# WhatsApp Messenger

> Simple. Reliable. Private.

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.whatsapp](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.whatsapp)

## Overview

- **ID:** `com.whatsapp`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** WhatsApp LLC
- **Category:** COMMUNICATION
- **Downloads:** 12,279,811,078
- **Rating:** 4.62 / 5 (242,749,461 ratings)
- **Version:** 2.26.34.81
- **Last updated:** 2026-09-05
- **First published:** 2010-10-18
- **Publisher country:** US
- **Size:** 135 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-05
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.whatsapp)
- **Website:** [http://www.whatsapp.com/](http://www.whatsapp.com/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/privacy-policy](https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/privacy-policy)

## Description

WhatsApp Messenger provides free messaging and high-quality video calls across mobile and desktop with end-to-end encryption. It uses your phone number for sign-in, requires no usernames, and supports group chats, location sharing, and voice messages, all without subscriptions.

Features include cross-platform syncing, status updates, and Wear OS support, helping you stay connected on the go with secure, private communications.

## Rankings

- #16 — Overall
- #1 — Android wear (Free)
- #1 — Communication (Free)
- #12 — Application (Free)
- #19 — Communication (Gross)
- #36 — Android wear (Gross)

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_MEDIA_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_WIFI_STATE`
- `android.permission.ANSWER_PHONE_CALLS`
- `android.permission.AUTHENTICATE_ACCOUNTS`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH_CONNECT`
- `android.permission.BROADCAST_STICKY`
- `android.permission.CALL_PHONE`
- `android.permission.CAMERA`
- `android.permission.CHANGE_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.CHANGE_WIFI_STATE`
- `android.permission.DETECT_SCREEN_CAPTURE`
- `android.permission.DETECT_SCREEN_RECORDING`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_CAMERA`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_DATA_SYNC`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MEDIA_PLAYBACK`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MEDIA_PROJECTION`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MICROPHONE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_PHONE_CALL`
- `android.permission.GET_ACCOUNTS`
- `android.permission.GET_TASKS`
- `android.permission.INSTALL_SHORTCUT`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.MANAGE_ACCOUNTS`
- `android.permission.MANAGE_OWN_CALLS`
- `android.permission.MODIFY_AUDIO_SETTINGS`
- `android.permission.NEARBY_WIFI_DEVICES`
- `android.permission.NFC`
- `android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS`
- `android.permission.READ_BASIC_PHONE_STATE`
- `android.permission.READ_CALL_LOG`
- `android.permission.READ_CONTACTS`
- `android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `android.permission.READ_MEDIA_AUDIO`
- `android.permission.READ_MEDIA_IMAGES`
- `android.permission.READ_MEDIA_VIDEO`
- `android.permission.READ_MEDIA_VISUAL_USER_SELECTED`
- `android.permission.READ_PHONE_NUMBERS`
- `android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE`
- `android.permission.READ_PROFILE`
- `android.permission.READ_SYNC_SETTINGS`
- `android.permission.READ_SYNC_STATS`
- `android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED`
- `android.permission.RECEIVE_SMS`
- `android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO`
- `android.permission.REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGES`
- `android.permission.RUN_USER_INITIATED_JOBS`
- `android.permission.SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM`
- `android.permission.SEND_SMS`
- `android.permission.USE_BIOMETRIC`
- `android.permission.USE_CREDENTIALS`
- `android.permission.USE_FINGERPRINT`
- `android.permission.USE_FULL_SCREEN_INTENT`
- `android.permission.VIBRATE`
- `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK`
- `android.permission.WRITE_CONTACTS`
- `android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `android.permission.WRITE_SYNC_SETTINGS`
- `com.android.launcher.permission.INSTALL_SHORTCUT`
- `com.android.launcher.permission.UNINSTALL_SHORTCUT`
- `com.android.vending.BILLING`
- `com.facebook.services.identity.FEO2`
- `com.google.android.c2dm.permission.RECEIVE`
- `com.google.android.finsky.permission.BIND_GET_INSTALL_REFERRER_SERVICE`
- `com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID`
- `com.google.android.providers.gsf.permission.READ_GSERVICES`
- `com.htc.launcher.permission.READ_SETTINGS`
- `com.htc.launcher.permission.UPDATE_SHORTCUT`
- `com.huawei.android.launcher.permission.CHANGE_BADGE`
- `com.huawei.android.launcher.permission.READ_SETTINGS`
- `com.huawei.android.launcher.permission.WRITE_SETTINGS`
- `com.sec.android.provider.badge.permission.READ`
- `com.sec.android.provider.badge.permission.WRITE`
- `com.sonyericsson.home.permission.BROADCAST_BADGE`
- `com.sonymobile.home.permission.PROVIDER_INSERT_BADGE`
- `com.whatsapp.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION`
- `com.whatsapp.permission.BROADCAST`
- `com.whatsapp.permission.MAPS_RECEIVE`
- `com.whatsapp.permission.REGISTRATION`
- `com.whatsapp.sticker.READ`

## Review summary

Overall, users praise WhatsApp Messenger for being a fast, easy-to-use and globally useful messaging app, with strong media-sharing capabilities. However, recurring problems include account suspensions/spam-related blocks, difficulties accessing or logging in, and confusion or issues around installing or updating the official app. These issues appear across multiple reviews, but the app's core functionality remains highly valued by users who rely on it daily.

### Pros

- Very good / best messenger; essential for daily communication.
- Fast and simple to use.
- Easy sharing of photos and videos.
- Globally popular and widely used.

### Cons

- Account suspensions / spam-related blocks (recurring issue).
- Inability to access / login issues (can't open the app or login problems).
- Installation/official app confusion or issues installing/updating.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.whatsapp)