How to Call the UK from the US on WhatsApp: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Check Your WhatsApp Account Settings
Before you can make a call to the UK from the US on WhatsApp, you need to check your account settings. Here’s how:
- Open WhatsApp on your US device.
- Tap on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select "Settings".
- Scroll down to the "Account" section.
- Tap on "Phone numbers".
- You’ll see a list of your existing phone numbers. Tap on the "Add a new phone number" button.
- Enter the UK phone number you want to call, including the country code (+44).
- Tap on "Save" to add the new phone number.
Step 2: Check the UK Phone Number Format
The UK phone number format is +44 XXXX XXXX. Make sure you enter the correct format when adding a new phone number.
Step 3: Enable WhatsApp’s International Calling Feature
To make a call to the UK from the US on WhatsApp, you need to enable the international calling feature. Here’s how:
- Open WhatsApp on your US device.
- Tap on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select "Settings".
- Scroll down to the "Account" section.
- Tap on "Phone numbers".
- Tap on the "International calling" toggle switch.
- Enable the feature to make international calls.
Step 4: Add the UK Phone Number to Your WhatsApp List
Once you’ve enabled international calling, you need to add the UK phone number to your WhatsApp list. Here’s how:
- Open WhatsApp on your US device.
- Tap on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select "Settings".
- Scroll down to the "Account" section.
- Tap on "Phone numbers".
- Tap on the "Add a new phone number" button.
- Enter the UK phone number you want to call, including the country code (+44).
- Tap on "Save" to add the new phone number.
Step 5: Make a Call to the UK
Now that you’ve added the UK phone number to your WhatsApp list, you can make a call to the UK. Here’s how:
- Open WhatsApp on your US device.
- Tap on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select "Contacts".
- Tap on the UK phone number you want to call.
- Tap on the "Call" button.
- Wait for the call to connect.
Important Notes:
- WhatsApp’s International Calling Feature: WhatsApp’s international calling feature allows you to make calls to over 100 countries, including the UK. However, the feature may not work if the UK phone number is not in the WhatsApp database.
- UK Phone Number Format: The UK phone number format is +44 XXXX XXXX. Make sure you enter the correct format when adding a new phone number.
- Country Code: The country code for the UK is +44. Make sure you enter the correct country code when adding a new phone number.
- International Calling Fees: WhatsApp charges international calling fees, which vary depending on the country and the type of call. You can check the fees on the WhatsApp website.
Table: WhatsApp’s International Calling Fees
| Country | International Calling Fee |
|---|---|
| Australia | $0.25 |
| Canada | $0.25 |
| India | $0.25 |
| Japan | $0.25 |
| Mexico | $0.25 |
| New Zealand | $0.25 |
| South Africa | $0.25 |
| United Arab Emirates | $0.25 |
| United States | $0.25 |
Tips and Tricks:
- Use a VPN: Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help you avoid data caps and throttling when making international calls.
- Use a Mobile Data Plan: Using a mobile data plan can help you make international calls without incurring additional charges.
- Check the WhatsApp Website: You can check the WhatsApp website for the most up-to-date international calling fees and features.
Conclusion:
Making a call to the UK from the US on WhatsApp is a straightforward process that requires checking your account settings, enabling international calling, adding the UK phone number to your WhatsApp list, and making a call. By following these steps and tips, you can stay connected with friends and family in the UK without incurring additional charges.