What to Know
- Use a WhatsApp group directory like WhatsGroupLink. Find a group and tap JOIN CHAT > JOIN GROUP.
- Try a mobile app like Groups for WhatsApp (iPhone-only). There aren't any quality Android apps.
- WhatsApp doesn't have a search function for groups.
This article explains how to find and join WhatsApp groups, even without an invite.
Search Google for WhatsApp Group Directory Websites
Some websites are entirely dedicated to accepting WhatsApp group submissions and listing their invite links publicly for anyone to join. You can easily find them by searching Google for terms like "whatsapp group links," "whatsapp group invite," and more.
A simple Google search turns up results like WhatsGroupLink.
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WhatsGroupLink.com keeps an updated directory of public WhatsApp groups to join. The site is so popular that it has over 200,000 social shares. Select a category from the top to go to it directly, or scroll down to see a list of group names in each category.
You can join WhatsApp groups this way even if you're browsing for them on a desktop web browser — as long as you have the WhatsApp desktop app installed on your computer.
Once you've found a group you're interested in joining, select it to open the corresponding WhatsApp group link in a new tab, select the green JOIN CHAT button to access the group and then JOIN GROUP from WhatsApp to join the group.
Be careful where you click. These sites aren't affiliated with WhatsApp, and there's always a risk that they could lead to spam or scams. Official WhatsApp group invite links should look like this: chat.whatsapp.com/invite/XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. Beware of links that look different or any site that asks you to download something or enter your personal information.
Search the App Store or Google Play for WhatsApp Group Directory Apps
Similar to the third-party sites mentioned above, you might be able to find mobile apps from third-party developers designed to list WhatsApp group links to join. Try searching for "whatsapp groups" on the App Store or in Google Play to see what comes up.
The selection of apps is pretty slim. There are only a few poorly rated apps designed to serve as directories for WhatsApp groups on Google Play, and there's only one on the App Store called Groups for WhatsApp.
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The app has a clean and straightforward interface with an easy-to-use category tab to find new groups by interest (in 28 categories). Once you've selected a group, tap the green Join Group button to open it and join it in your WhatsApp app.
Search Social Networks and Forums for Users Sharing Their Group Links
The final place you can search for WhatsApp groups and links to join them is on your favorite social networks or forums. Here are some suggestions on where and how to look:
- Facebook: Search "whatsapp groups" and then select the Groups filter. Some Facebook groups exist only to encourage people to share their group links and help others discover them.
- Tumblr: Search "whatsapp groups" or "whatsapp group links" to find posts from people sharing group links or entire blogs dedicated entirely to featuring groups to join.
- Reddit: Search "whatsapp group links" and browse through the thread results. The most relevant ones will likely involve promoting public WhatsApp groups for other users to join. Still, you might want to try sorting results by newest if you notice that most of the results you're getting were posted a year ago or earlier.
In forums, use the search function (usually located at the top, above all the topics) to search terms like "whatsapp group" or even "whatsapp" to see what kind of thread topics or replies come up. Since forums are still a popular place online to discuss shared interests, you might be able to find postings that include WhatsApp group links to encourage forum users to take their discussion off the desktop web and onto a mobile platform.
Not everyone on social networks or in forums will be willing to share their WhatsApp group link publicly in a post. Some group admins may ask you to message them directly if you want to receive an invite.
WhatsApp Groups and Invite Links
WhatsApp groups are great for chatting with multiple people. The issue is WhatsApp doesn't have a search function to search for different groups to join because the app is a messaging platform—not a social network. Keeping groups closed from search is also good because it prevents spam and helps protect group members' privacy.
While most WhatsApp groups are meant to be kept private and shared only among close friends, some group admins allow almost anyone to join by providing group invite links to the public, often published online. The trick is finding these types of groups and their invite links.
If you want to join an existing group on WhatsApp, the only way to do so is by receiving an invite. Only current group admin members can send invites by generating an invite link. Once an invitee clicks on the link, they'll be able to join the group from within WhatsApp.
FAQ
How do you delete a WhatsApp group?
To delete a WhatsApp group, go to your Chats, tap and hold the group you want to delete, then tap Delete group. To save all photos and other media, uncheck Delete media. You must be the creator or admin of the group to delete it.
How do you exit a WhatsApp group?
To exit a WhatsApp Group as a member, open the group chat and tap the group name at the top. On the Group Info screen, scroll down and tap Exit Group.
How do you invite someone to a WhatsApp group?
To invite someone to a WhatsApp group, go to your Chats, swipe left on the group, and select More > Group Info > Add Participants or Invite to Group via Link. A group can have up to 256 participants.
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