How to Add Someone on WhatsApp: iOS & Android Supported

WhatsApp is the go-to communication tool for billions, but connecting with new people can sometimes be tricky. Whether you're trying to add a new business contact, a friend you just met, or a family member overseas, getting them to appear in your chat list is the first crucial step.

Here's a complete breakdown of how to add someone on WhatsApp. We'll cover the classic method, the incredibly fast QR code technique, and the essential troubleshooting steps to fix the common issue of a contact not showing up. By the end of this article, you'll be able to add anyone, anywhere, with confidence.

Method 1: Add Someone on WhatsApp from Your Contacts

This is the most traditional method and works by leveraging your phone's built-in address book. WhatsApp is designed to automatically sync with your phone's contacts, so once a person is saved to your device, they should appear in the app.

Step 1: Save Contact to Your Phone

1). First, you need to save the person's information in your phone's native Contacts or People app.
2). Open your phone's Contacts app.
3). Depending on your device, tap either the + icon or the button that says Create new contact.
4). Type the person's name to help you identify them in your contacts.
5). In the phone number field, carefully type their full phone number. For international numbers, always use the format +[Country Code][Full Number]. (We cover this in more detail later).
6). Click Done or the checkmark icon to store the contact on your device.

Step 2: Refresh Your WhatsApp Contact List

After saving the contact to your phone, WhatsApp needs to be prompted to scan your address book for the new entry. Sometimes this is instant, but often a manual refresh is required.

1). Open WhatsApp.
2). Tap the New Chat icon. Android places this button in the bottom-right corner, represented by a green speech bubble. On an iPhone, look for the square and pencil icon in the top-right corner.
3). On the Select contact screen that appears, tap the three-dot menu (More options) in the top-right corner (Android) or simply pull down from the top of the list (iOS).
4). Select Refresh from the menu (Android users). iOS users will see a spinning wheel as the list refreshes automatically after pulling down.

Your new contact should now appear in the list.

Method 2: How to Add Contact to WhatsApp via QR Code

For adding someone you are with in person, the QR code method is by far the fastest and most error-proof way. It eliminates any chance of typos when entering a long phone number. Every WhatsApp account has a unique QR code.

How to Show QR Code on WhatsApp

Step 1. Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
Step 2. On an Android device, tap the three-dot menu icon on the main screen, then select Settings from the dropdown. On iOS, the Settings gear is in the bottom-right corner.
Step 3. A small QR code icon is now positioned next to your profile name. Tap it.
Step 4. Your personal WhatsApp QR code will be displayed under the My Code tab. Your part is done. Then, have the other person scan the QR code on your screen to connect.

How to Scan Someone Else's QR Code

Step 1. To access this QR code screen again, just go to your Settings and tap the QR icon beside your name.
Step 2. Select the Scan Code tab.
Step 3. Your phone's camera will activate. Now, just aim your phone at the code they're showing you.
Step 4. WhatsApp will instantly recognize the code and automatically create a new contact for you, pre-filled with their number. Simply tap Add to Contacts to save their information.

Method 3: The Convenient Shortcut - Adding a Contact In-App

WhatsApp provides a quick shortcut to add a contact without leaving the app first.

Step 1. First, launch WhatsApp and tap the New Chat icon.
Step 2. On the contact selection screen, look for an option named New contact. It's usually near the top.
Step 3. This will open your phone's native Create New Contact page to finish saving. The benefit is that you're already in the right place.
Step 4. Enter their name and number, then tap Save.

Method 4: How to Add Someone from a Group Chat

If you're in a group chat with someone who isn't saved in your contacts, you can add them easily.

Step 1. Open the group chat.
Step 2. Tap the group name at the top to see the list of participants.
Step 3. Find and tap on the phone number of the person you want to add.
Step 4. A menu will pop up with an option to Create new contact.
Step 5. Select this, and you'll be taken to your phone's contact creation screen with their number already filled in. Just add their name and save.

Bonus Tip: How to Export WhatsApp Contacts By Using TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer

Trying to export WhatsApp contacts on your computer but don't know how to make it effortlessly? Using a third party tool to export WhatsApp contacts on your computer, and TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer offers you the optimal move. TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer is a professional WhatsApp data managing tool with effective features, allowing users to transfer WhatsApp data between iOS devices, back up WhatsApp data from iOS device to computer, export WhatsApp data like contacts from WhatsApp backup to computer, and restore WhatsApp backup to the device.

Conclusion

Adding a new person to WhatsApp is straightforward once you know the right steps. For quick, in-person additions, the QR Code method is unmatched in speed and accuracy. For all other situations, saving the number correctly in your phone's address book—paying close attention to the international format—is key.

If you just need to back up or export your WhatsApp contacts, download and try using TunesKit WhatsApp Transfer can meet your needs.