WhatsApp 2.2642.101.0
WhatsApp ❘ FreewareAndroid iOS Windows Mac Linux
out of 6 votes
Rank 1 among competitors
WhatsApp: Free, end-to-end encrypted messaging and calls for billions
WhatsApp is a free, end-to-end encrypted messaging app that works across mobile, desktop and Wear OS, offering group chats, voice and video calls for up to 32 people, location sharing and 24-hour Status updates, with simple phone-number sign-up, though some users report a profile-picture visibility glitch and ask for an in-app browser.
WhatsApp is a messaging and calling application from Meta, used by more than 2 billion people in over 180 countries. It is free to download and use, with no subscription fees, and it runs on mobile devices and desktop, including on slow connections. Accounts are set up with a phone number rather than a username or separate login.
Features and functionality
- Private messaging: Personal messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted. People outside the chat, and WhatsApp itself, cannot read or listen to them.
- Voice and video calls: Supports voice and video calls with up to 32 participants, carried over the phone's internet service. Recent updates add the ability to transfer a group call between mobile and desktop, a waiting room for call links, and the option to pin a participant to a larger tile.
- Group chats: End-to-end encrypted group conversations support messages, photos, videos and documents across mobile and desktop. Recent group history can be shared with new members when they are added.
- Status updates: Text, photo, video and GIF posts disappear after 24 hours. Users can share them with all contacts or with selected ones.
- Location and voice messages: Location can be shared with an individual or group chat and stopped at any time. Voice messages can be recorded and sent quickly within a chat.
- Wear OS support: On a Wear OS watch, users can read and reply to messages and take calls. Tiles and complications provide access to chats and voice messages.
Usability and practical applications
The interface is simple, and the app suits everyday personal communication, family contact and community group chats. Desktop and web clients allow users to continue conversations away from their phones, and status posts and voice messages support brief updates.
Privacy and data handling
Data is encrypted in transit, and users can request that their data be deleted. Sign-up requires a phone number, and SMS verification is used in some regions to authenticate the number and secure transactions.
Considerations
- Data charges may apply depending on the user's provider, and calls use the phone's internet connection.
- Registration depends on a valid phone number, which is the basis for finding contacts who also use WhatsApp.
Overview
WhatsApp is Freeware software in the Communications category developed by WhatsApp.
The users of our client application UpdateStar have checked WhatsApp for updates 15,834 times during the last month.
The latest version of WhatsApp is 2.2642.101.0, released on 11/05/2026. It was initially added to our database on 07/17/2014. The most prevalent version is 2.2641.101.0, which is used by 22% of all installations.
WhatsApp runs on the following operating systems: Android/iOS/Windows/Mac/Linux.
Users of WhatsApp gave it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- End-to-end encrypted personal messages, calls, and group chats, so content is unreadable to anyone outside the chat, including WhatsApp.
- Free to use with no subscription fees, and free voice and video calls for up to 32 people.
- Sign-up needs only a phone number, with no usernames or logins, and it shows which contacts already use WhatsApp.
- Works across mobile and desktop, including on slow connections, and has a Wear OS app for replying to messages and taking calls.
- Covers the basics well: group chats with photos, videos and documents, live location sharing, voice messages, and 24-hour Status updates.
Cons
- Accounts are tied to a phone number, so your number is visible to contacts and, unless hidden, to other members of group chats.
- The app may collect location and personal information, among other data types, which may concern privacy-focused users.
- Some regions use SMS verification to confirm your phone number, and data charges may apply when using it on a cellular connection.
- Links open in the device's default browser rather than an in-app browser, according to user feedback.
- The app includes in-app purchases despite being free to download.
FAQ
What is WhatsApp used for?
WhatsApp is a messaging and video calling app that lets you send messages, photos, videos, documents and voice messages, and make voice and video calls. It works across mobile and desktop, even on slow connections. You can also share your location in chats and post Status updates that disappear after 24 hours.
