How to Download and Install Viber: A Comprehensive Guide for All Devices
In today’s interconnected world, staying in touch with friends, family, and colleagues is more important than ever. Viber, a popular messaging and calling app, offers a seamless way to connect across different devices and platforms. This comprehensive guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to download and install Viber on various devices, ensuring you can start enjoying its features in no time.
## What is Viber?
Viber is a cross-platform voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and instant messaging application owned by Rakuten. It allows users to make free calls, send text messages, share images and videos, and more, to other Viber users. Viber also offers paid features like Viber Out, which allows you to call non-Viber users at competitive rates. Key features include:
* **Free Calls and Messages:** Connect with other Viber users globally without incurring charges.
* **Group Chats:** Create groups with up to 250 members for easy communication with multiple people.
* **Stickers and GIFs:** Express yourself with a wide range of stickers and GIFs.
* **End-to-End Encryption:** Enjoy secure conversations with end-to-end encryption for all messages and calls.
* **Viber Out:** Make calls to landlines and mobile phones worldwide at low rates.
* **Viber Communities:** Join or create communities based on interests, hobbies, or topics.
* **Desktop App:** Seamlessly sync your Viber account across your mobile and desktop devices.
## Downloading Viber on Different Devices
Below are detailed instructions for downloading and installing Viber on various devices:
### 1. Downloading Viber on Android
Android devices are the most popular platform for Viber. Here’s how to download and install Viber on your Android smartphone or tablet:
**Step 1: Open the Google Play Store**
Locate the Google Play Store app on your Android device. It’s usually represented by a colorful triangle icon.
**Step 2: Search for Viber**
Tap on the search bar at the top of the Play Store and type “Viber”.
**Step 3: Select Viber Messenger**
From the search results, find the official Viber Messenger app (usually developed by Viber Media S.à r.l.) and tap on it.
**Step 4: Install Viber**
Tap the “Install” button. The app will begin downloading and installing on your device. This process may take a few minutes, depending on your internet connection speed.
**Step 5: Open Viber**
Once the installation is complete, tap the “Open” button. Alternatively, you can find the Viber icon on your home screen or app drawer and tap it to launch the app.
**Step 6: Grant Permissions**
Viber will request several permissions, such as access to your contacts, microphone, and camera. Grant these permissions to allow Viber to function properly. Without these permissions, certain features of Viber will not work.
**Step 7: Verify Your Phone Number**
Enter your phone number (including your country code) in the provided field. Viber will send a verification code to your phone number via SMS.
**Step 8: Enter the Verification Code**
Enter the verification code you received via SMS into the app. This will verify your phone number and activate your Viber account.
**Step 9: Set Up Your Profile**
Optionally, you can set up your Viber profile by adding your name and a profile picture. This will help your contacts recognize you on Viber.
### 2. Downloading Viber on iOS (iPhone/iPad)
The process of downloading Viber on iOS devices (iPhone and iPad) is similar to Android:
**Step 1: Open the App Store**
Find the App Store icon on your iPhone or iPad and tap it.
**Step 2: Search for Viber**
Tap on the “Search” tab at the bottom of the App Store and type “Viber” into the search bar.
**Step 3: Select Viber Messenger**
From the search results, locate the official Viber Messenger app and tap on it.
**Step 4: Install Viber**
Tap the “Get” button, then tap “Install”. You may be prompted to enter your Apple ID password or use Touch ID/Face ID to confirm the installation. The app will download and install on your device.
**Step 5: Open Viber**
Once the installation is complete, tap the “Open” button. You can also find the Viber icon on your home screen and tap it to launch the app.
**Step 6: Grant Permissions**
Viber will request permissions to access your contacts, microphone, and camera. Grant these permissions to ensure Viber functions correctly.
**Step 7: Verify Your Phone Number**
Enter your phone number (including your country code) in the provided field. Viber will send a verification code to your phone number via SMS.
**Step 8: Enter the Verification Code**
Enter the verification code you received via SMS into the app. This verifies your phone number and activates your Viber account.
**Step 9: Set Up Your Profile**
Optionally, you can set up your profile by adding your name and a profile picture.
### 3. Downloading Viber on Windows or macOS (Desktop)
Viber also offers a desktop application for Windows and macOS, allowing you to use Viber on your computer. Here’s how to download and install it:
**Step 1: Visit the Viber Website**
Open your web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari) and go to the official Viber website: [https://www.viber.com/](https://www.viber.com/)
**Step 2: Navigate to the Download Section**
Look for the “Download Viber” button or a section dedicated to downloading the app for different platforms. This is typically found in the footer or header of the website.
**Step 3: Choose Your Operating System**
Select the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows or macOS). The website should automatically detect your operating system and offer the correct download, but ensure you select the right one manually if needed.
**Step 4: Download the Installer**
Click on the download button for your chosen operating system. The installer file (e.g., ViberSetup.exe for Windows, Viber.dmg for macOS) will begin downloading to your computer.
**Step 5: Run the Installer**
Once the download is complete, locate the installer file in your Downloads folder and double-click it to run it.
**Step 6: Follow the Installation Instructions**
The installer will guide you through the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions. Typically, this involves accepting the license agreement and choosing an installation location.
