the WhatsDirect app from Google Play Store.
2. Accept the Terms & Conditions by tapping “Continue” button.
3. Type the phone number along with the country code. For India, 91 is the country code.
4. Type the message
5. WhatsDirect app contains phone number and message, click on “Send Text” button
6. It will take you to the WhatsApp where you can edit your message and hit the “Send” icon to send the message

These are the two easy methods to send WhatsApp chat without saving the contact in contact list. Recently, WhatsApp added new features and updates for the WhatsApp Groups. The popular messenger app has introduced five new improvements to WhatsApp groups which include group description, admin controls, group catch up, participant search and admin permissions. The WhatsApp users will now have the ability to leave a group permanently. Another important update called the “Restrict Group” allows WhatsApp group admins to send messages in the group.

Recently, WhatsApp Rolls Out Media Visibility And Contacts Shortcut Features For Android Beta Users. You can visit WhatsApp frequently asked questions (FAQ) section for more information on WhatsApp updates.

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WhatsApp is one of the most used messaging apps around the world, and is a must have app in your smartphones but if you have constant fear about your data leakage due to recent Facebook-Cambridge Analytica data breach, then you have multiple other options too. Deleting a WhatsApp account is easy by following simple options given in the settings. But before you delete your WhatsApp account, it will permanently delete all your chats and messages and also it will delete all your backup from the Google Drive related to WhatsApp which can’t be restored back.

How to delete WhatsApp account?

1. Open WhatsApp, tap on three dots, tap on settings
2. Tap the ‘Account’ option
3. Under Account settings, tap the option ‘Delete my account’
4. Now WhatsApp will prompt some warnings such as doing so will delete all your message history, delete you from all your WhatsApp groups and also it will delete all your Google Drive backup related to WhatsApp etc.
5. To finally delete your account, confirm your country code and enter a mobile number associated with your WhatsApp account. Now, tap ‘Delete My Account.’

This way you will be able to delete your WhatsApp account permanently.

Top 10 Messaging Apps like WhatsApp

1. Hike Messenger App

Hike messenger is a great alternative to WhatsApp due to its privacy, which has remained the most talked about topics these days and one of the most reliable among top 10 Messaging Apps. In hike messenger, users can hide their private chats using a password. It has huge numbers of stickers, keeps users engaged with live cricket scores, news and more.

Users can do free voice calling in India and across the globe with this app.

Recently, hike messenger integrated wallet feature to let users send money over unified payments interface (UPI) and pay for instant recharges/mobile bills.

2. SnapChat Messaging App

Snapchat, brand of Snap Inc. – a camera company, is a good alternative and recently announced the launch of a new group video chat feature which allows up to 16 users to chat with each other via its app. The service also added mentions to SnapChat Stories to make these more conversational and makes it one of the most globally accepted among top 10 Messaging Apps.

3. Telegram Messaging App

Telegram is real-time synchronization of messages across various platforms i.e. if you started typing some message on your smartphone, you can finish that on your desktop and send provided you are logged in both the devices at the same time.
It sends and receives encrypted messages like WhatsApp which is fast and accurate. As per telegram, the app will remain free for ever and user will not be charged for a single penny in future. It also says that it will not be going to sell ads or introduce subscription fees in future as well. It is simple, fast, secure, and synced across all your devices makes it one of the most globally accepted and easy to use among top 10 Messaging Apps.

4. WeChat Messaging App

WeChat, developed by Tencent, has a paid calling service thorough which you can make calls to mobiles phones and landlines at low rates. WeChat enables users to send multimedia messages like video, photo, text, group chat, and voice messages and calling makes it one of the world’s most used among top 10 messaging apps. On top of that, it also supports group chat with up to 500 people and calls with up to 9 people at the same time. Wechat gives you the highest level of Control Over Your Privacy. It’s the only Messaging App to be Certified By Truste. It is a multi-purpose messaging, social media and mobile payment app. It was first released in 2011 and now it has become one of the world’s largest standalone mobile apps by monthly active users.

Recently, WeChat crossed 1 Billion download mark worldwide.

5. LINE Messaging App

LINE users can strike a group conversation with up to 200 people simultaneously. The app supports group video chats as well. LINE enables users to connect with their friends and family members over both audio and video calls for free. Free VoIP conversations and video conferences make it one of the most used among top 10 messaging apps.

