Install WhatsApp on Galaxy Tab

WhatsApp on the Samsung Galaxy Tab - But only with 3G!

If you have an Android smartphone, you can simply use WhatsApp via the Google Install Playstore. Unfortunately, this is not possible with an Andorid tablet. The main reason for this is the way WhatsApp works. Like Google Hangouts (formerly Google Talk), Messenger is based on the free Jabber protocol. Unfortunately, the developers have sealed off WhatsApp from other networks. Instead of a freely selectable user name, the telephone number of the device is therefore also used for identification. For this reason, WhatsApp only works on a device if it has its own SIM card. Note: tablet and smartphone are not about the same

Chat feature! Both messengers will receive and send messages separately. If you do not want this, you would have to switch to an alternative service.

Different process: Android tablet vs. Smartphone

Installing WhatsApp is easy on a smartphone. There is no official way with an Android tablet. However, there are two ways to install WhatsApp. First, you should always try to install Messenger using an APK file. If this is not possible, an installation using backup software can work. Both variants are shown below. Please note, however, that the tablet must receive SMS or support telephony. Some of these functions can be retrofitted. However, the tablet must be rooted for this. Under certain circumstances, however, you could also use another mobile phone for this purpose. More on this can be found in section: Installation, error message and operation.

Instructions: WhatsApp via APK

An APK (Android Package) file is a package for Android. It contains the actual program. To install a WhatsApp, do the following:

1. Switch to the tablet settings.
2. Activate the item: Unknown origin in the Security menu.


WhatsApp for tablet with Android - notes

WhatsApp is a messenger service that is optimized for use on a smartphone ...

3. If you cannot find it, you have to root the tablet. Alternatively, you can use the instructions in the next section.
4. Start the tablet's internet browser and switch to the WhatsApp page.
5. Download the current APK file from there. You can find this under: Download, Android.
6. Switch to a file manager and navigate to the download directory (usually Downloads).
7. Open the APK. This will now be installed.
8. Continue with the section: Installation, Error Message and Operation.

Instructions: Create WhatsApp backup

If you're lucky and your tablet is old enough, you can try the Helium app.

1. Install the app on your Android smartphone, tablet and PC.
2. Start the app on the smartphone and connect it to the PC.
3. Activate the item: (PC) Download in the app.
4. Start a browser on the PC and enter the IP address that Helium shows you into the address bar of the browser.
5. Highlight WhatsApp and choose the option: Backup.
6. Disconnect the smartphone from the PC.

Instructions: import WhatsApp backup

1. Start Helium on the tablet, connect it to the PC and select the item: (PC) Download.
2. Enter the IP address shown by Helium in the address bar of your browser.
3. Now upload the backup. Depending on the version, you can do this via a menu or by drag & drop in your browser.
4. Confirm the question whether the backup should be restored.
5. After a successful recovery, disconnect the tablet from the PC. Close the Helium app.
6. Go to the next section.

Installation, error message and operation

It is very likely that you will receive an error message when you start WhatsApp for the first time. Pay no further attention and continue:

1. Start WhatsApp.
2. Enter the phone number of the SIM card or customize them.
3. WhatsApp will then try to send an SMS. If you have not upgraded this function in advance, you can be called. If your tablet does not support both functions, try inserting the SIM card into another mobile phone.
4. Make a note of the PIN number that you received when you call or is mentioned in the SMS. If necessary, insert the SIM card back into the tablet.
5. Start WhatsApp and enter the PIN number for confirmation.
6. WhatsApp should now work as expected.

WhatsApp: Messenger cannot be installed

If WhatsApp does not install or can only help you to root the device. However, this always harbors the risk of permanent damage to the device. In this case, we recommend using an alternative messenger. Good alternatives would be, for example, Google's Hangouts service or the Xabber messenger. The latter can be configured for all free Jabber services, including Google Hangouts.