Learn how to set WhatsApp for iPhone as the default app for placing outgoing VoIP calls and sending messages instead of the Phone, Messages and FaceTime apps.
Apple lets you change default iPhone apps for calling, messaging, email, passwords, translation and more, but third-party apps must be updated with this ability. Meta-owned WhatsApp is the first third-party calling app to support this feature.
You must have WhatsApp v25.8.74 or later for this functionality. You can update the installed app to the latest version by opening the WhatsApp page on the App Store and clicking the Update button. No option? You already have the latest version.
Setting WhatsApp as the default calling and messaging app
To set WhatsApp as the default calling app on an iPhone or iPad, venture into the Settings app, scroll to the bottom and choose “Apps.” On the next screen, touch the “Default Apps” option at the top, then select the “Calling” option and choose WhatsApp from the list of compatible calling apps. Return to the previous screen, choose the “Messaging” option, and then select WhatsApp from the list of apps.
When WhatsApp is your default calling app, all outgoing calls go through WhatsApp. In my testing, calls initiated via the Contacts app by tapping someone’s number are routed to WhatsApp instead of initiated via the built-in Phone app.
Because Meta’s app does not supports standard cellular voice calls or Wi-Fi calling, all calls placed to phone numbers are initiated as VoIP calls in WhatsApp. Calls initiated from the built-in Phone app work as before. You will also continue receiving incoming calls via the Phone app regardless of your default calling app.
When WhatsApp is selected as the default messaging app, the Message button on a contact card in the Contacts app will launch WhatsApp to compose a fresh new message instead of the built-in Messages app. New messages initiated from within the iPhone’s Messages app will be sent as either iMessages or standard SMS/MMS messages instead of using WhatsApp for delivery.
About default apps on iOS and iPadOS
Apple implemented setting default apps on the iPhone and iPad in the iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2 software updates. With iOS 18.4 (due in April), EU iPhone owners will also be able to set their default app for turn-by-turn navigation, replacing the built-in Apple Maps option. You can check what version your device is currently running in Settings > General > About > iOS Version. To update the device to the latest iOS version, go to Settings > General > Software Update.