What happens if you WhatsApp someone who doesn't have WhatsApp?

WhatsApp Communication with Non-WhatsApp Users: Understanding Message Delivery and Costs

WhatsApp, the popular instant messaging platform, offers convenient and cost-effective communication to users worldwide. However, what happens when you attempt to send a message to someone who does not have WhatsApp installed on their device?

Message Undelivered

If you send a message via WhatsApp to a recipient who does not have the app, your message will not be delivered. WhatsApp relies on a live internet connection to establish a secure end-to-end encryption between both parties. Without the app, the recipient’s device cannot receive or decrypt the message.

WhatsApp Credits Deducted

When you send a WhatsApp message, credits are allocated to the recipient’s country. These credits are deducted from your account regardless of whether the recipient has the app or not. This is because WhatsApp charges for message delivery attempts, even if the message is not ultimately received.

Avoiding Unwanted Charges

To avoid incurring unnecessary charges, it is crucial to verify if the recipient has WhatsApp installed before sending a message. You can do this by checking if the contact’s profile picture appears in your WhatsApp conversation view. If the profile picture is not visible, it is likely that the recipient does not have WhatsApp.

Alternative Communication Methods

If you need to communicate with someone who does not have WhatsApp, there are several alternative methods you can use:

• SMS: Text messages (SMS) are still a reliable option for sending short messages without the need for an app. However, standard SMS charges may apply.
• Phone Call: Making a phone call is a direct and effective way to reach someone who is not online.
• Email: Email is a versatile communication channel that allows you to send messages with attachments.
• Other Messaging Apps: There are other messaging apps available, such as Telegram or Viber, which may be compatible with your recipient’s device.

Conclusion

Attempting to WhatsApp someone without the app will result in your message being undelivered and the deduction of WhatsApp credits. To avoid unwanted charges, it is important to confirm if the recipient has WhatsApp installed before sending a message. Alternative communication methods, such as SMS, phone calls, or other messaging apps, can be used to reach non-WhatsApp users.