6. Viber Messenger

Viber Messenger automatically encrypts text messages, audio/video calls, multimedia and group conversations. It is a free, real-time voice calling app which allows up to 250 users to get into a group conversation at the same time. It also automatically encrypts text messages, audio/video calls, multimedia and group conversations. It is a cross-platform instant messaging app and voice over IP application operated by Japanese company Rakuten.

It is provided as freeware for the Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS platforms. It requires a telephone number to operate like WhatsApp and makes it one of the most used among top 10 messaging apps.

7. Google Allo

Google Allo is a smart messaging app that helps you say more and do more. Express yourself better with stickers, Smart Reply, and HUGE emojis & text. Allo brings you the Google Assistant.

8. imo Messaging App

This messaging app allows users Message and video call your friends and family for free, no matter what device they are on. Its messages are end-to-end encrypted, high-quality video and voice calls on Android and iPhone is the lucrative feature. Users can send free and unlimited messages and video and voice calls over 2G, 3G, 4G* or Wi-Fi. You can do group video calls with friends, family and others. Fast photo and video sharing, hundreds of free stickers are the high end features etc. made it next alternative to WhatsApp and is one of the most used among top 10 messaging apps.

9. Skype Messaging App

The all time hit free IM and video calling app through which you can IM your friend and groups and make free video calling around the globe. You can send more than just text, send photos, videos, voice messages, emoticons, Mojis and more. You can also respond to any message from your contacts with reactions. It is largely used for video and group conversation, all this makes it one of the most popular among top 10 messaging apps.

10. Google Hangouts

Hangouts enables group chat up to 150 people to keep in touch. You can message your contacts, start free video or voice calls, and hop on a conversation with one person or a group. You can call any phone number in the world (and all calls to other Hangouts users are free). Google, Gmail, Google hangouts all are Google products and this app is most reliable, most accepted and most popular among all top 10 messaging apps.

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WhatsApp rolled out a new feature in a Beta update where users can migrate their data to a new number without any issue. Users of iOS, Android and Windows Phone will soon be enabled with this update.

The new “Change Number” feature update is currently available in the 2.18.97 Android beta update on Google Play Store. It will come in iOS and Windows devices later.

“It adds many improvements to the old change number feature. You will be able to choose specific contacts to notify, and the chat history will be moved in the new chat on the recipients’ phone. This deletes the problem of duplicated chats,” tweeted WABetaInfo, a fan website that tracks upcoming WhatsApp features.

The user can now choose if he wants to also notify some or all contacts. “You can also choose to notify contacts who you have a chat with,” the report said.

Steps to change number in WhatsApp

To change the phone number in WhatsApp, you need to migrate your account and profile information, groups and settings from your old phone number to new phone number and need to delete the account associated with old phone number so that your contacts may not see your old number in their WhatsApp contact list.

If you use Change number feature in the WhatsApp, then your chat history will remain on your existing phone with the new phone number. But if you’re using new SIM/new contact number on new smartphone, then you need to change your number in old phone first and then follow data migration steps given in the next heading.

To change your phone number, you can follow below steps-

1. Insert new SIM card into your phone
2. Open WhatsApp and verify that your old phone number is currently verified by tapping on three vertical dots (more option) >> Settings >> tap on your profile photo.
3. Now again tap on more option >> Settings > Account > Change number.
4. Click on Next button which will ensure changing your phone number will migrate your account information, groups and settings.
5. Enter your old phone number in the first box with country code.
6. Enter your new phone number in the second box.
7. Tap Next (here you can notify your all contacts by selecting Notify Contacts or can select Custom to notify your changes to selected contacts)
8. Tap Done and then you’ll be prompted to verify your phone number, so do it to verify your new contact number by entering verification code sent to you by WhatsApp.

Steps to migrate data from old number to new number in WhatsApp

After the migration, in the recipient’s phone, all shared messages in the old chat will be transferred in the new one and in the chat will appear a new bubble, indicating that the user has a new number, WABetaInfo said.

WhatsApp now has 1.5 billion monthly active users (MAUs) who are exchanging nearly 60 billion messages on a single day. It has over 200 million users in India.

If you are using WhatsApp on the existing phone then you don’t need to migrate data from your old phone number to new phone number or contact number but if you’re using new device as well then you need to migrate data as well.

