WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users. It allows you to send messages, photos, videos, documents, voice messages, and make voice and video calls for free. While WhatsApp is available as an app on smartphones, you can also use it on tablets like Amazon’s Fire tablets. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to download, install and use WhatsApp on your Fire tablet.
Table of Contents
Prerequisites
Before you install WhatsApp, ensure your Fire tablet meets the following requirements:
- Running Fire OS 5 or higher
- Connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or mobile data
- Updated to the latest Fire OS software version
- Unknown Sources enabled in Settings to allow installation of apps from outside the Amazon Appstore
Downloading WhatsApp APK
Since WhatsApp is not available on the Amazon Appstore, you need to download the APK file directly from the WhatsApp website:
- Open the Silk browser on your Fire tablet and go to https://www.whatsapp.com/android.
- Tap on Download to download the latest WhatsApp APK.
- Once downloaded, open Downloads and tap on the WhatsApp APK file.
Enabling Unknown Sources
To install WhatsApp from the downloaded APK, you need to enable installation from Unknown Sources:
- Go to Settings > Security
- Turn on Apps from Unknown Sources
- Confirm by tapping OK on the warning prompt
Installing WhatsApp
With Unknown Sources enabled, you can now install WhatsApp:
- In Downloads, tap on the WhatsApp APK file
- Tap Install on the installation prompt
- Wait for WhatsApp to finish installing
- Tap Open to launch WhatsApp
Setting Up WhatsApp
On first launch, WhatsApp will ask you to verify your phone number:
- Enter your phone number in international format
- Tap OK
- You will receive an SMS with a 6-digit verification code
- Enter the code and tap OK
- Allow WhatsApp access to contacts if prompted
WhatsApp is now ready to use!
Using WhatsApp Features
Here are some of the key features in WhatsApp and how to use them:
Chatting
- Start new chats by tapping the Chat tab and choosing a contact
- Type and send text messages, emojis, photos, videos in chats
- See when messages are delivered and read with blue and grey ticks
Voice and Video Calls
- Make voice or video calls by tapping the phone or video icon in chats
- Receive incoming calls as notifications
- Use rear or front camera during video calls
Groups
- Create new groups by tapping the New Group option
- Add participants, set group name, icon, description
- Send messages, media, documents to the group
Status Updates
- Post text, photo, video status updates that disappear after 24 hours
- View status updates posted by your contacts
- Reply privately to status updates
Security
- Enable two-step verification for added security
- Set chat lock with fingerprint for private chats
- Enable disappearing messages that are deleted automatically
Tips for Using WhatsApp on Fire Tablet
Here are some tips to improve your WhatsApp experience on a Fire tablet:
- Use a tablet stand or case to easily chat and make video calls hands-free
- Connect a Bluetooth keyboard for quicker typing of messages
- Set chat wallpapers for a more personalized look
- Enable auto-download to instantly get media files sent to you
- Turn on notifications to get alerts for new WhatsApp messages
- Use WhatsApp widgets on the home screen for quick access
- Enable dark mode for comfortable viewing at night
So with WhatsApp installed, you can now enjoy messaging on-the-go on your Fire tablet. Stay connected with your contacts through instant messages, voice and video calls anywhere, anytime.
