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WeChat User Guide

WeChat is a popular messaging and social media app developed by Tencent. It allows users to send text messages, voice messages, make video calls, share photos and videos, make payments, and more. This guide will help you understand the basic features and functions of WeChat.


Table of Contents

  1. Getting Starte
  2. Setting Up Your Profile
  3. Adding Contacts
  4. Sending Messages
  5. Voice and Video Calls
  6. Moments
  7. WeChat Pay
  8. Official Accounts
  9. Group Chats
  10. Privacy and Security
  11. Additional Features

1. Getting started

  • Download WeChat: Available on both iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play).
  • Sign Up: You can sign up with your mobile phone number. After entering your number, you'll receive a verification code to confirm your account.
  • Login: Once your account is created, you can log in using your phone number or through the WeChat ID (if you set one).

2. Setting Up Your Profile

  • Profile Picture: Tap on the "Me" tab at the bottom right, then tap your profile picture to upload a new one.
  • Nickname: You can update your nickname by tapping on your profile photo and then editing your name.
  • Personal Info: You can also add other personal information such as location, gender, and bio in your profile settings.

3. Adding Contacts

  • Search by Phone Number: Tap the "Contacts" tab at the bottom, then tap the "+" icon in the upper-right corner to search by phone number.
  • Scan QR Code: You can scan someone's WeChat QR code to add them as a friend. To find your own QR code, go to "Me" > "QR Code."
  • Friend Recommendations: WeChat will often suggest friends based on mutual contacts or location.

4. Sending Messages

  • Text Messages: Open a chat with a contact, type your message, and press "Send."
  • Voice Messages: Hold the microphone icon in the text input box to record a voice message. Release to send.
  • Emojis: Tap the smiley face icon next to the text input to access emojis.
  • Multimedia Messages: Tap the "+" icon to send pictures, videos, or files. You can also share your location.

5. Voice and Video Calls

  • Voice Call: Open a chat, then tap the phone icon at the top right to start a voice call.
  • Video Call: In a chat, tap the camera icon in the upper-right corner to start a video call.

6. Moments

  • What is Moments?: Moments is a social feed where you can post photos, videos, and text updates.
  • Post a Moment: Tap the "Discover" tab, then "Moments" to post a status update. You can share media from your phone's gallery or take a new photo.
  • View Moments: Scroll through your friends' posts and like or comment on them.

7. WeChat Pay

  • Set Up WeChat Pay: Link your WeChat account to your bank card by going to "Me" > "WeChat Pay" and following the instructions.
  • Send Money: In any chat, tap the "+" icon and select "Transfer" to send money to friends.
  • Pay for Goods and Services: You can use WeChat Pay to pay at supported merchants, both online and in physical stores. Look for the "WeChat Pay" QR code or scan a merchant's QR code to pay.

8. Official Accounts

  • What are Official Accounts?: These are verified accounts run by businesses, organizations, and celebrities. You can follow them for updates, promotions, and customer service.
  • Follow an Official Account: Tap "Discover" > "Official Accounts" > "Search" to find and follow accounts of interest.

9. Group Chats

  • Create a Group Chat: Tap the "Chats" tab, then the "+" icon in the top right corner, and select "New Group Chat." You can add contacts or invite people via a QR code.
  • Manage Group Settings: As a group admin, you can modify group settings, such as changing the group name, adding or removing members, and setting permissions.

10. Privacy and Security

  • Privacy Settings: To control who can see your Moments or contact you, go to "Me" > "Settings" > "Privacy." You can set restrictions on who can see your posts and block unwanted users.
  • Two-Factor Authentication: Enable "Two-Step Verification" for extra account security.
  • Data Encryption: WeChat uses end-to-end encryption for all messages, ensuring that your chats are private.

11. Additional Features

  • Mini Programs: These are apps that run within WeChat without the need for separate downloads. Access them via the "Discover" tab.
  • WeChat Work: A version of WeChat designed for business communication, with additional features for collaboration and project management.
  • Official Stories and Channels: In addition to Moments, you can also follow channels for news, entertainment, and more.

Conclusion


WeChat offers a wide range of functionalities that make it a one-stop solution for communication, social interaction, and transactions. By familiarizing yourself with the features outlined in this guide, you'll be able to maximize your experience and use WeChat efficiently.

For more detailed help, visit WeChat’s official Help Center.