Follow below steps to migrate your WhatsApp data associated with your old contact number to new contact number which will be used in new device or smartphone.

1. First follow above steps to change number in Whatsapp
2. Since WhatsApp chats are automatically backed up and saved daily to your phone’s memory depending on your settings, also you can periodically back up your WhatsApp chats to Google Drive.
3. If you uninstall WhatsApp from your old phone, then on changing your phone number you can manually back up your chats on new phone before uninstalling it from the old phone.

1. How to take backup of WhatsApp Chat to Google Drive?

To take backup of WhatsApp chat to the Google Drive, you should have an active Gmail/Google account on your phone. Google Play services, an app that’s used to update Google apps and apps from the Google Play Store, should be installed on your phone.

1. To take backup of your chat, tap on more options > Settings > Chats > Chat backup > tap on BACK UP (if you’re using Google Drive for the WahtsApp chat backup).
2. Select a backup frequency to Daily, weekly or monthly.
3. Select the Google account you’d like to back up your chat history to.
4. Tap Back up over Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi or Cellular to choose the network you want to use for backups.
5. Toggle Yes to include video if you want to take backup of.

If you’re using iPhone then you can take backup to and from iCloud drive.

2. How to export WhatsApp Chat History?

1. Open the individual or group chat.
2. Tap on More options >> More >> Export chat.
3. Choose whether to export Without Media (40000 messages) or Include Media (10000 messages) and tap on respective options.

An email will be composed with your chat history attached as a .txt document.

3. How to restore your WhatsApp chat history from Google Drive?

You can transfer your WhatsApp data to a new phone by restoring from Google Drive and to do so follow below steps-

1. Uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp.
2. Open WhatsApp and verify your number by entering verification code.
3. RESTORE propmt comes to restore your chats and media from Google Drive.
4. Once the restoration is done, tap NEXT to complete the initialization. Now your chat messages will start appearing and subsequently your media files will be restored.

4. How to restore your WhatsApp chat from a local backup?

If you want to use backup from your local storage, then it can be done transferring files from your local computer or phone storage as below-

1. Your phone will store up to the last seven days worth of local backup files which are automatically created every day at 2:00 AM and saved as a file in your phone. You can check your data in /sdcard/WhatsApp/ folder or you can find it at “internal storage” or “main storage” folders of your phone and tap to Restore when prompted after reinstall WhatsApp.
2. or you can download a File Manager app in your smartphone, navigate to sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases in File Manager app. Rename the backup file you want to restore from msgstore-YYYY-MM-DD.1.db.crypt12 to msgstore.db.crypt12 and tap to Restore when prompted after reinstall WhatsApp.

WhatsApp is continuously upgrading the features of the app, in recent past WhatsApp reported about the peer to peer payment system and then introduced QR code for the same payment system.

Already, WhatsApp users can use single app for multiple accounts and also this can be used in Desktop/Laptop as well.

Other instant messaging Apps are also on the floor but they are far behind Whatsapp messaging app.

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Want Multiple WhatsApp Accounts On Desktop, It Is Possible, Know How?; WhatsApp is one of the most popular instant messaging app with a user base of 1.5 billion worldwide. With the WhatsApp only, about 60 million messages being sent across everyday.

Facebook acquired WhatsApp in the year 2014 and in order to generate more revenue and expand its user base, the company introduced the WhatsApp Web version and freed it on all the devices, though earlier it was a chargeable service.

I have covered earlier in more detail how to use WhatsApp application on PC?

If you have two WhatsApp accounts then you can can easily use both the accounts simultaneously on a your smartphone but you can do the same on a PC or Laptop as well.

Steps To Access Multiple WhatsApp Accounts On Desktop

In order to access WhatsApp web, users need to have the WhatsApp account on their smartphone along with a stable internet connection on both the devices. Moreover, users should also have the updated version of the web browser of their choice.

1. Firstly you have to open web[dot]whatsapp[dot]com in your web browser and also on the smartphone or tablet.
2. Once done you have to scan the QR code appearing on the screen with your tablet or smartphone to start using the WhatsApp account.
3. Now, in order to open your different WhatsApp account in the same browser you have to open a new tab, then paste this link in the tab- and click enter.
4. Once done you will see the same screen with a QR code. Now, again scan the code using your other WhatsApp account from the device and you are done.

Now you can access two different WhatsApp accounts in the same browser.