Is WhatsApp free, and does it have in-app purchases?
WhatsApp is free with no subscription fees, and calls with up to 32 people are free too, though data charges from your provider may apply. The Google Play version lists in-app purchases as an option.
Which devices and platforms does WhatsApp support?
WhatsApp runs on mobile phones and desktop computers, and it is available on Google Play and the Microsoft Store. It also works on Wear OS watches, where you can read and reply to messages and take calls from your wrist.
Do I need an account or username to sign up for WhatsApp?
No username or login is required. You only need your phone number to register, and you can then see which of your contacts are already on WhatsApp and start messaging them.
How does WhatsApp protect my privacy?
Personal messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted, so no one outside your chats, including WhatsApp, can read or listen to them. Group chats are end-to-end encrypted as well. The Google Play listing also states that no data is shared with third parties and that you can request your data be deleted.
Peter Salakani
I'm Peter, a software reviews author at UpdateStar and content specialist with a keen focus on usability and performance. With a background in both software development and content creation, I bring a unique perspective to evaluating and discussing general software topics. When I'm not reviewing software, I enjoy staying updated on the latest tech trends, experimenting with new applications, and finding innovative solutions to everyday tech challenges.
Latest Reviews by Peter Salakani
- v2RayTun: capable proxy client with broad protocol support and per-app routing
- RustDesk: Open-Source Remote Desktop Software with Self-Hosted Servers
- Revolutionize your finances with Exodus by Rocklyte Systems!
- DiskPulse by Flexense Computing Systems Ltd. Impresses with Real-Time Disk Monitoring and Customizable Features
- Revolutionize Your Programming with Go Programming Language
Screenshots (click to enlarge)
Installations
Latest Reviews
v2RayTun
v2RayTun: capable proxy client with broad protocol support and per-app routing
Bluebeam Revu
Bluebeam Revu: industry-standard PDF markup and collaboration for construction professionals
RealVNC Viewer
RealVNC Viewer: Secure Remote Desktop Access
ROBLOX
Roblox: a massive, free platform of user-created games with cross-device play
Anatomy 3D Atlas
Anatomy 3D Atlas: interactive 3D human anatomy study app across major body systems
CurseForge
CurseForge app: one-click mod installs and updates across major gamesRelated
Gallery
Gallery is a photo and video management app developed by Google. It focuses on automatic organization, basic editing, and efficient use of storage, memory, and data.
Messages: Text SMS
SMS Messenger – A Reliable and Efficient Messaging Application SMS Messenger offers a streamlined communication solution designed for speed, privacy, and user engagement.
Messenger
The Messenger application represents a comprehensive communication platform designed to facilitate seamless connectivity between users globally.
Recover Deleted Messages
This Android application is designed to recover deleted messages, view deleted chats, and restore media from supported messaging apps.
Romantic Stickers WASticker.ly
Love and Romantic Stickers for WhatsApp WAStickerapp Express your feelings with the WA Romantic Stickers App, featuring a variety of romantic stickers to share love, kisses, hugs, and more with your loved ones.
Status saver for Socia Media
Status Saver for Social Platform is an Android-oriented utility for downloading and saving photos and videos shared in statuses on Social Platform and Social Business Platform.
|
WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp Web: Seamlessly sync your messaging on your computer |
|
Line for Windows
Stay connected with Line for Windows |
|
Imo Messenger
Imo Messenger: Stay Connected with Friends and Family |
|
UpdateStar Premium Edition
UpdateStar Premium: Keeps Windows Software Updated with Extensive Database Coverage |
|
Google Chrome
Google Chrome: fast, secure, free browser with strong Google integration |
|
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge: a Copilot-powered browser with strong security and battery savings |
|
Microsoft OneDrive
Microsoft OneDrive: reliable cloud sync and backup across Windows, Mac, and mobile |
|
Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Package
Boost your system performance with Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Package! |
|
Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable
Essential Component for Running Visual C++ Applications |
