How to Use Viber on Mobile Devices: A Comprehensive Guide
Viber is a popular communication application that allows users to make voice and video calls, send text messages, and share multimedia files over the internet. Launched in 2010, Viber has gained significant traction due to its user-friendly interface and wide range of features. This guide provides a detailed overview of how to use Viber on mobile devices, including installation, basic features, and advanced functionalities.
1. Installing Viber on Your Mobile Device
For iOS Devices (iPhone and iPad):
- Open the App Store: Locate and tap on the App Store icon on your home screen.
- Search for Viber: Use the search bar to find the Viber app.
- Download and Install: Tap the “Get” button next to Viber. You may need to authenticate with your Apple ID, Face ID, or Touch ID.
- Open Viber: Once the installation is complete, tap “Open” or locate the Viber icon on your home screen and tap to launch the app.
For Android Devices:
- Open Google Play Store: Tap the Google Play Store icon on your home screen or app drawer.
- Search for Viber: Enter “Viber” in the search bar.
- Download and Install: Tap “Install” next to the Viber app. The download and installation process will begin.
- Open Viber: Once installed, tap “Open” or find the Viber icon on your home screen or app drawer and tap to launch it.
2. Setting Up Viber
Creating an Account:
- Open Viber: Launch the app from your device’s home screen.
- Agree to Terms: Read and accept the Viber terms of service and privacy policy.
- Verify Your Phone Number: Enter your phone number. Viber will send you a verification code via SMS. Enter this code into the app to verify your number.
- Set Up Your Profile: Add your name and profile picture to personalize your Viber account. This information will be visible to your contacts.
Syncing Contacts:
- Allow Access: Viber will request permission to access your contacts. Grant this permission to sync your phone contacts with Viber.
- Sync Contacts: The app will automatically identify which of your contacts are also using Viber. These contacts will be added to your Viber contact list.
3. Making Calls and Sending Messages
Making Voice Calls:
- Open Viber: Launch the app.
- Access Contacts: Tap on the “Contacts” tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Select a Contact: Choose the contact you wish to call.
- Initiate Call: Tap the phone icon to make a voice call. Ensure you have a stable internet connection for the best call quality.
Making Video Calls:
- Open Viber: Launch the app.
- Access Contacts: Go to the “Contacts” tab.
- Select a Contact: Choose the contact you wish to video call.
- Initiate Video Call: Tap the video camera icon to start a video call. Again, a strong internet connection is crucial for smooth video calls.
Sending Text Messages:
- Open Viber: Launch the app.
- Access Contacts: Navigate to the “Contacts” tab.
- Select a Contact: Choose the contact you want to message.
- Compose Message: Tap on the chat box at the bottom of the screen, type your message, and hit “Send.”
Sending Multimedia Messages:
- Open Viber: Launch the app.
- Select Contact: Go to the “Contacts” tab and choose the recipient.
- Attach Multimedia: Tap on the attachment icon (usually represented by a paperclip) within the chat window.
- Choose File Type: Select the type of file you want to send—photos, videos, voice messages, or documents.
- Send File: Choose the file from your device and tap “Send.”
4. Exploring Advanced Features
Creating and Managing Groups:
- Open Viber: Launch the app.
- Access Groups: Tap on the “Chats” tab and then the “+” button or “New Group” option.
- Select Participants: Choose the contacts you want to add to the group.
- Name Your Group: Enter a name for your group and optionally add a group photo.
- Create Group: Tap “Create” to finalize the group setup.
Using Viber Out:
Viber Out allows you to make calls to non-Viber users, including landlines and mobile phones.
- Open Viber: Launch the app.
- Access Viber Out: Tap on the “Calls” tab and select “Viber Out.”
- Enter Phone Number: Dial the phone number you wish to call.
- Start Call: Tap the call button. Note that Viber Out calls are not free and require purchasing credit.
Sending Stickers and Emojis:
- Open Viber: Launch the app.
- Select Contact: Go to the “Contacts” tab and select the conversation.
- Open Sticker/Emoji Menu: Tap on the smiley face or sticker icon within the chat window.
- Choose Stickers/Emojis: Browse and select the stickers or emojis you wish to send.
- Send: Tap on the chosen sticker or emoji to send it in the chat.
Using Viber on Multiple Devices:
Viber supports synchronization across multiple devices, though primarily designed for use on one device at a time.
- Link Devices: Viber allows linking of a desktop version for use alongside mobile devices. Download and install Viber on your desktop.
- Sync with Mobile: Open Viber on your mobile device, navigate to “More” or the settings menu, and select “QR Code.”
- Scan QR Code: Use the mobile app to scan the QR code displayed on the desktop version to link your accounts.
Privacy and Security Settings:
- Open Viber: Launch the app.
- Access Settings: Tap on the “More” tab (three horizontal lines or dots).
- Go to Privacy Settings: Select “Settings,” then “Privacy.”
- Adjust Settings: Customize your privacy preferences, such as who can see your last seen status, profile picture, and more.
5. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Call Quality Problems:
- Check Internet Connection: Ensure you have a strong and stable internet connection.
- Update the App: Ensure you are using the latest version of Viber by checking for updates in your app store.
- Restart the App: Close and reopen the app to resolve temporary glitches.
Problems with Message Delivery:
- Check Connectivity: Ensure your device is connected to the internet.
- Reinstall the App: Uninstall and reinstall Viber if issues persist.
Sync Issues:
- Verify Phone Number: Make sure your phone number is correctly verified.
- Check Permissions: Ensure Viber has the necessary permissions to access your contacts and sync data.
By following these steps, users can effectively navigate and utilize Viber’s features on their mobile devices, enhancing their communication experience through this versatile application.