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UPI (Unified Payments Interface) enabled WhatsApp (acquired by Facebook) Payments feature is already live for beta users in India, however it is not rolled out for every WhatsApp user till now.

If this feature is rolled out for every WhatsApp users in India in coming days, then let’s know how to add banks/bank account to your WhatsApp, and how to send/receive money to your peers/friends and vice versa?

As reported, this feature is available on WhatsApp version 2.18.21 for iOS, and version 2.18.41 for Android.

The payment option uses the UPI interface, which is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India through its payment subsidiary NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) – a regulatory body responsible for all retail payments in India.

Since WhatsApp is the peer-to-peer payment option, you can’t use this for merchant payments. Using this payment option i.e. UPI enabled WhatsApp, money will be directly debited from and credited to your account. Once your contact number is linked with the bank account and UPI, there is no need to enter the VPA (Virtual Payments Address) or bank account number or IFSC code. The same applies to your friends or peers in the WhatsApp group.

Requirement to do WhatsApp Payments

1. Latest version of WhatsApp app on your phone
2. Both sender and receiver should be running the latest WhatsApp version as well as have WhatsApp Payments option enabled
3. WhatsApp number should be same as your mobile number linked to your bank account with UPI option support as well

Linking Bank Account to WhatsApp Payments

1. Open WhatsApp
2. Tap on three dots on the top right corner
3. Tap on settings
4. Tap on “Payments” just below notification
5. On the next screen, tap on “ACCEPT AND CONTINUE”.
6. Verify your mobile number using SMS, tap on “VERIFY VIA SMS”.
7. App will send you an SMS and use the same and complete the verification process.

Now you will see a list of all UPI supported banks, bank name and the last four digits of your bank account.

1. Select your bank.
2. App will fetch details and show your bank account number. After this, you will see the message saying setup complete.

Change or delete bank account in WhatsApp Payments?

If you have multiple bank accounts and want to add, change or link another bank account then-

1. Open WhatsApp
2. Tap on the three dots on top right and tap on Payments
3. Tap on “add new account’ and you will see the list of banks
4. Once you select your bank account, it will fetch details and add the account
5. You can either set up this account as your primary account to send and receive payments or you can remove also
6. By tapping on bank, you will see the option of setting the bank as primary or secondary bank to receive or send payment

WhatsApp Payments – How to send money?

The best feature of WhatsApp Payments is that you can send money to your friends using individual chats, or you can send money to your friends in a group too as follows-

1. Open individual chat (to whom you want to send money)
2. Tap on the “Clip” icon and there you will find the option “Payment”, tap on it
3. If the receiver has latest WhatsApp version and bank account configured, you can enter the amount followed by a note (a message) and tap on the send button
4. It will ask you to enter 4 digits UPI pin
5. Once you enter and authenticate then the money will be sent
6. You will also get the details of the transaction from your bank as an SMS.

WhatsApp Payments – How to receive money?

As of now, this feature is not available, but it will be rolled out to all users in some time.

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With the increase in number of smartphones and increased telecom bandwidth in India, people are exploring video calling apart from the normal day to day calls with their dear ones. The voice calls are still a first choice for many and is hardly to be replaced by video calls, but that doesn’t mean video calls are a dud.

Most promising video calling apps are available for android and iOS users but the most popular apps in India that come with video calling feature are WhatsApp, Google Duo, and Facebook Messenger.

Let’s take a look of features these video calling apps are offering and comparing them as well that which one suits best in the field of speed and size.

1. WhatsApp Messenger

WhatsApp is undoubtedly the most popular messaging app. Currently it has over 200 million monthly active users in India only. The Facebook-owned app introduced the video calling feature in 2016.

During WhatsApp video calling, user can switch the cameras between the front and rear – the video being captured by your camera will be at the bottom right in a small rectangular widget that can be tapped to make full screen. You also see mute button, and a disable video call button, in addition to the end call button. In case you’re on a voice call on WhatsApp, you will now be able to switch to a video call by tapping a button in the call interface in the latest WhatsApp version for Android and iOS.

2. Google Duo

Google has several video calling apps such as Hangouts, however at the I/O conference in 2016, Google realized to focus more on messaging and calling apps. It launched the Google Allo and Google Duo apps at the conference.

Google Duo is comparatively simpler than WhatsApp since it doesn’t support textual messaging. It comes with voice and video calls only.

