How to use WeChat
WeChat is an instant messaging application developed by Tencent, one of the largest technology companies in China. Launched in 2011, WeChat quickly gained popularity worldwide thanks to its numerous innovative features.
How does WeChat work?
WeChat allows users to send text, voice and video messages to their friends and family. Additionally, the application offers a wide range of additional functions that make it unique compared to other messaging apps.
- Moments: This function allows users to share photos, videos and thoughts with their friends on the platform. Users can see their friends' posts and comment or like them.
- Payments: WeChat Pay allows users to make online and offline payments through the application. It is possible to use WeChat Pay to purchase goods and services, send money to friends or even pay water and electricity bills.
- Mini Programs: WeChat Mini Programs are lightweight applications that can be used within the platform without having to download anything on your device. This means that users can access services such as hotel bookings, online shopping and games without leaving the WeChat app.
WeChat is available for both iOS and Android and is free. However, some features such as WeChat Pay may require activation of a Chinese bank account.
Using WeChat may seem complicated at first, but once you understand its numerous functions, it will quickly become an indispensable tool for communicating with friends and family around the world.
How to create a WeChat account
To use WeChat, you first need to create an account. Here's how:
- Step 1: Download the WeChat app on your mobile device from the app store.
- Step 2: Once the app is downloaded, open it and tap the "Sign Up" button on the home screen.
- Step 3: Enter your phone number and tap "Next". You will receive a verification code via SMS.
- Step 4: Enter the verification code received via SMS in the WeChat app and tap "Next".
- Step 5: Create a secure password for your WeChat account. Make sure the password contains at least eight characters and includes both letters and numbers.
- Step 6: Select a username for your WeChat account. This will be the name that other users will find you under on WeChat.
- Step 7: Add a profile picture if desired. You can choose to take a new photo or select one from your gallery.
You have now successfully created a WeChat account! Please note that you may need to further verify your WeChat account to access all of the app's features. This may include verifying your identity or associating your account with a credit card number.
Main Features of WeChat
WeChat is a multifunctional application that allows users to communicate, share content, and perform many other activities. Here are the main features:
Instant Messaging
The most common feature of WeChat is instant messaging. Users can send text, voice, and video messages to their friends or groups.
Voice and Video Calls
WeChat also offers the ability to make free voice and video calls between app users. This feature is particularly useful for those who live far away from loved ones or need to participate in online meetings.
Digital Wallet
WeChat Pay is the digital wallet integrated into the application. Users can add their bank details and use the digital wallet to pay for goods and services worldwide. Additionally, WeChat Pay also allows users to send money to other users.
Government Services
In China, WeChat has become an important tool for accessing government services such as medical appointments, bill payments, and traffic information access. This feature makes life easier for users as they can solve many bureaucratic issues through the application.
Mini Programs
Mini programs are applications integrated into WeChat that allow users to access services and content without having to install a separate application. For example, users can use mini-programs to order food, buy movie tickets, or book a taxi.
- Example 1: A group of friends can use WeChat to organize a dinner together by sending instant messages and using the digital wallet to split expenses.
- Example 2: A company can use WeChat to communicate with its employees through the instant messaging feature and organize online meetings through the voice and video calls feature.
How to Use Chat on WeChat
Chatting is one of the main features of WeChat and allows you to communicate with your friends and family easily and quickly. Here's how to use it:
1. Find a Contact
To start chatting with someone on WeChat, you first need to add their contact to your friend list. You can do this in several ways:
- Search: type the name of the person you want to add in the search bar and select the correct profile.
- Scan QR Code: if the person you want to add has a WeChat QR code, you can scan it to automatically add them to your friend list.
- Send a friend request: if you cannot find the person you are looking for, you can send a friend request via their WeChat ID or phone number.
2. Start a Chat
After adding a contact to your friend list, you can start a chat with them by clicking on their name in your friend list. Once the chat is open, you can send text, voice or image messages through icons at the bottom of the screen.
3. Use advanced chat functions
WeChat also offers many advanced functions to enhance your chatting experience:
- Voice and video calls: you can make voice or video calls with your friends directly from the chat.
- Stickers and animated GIFs: you can send stickers and animated GIFs to make your conversations more fun.
- Payments: if you have set up your WeChat Pay account, you can send or receive money directly from the chat.
- Mini programs: you can access mini programs within the chat to make reservations, order food, or purchase products without having to leave the WeChat app.
By using these advanced functions, your chatting experience on WeChat will become even more complete and enjoyable.
How to Make Voice and Video Calls on WeChat
Making voice and video calls on WeChat is very simple. Follow these steps:
Voice Calls
- Open the chat with the person you want to call
- Tap the phone icon in the top right corner of the screen
- Wait for the person to answer the call
- Talk normally as you would on a phone call
- Tap the red phone icon to end the call
Important notes:
- Voice calls on WeChat are free, but they use data traffic.
- You may experience connection problems if you are in an area with poor network coverage.
Video Calls
- Open the chat with the person you want to video call
- Tap the camera icon in the top right corner of the screen
- Wait for the person to answer the video call
- Start talking as you would in a normal face-to-face conversation
- Tap the red phone icon to end the video call
Important notes:
- Video calls on WeChat are free, but they use more data traffic than voice calls.
- You may experience connection problems if you are in an area with poor network coverage.
- Make sure you are in a quiet and well-lit place to ensure good image and sound quality during the video call.
Now that you know how to make voice and video calls on WeChat, you can easily communicate with friends and family wherever you are!
Conclusion
In this article, we have seen how to use WeChat, the Chinese instant messaging application. We have explored its main features, including text chat, voice calls, and video calls. We hope these tips have been useful for you to make the most of this app. Always remember to pay attention to online safety and protect your personal data. Have fun with WeChat!

Michael Anderson - Software Engineer
My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.
My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.
With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.





