Coronavirus: Keep in touch with Family using WhatsApp
Sarah Botterill | 15 Mar 2020In a time when you might not be able to visit family, you can use the WhatsApp app to set up a family group to stay in touch, and as a way of making a video call. The messaging app is the most widely used in the world. It is accessible and inclusive, according to RNIB.
WhatsApp works with Talkback and VoiceOver, so it is accessible. Siri will read your WhatsApp messages aloud, and on newer phones, you can even use Siri to dictate messages.
Using iOS and Android, we’ll show you how to:
• Set up a family group in iOS
• Send a message to the group in iOS
• Make a video call using WhatsApp in iOS
• Set up a family group in Android
• Send a message to the group in Android
• Make a video call using WhatsApp in Android
Set up a family group in WhatsApp iOS
1. Install WhatsApp
To install WhatsApp, click on the App Store icon on your phone. Click the search icon on the bottom right, and type WhatsApp into the box marked search.
Look for WhatsApp Messenger and click the cloud icon beside it to download the application.
You’ll see a circle with a square inside it indicating that the app is downloading.
When this changes to read Open, click on Open.
Click Agree and Continue to accept the terms. Enter your phone number. Choose a name and add a photograph.
2. Set up a Family Group in WhatsApp
To set up a family group, click the icon top right. Click New Group. Scroll down to find the name of the person you want to add or type it into the search box.
Put a tick beside their name. Click Next, and add a name for the Group (Family, for example).
Click Create. To add another group member, click the Group name to reveal Group Info. Scroll down and click the plus sign marked Add Participants.
As before select the name of the person you want, and click Add.
3. Send a message to the group
To send a message to the group, go to WhatsApp and click the new message icon (this is a pencil inside a small square, top-right).
Click the Group name (Family) and type your message into the small box at the bottom of the screen.
Click the arrow beside it to send the message.
4. Make a video call using WhatsApp in iOS
To make a video call to everyone in the group, click the phone icon (top-right). Click the name of everyone in the group.
Click either the phone or video call button.
Set up a family group in WhatsApp Android
1. Install WhatsApp for Android
Go to the Google Play app from your home screen. In the search box, type WhatsApp. Click the button marked Install, then Install again.
Now click Open. Click Agree and Continue to accept the terms and conditions. Click Next. Enter your phone number and then click Next.
You will receive a verification code to your messages.
Enter the code into the box provided. Enter your name, and upload a profile picture (the picture is optional).
2. Set up a family group in WhatsApp for Android
To set up a family group in WhatsApp for Android, click the three vertical dots (top-right of the screen).
Click New group.
You will need to click Allow to give the app access to your contacts.
Click on the contacts you want to add to the group, and then click the next arrow.
3. Send a message to the group in Android
Enter text into the text box at the bottom of the screen, and then click Enter.
4. Start a video call in WhatsApp Android
From inside the group, click the icons for the people you wish to call and then click the video call icon.
Official Advice on the Coronavirus
Gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk
NHS Guidance: https://www.nhs.uk
Useful contacts during the Coronavirus pandemic
Age UK: www.ageuk.org.uk 0800 678 1602
Carers UK: www.carersuk.org; www.carersuk.org/forum
Supportline: https://www.supportline.org.uk 01708 765200 info@supportline.org.uk