The Google Duo has an interesting feature called Knock Knock that lets the person who you are calling see your video before the call is answered. The app was recently updated with a fresh contact list and a recent list.

3. Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger was initially launched as one of the suite of apps from the social media giant. Facebook launched its Messenger independent of your Facebook profile however you can use Messenger with your Facebook account as well.

Alternatively you can sign up with your mobile number without having to create a Facebook profile if you don’t wish to.

If to think about which app is better, we can say Facebook Messenger has a lot more features than WhatsApp and Google Duo like lot of stickers, games, automated responses from brand pages, and chatbots, separate tab where your voice and video calls are saved, group calling, better interface, the video call screen has mute, video chat off and end call option.

Apart from above , there are two buttons Chat and Camera. Tapping on chat icon will bring you the chat screen while your video call is still running in a Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode.

WeChat, a Chinese multimedia messaging app recently crossed 1 Billion download which is also offering load of features.

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Ubiquitous social multimedia messaging app WeChat, developed by Chinese technology giant Tencent, has crossed the one billion accounts mark  as its messaging, game and shopping services attract more and more users worldwide.

The symbolic threshold was announced by Pony Ma, the founder and CEO of its parent company Tencent.

“WeChat’s worldwide monthly active users have surpassed the critical one billion mark,” said Ma, who is a delegate at the two-week session of the Communist Party-controlled National People’s Congress. “In the future we hope to use technological innovation to push forward the next developmental step of reform and opening,” Ma said.

WeChat falls behind Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, whose active users reportedly stood at 2.1 billion and 1.5 billion respectively as of last year.

The popularity of WeChat—and profits from its addictive mobile games—have pushed Tencent’s earnings and share price sharply upwards.

Another popular feature of WeChat is its payment service, which allows people to pay at restaurants, buy goods from shops or even send money to friends.

Features of WeChat which made it popular

• Multimedia Messaging: Send Video, Photo, Text, And Voice Messages.
• Group Chat & Calls: Create Group Chats With Up To 500 People And Group Video Calls Up To 9 People which is just double offered by its rival WhatsApp.
• Free Voice & Video Calls: High-Quality Free Calls To Anywhere In The World.
• WeChat Out Calls: Make Calls To Landlines And Mobile Around The Globe At Low Rates (In Certain Regions Only).
• Sticker Gallery: Hundreds Of Free, Fun, Animated Stickers To Express Your Feelings From Some Of Your Favorite Cartoons And Movies.
• Moments: Share Your Best Moments On Your Personal Photo Stream.
• Better Privacy: WeChat Gives You The Highest Level Of Control Over Your Privacy. It’S The Only Messaging App To Be Certified By Truste.
• Meet New Friends: Use “Friend Radar”, “People Nearby” And “Shake” To Meet Others.
• Realtime Location: Instead Of Having To Tell Others Where You Are, Just Use Real-Time Location Sharing.
• Language Support: Localized In 20 Different Languages And Can Translate Messages To Any Language.
• More other features like Desktop App, Custom Wallpapers, Custom Notifications, And Official Accounts make it more interesting among other chatting and multimedia apps.

Recently its rival WhatsApp added new feature to delete the sent message to everyone and extended its time limit.

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WhatsApp (A cross-platform mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS and works under subscription business model) has launched a web client for the web browser that acts same as the phone application does.

The web browser “mirrors conversations and messages from your mobile device — this means all of your messages still live on your phone”, said a blog post on the WhatsApp blog (https://blog[dot]whatsapp[dot]com/whats-app-web).

Steps To Access WhatsApp On Desktops and Laptops

1. To connect your web browser to your WhatsApp client, simply open web[dot]whatsapp[dot]com in your Google Chrome browser.
2. Open WhatsApp in your mobile.
3. Tap on three vertical dots in upper right hand side in WhatsApp mobile.
4. Tap on WhatsApp Web
5. Scan QR code given at web[dot]whatsapp[dot]com in desktop/laptop browser from WhatsApp in your mobile
6. Once QR code is recognized then pairing of WhatsApp on your mobile and the WhatsApp web client has established.

Since it is mirroring your phone, the device will need to be connected to the net at all times. there is no web client for iOS users due to Apple platform limitations. With over 500 million users globally, WhatsApp till now was available only on smartphones across operating systems Android, iOS, Windows and BlackBerry.

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