Installation of WhatsApp Plus is a bit more complicated and different from the official app, since it is not available on widely used platforms like Google Play Store or Apple App Store. The process involves downloading the APK file from a third-party source and allowing the device to install apps from unknown origins. First and foremost, one should realize that WhatsApp Plus is not an official application and may be dangerous regarding data security.
First, one needs to find a reliable source for the APK file. According to the 2021 cybersecurity report by Norton, more than 70% of APKs found on third-party websites could contain malware or spyware. So, selecting a reputable site would be the key to minimizing the risks. The file size for WhatsApp Plus generally runs from 50 MB to 70 MB, depending on the version.
Afterwards, users should active the “Unknown Sources” setting from the device configuration settings. That will now enable installation outside official stores: Security or Privacy, depending on the device menu. Thus, enabling it allows compatibility in the case of an APK installation process-a general method taken by the majority of applications not included in major app stores. According to one Statista survey from 2022, 20% of users install APKs on their Android devices, which most commonly contain apps such as WhatsApp Plus that offer additional functionalities.
Before proceeding, WhatsApp’s official data should have been backed up to avoid the loss of conversations. This entails going through WhatsApp’s integrated backup that saves chats onto Google Drive or local storage. As an example, a businessman from Jakarta lost three years of communication with clients because he skipped this vital process of backup.
Once the APK is downloaded, tapping the APK starts the installation. The process may take less than two minutes on modern smartphones but may vary depending on processing speed. After installation, users still need to verify their number as in the original application. During verification, WhatsApp Plus does not try to sync with Google Drive to restore chats, just like the official version.
After installation, users will be presented with WhatsApp Plus, which features a customizable theme, sharing file size up to 50 MB, and also enhancements in privacy by hiding online status. However, users must also be very cautious because WhatsApp had issued a statement in 2020 that they might ban an account if found using unauthorized apps, which includes WhatsApp Plus.
WhatsApp Plus has security risks: it does not support encryption. In 2022, there was a cybersecurity breach in India in which, through fake APKs disguised as WhatsApp Plus, information of more than 300,000 people got leaked. The above example gave a hint that while installation, one should be very cautious.
For a step-by-step tutorial and to download the application safely, refer to whatsapp plus.