**Step 7: Open Viber**
After the installation is complete, the Viber application will usually launch automatically. If not, find the Viber icon on your desktop or in your Applications folder (macOS) and double-click it to open it.
**Step 8: Activate Viber**
The desktop app requires you to activate it using your mobile phone. Ensure Viber is installed and activated on your smartphone. The desktop app will display a QR code.
**Step 9: Scan the QR Code with Your Mobile App**
* **On Android:** Open Viber on your Android device, tap on the “More” tab (three horizontal lines), then tap “Settings” > “Account” > “Desktop & Tablets”. Tap “Scan QR Code” and scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen.
* **On iOS:** Open Viber on your iOS device, tap on the “More” tab (three dots), then tap “Settings” > “Account” > “Desktop & Tablets”. Tap “Scan QR Code” and scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen.
**Step 10: Sync Your Account**
After scanning the QR code, your Viber account will be synchronized with the desktop app. Your contacts and messages will be available on your computer.
### 4. Downloading Viber on Linux
While Viber doesn’t offer a directly supported Linux application through conventional package managers, there are workarounds to install and use Viber on Linux distributions, often through Snap or by using a package provided on Viber’s website (if available) or from the community.
**Step 1: Check for Official Packages or Snap Support**
First, check the Viber website for a Linux-specific package. Sometimes, they provide a `.deb` or `.rpm` package or instructions. Also, check if your distribution supports Snap packages, which is often the easiest route.
**Step 2a: Installing via Snap (If Supported)**
If your Linux distribution supports Snap, you can install Viber using the following command in your terminal:
bash
sudo snap install viber
You might need to ensure Snap is installed and configured on your system first. Instructions vary depending on your distribution (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian).
**Step 2b: Installing via .deb or .rpm Package (If Available)**
If you downloaded a `.deb` package (common for Debian-based systems like Ubuntu), you can install it using:
bash
sudo dpkg -i /path/to/viber.deb
sudo apt-get install -f
Replace `/path/to/viber.deb` with the actual path to the downloaded `.deb` file. The `apt-get install -f` command resolves any dependency issues.
For `.rpm` packages (common for Fedora, CentOS, Red Hat), you can use:
bash
sudo rpm -i /path/to/viber.rpm
Replace `/path/to/viber.rpm` with the actual path to the downloaded `.rpm` file. You might need to resolve dependencies using `yum` or `dnf` depending on your distribution.
**Step 3: Launch Viber**
After installation, you should be able to find Viber in your application menu. Launch it.
**Step 4: Activate Viber**
Similar to the desktop application, you’ll need to activate Viber by scanning a QR code with your Viber mobile app. Follow the same steps as described in the Desktop section:
* Open Viber on your Android or iOS device.
* Go to Settings > Account > Desktop & Tablets (or similar).
* Scan the QR code displayed on your Linux Viber application.
**Important Notes for Linux Users:**
* **Dependencies:** Installing Viber on Linux can sometimes require resolving dependencies manually. Pay attention to any error messages during the installation process and search online for solutions specific to your distribution.
* **Unofficial Packages:** Be cautious when using unofficial packages from the community. Ensure you trust the source and understand the risks involved.
* **Snap vs. Native Packages:** Snap packages are often easier to install and manage dependencies, but they might have some performance overhead compared to native packages.
## Troubleshooting Common Viber Installation Issues
Even with detailed instructions, you might encounter issues during the Viber installation process. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
* **Installation Failed:** Ensure you have enough storage space on your device. Close any unnecessary apps running in the background. Restart your device and try again.
* **Verification Code Not Received:** Double-check that you entered the correct phone number, including the country code. Ensure your phone can receive SMS messages. Request a new verification code after a few minutes. If you still don’t receive it, contact Viber support.
* **App Crashing:** Clear the app’s cache and data in your device’s settings (Android) or reinstall the app. Ensure your operating system is up to date.
* **Permission Issues:** Check your device’s settings to ensure Viber has the necessary permissions (contacts, microphone, camera). Grant these permissions if they are disabled.
* **QR Code Scanning Issues (Desktop):** Make sure the QR code is clearly visible on your computer screen. Ensure your phone’s camera is clean and focused. Try generating a new QR code in the desktop app.
* **Linux Specific Issues:** Ensure all dependencies are met. Check online forums specific to your Linux distribution for reported issues and solutions related to Viber installation.
## Optimizing Your Viber Experience
Once you’ve successfully installed Viber, here are some tips to optimize your experience:
* **Update Viber Regularly:** Keep your Viber app updated to the latest version to ensure you have the latest features, bug fixes, and security updates.
* **Customize Notification Settings:** Configure your notification settings to receive alerts for important messages and calls without being overwhelmed by unnecessary notifications.
* **Manage Storage Usage:** Viber can consume a significant amount of storage space, especially if you send and receive many images and videos. Regularly clear your Viber chat history and delete unnecessary media files.
* **Use Wi-Fi for Calls and Media:** To avoid data charges, use Wi-Fi for making calls and sending or receiving large media files.
* **Adjust Privacy Settings:** Configure your privacy settings to control who can see your profile picture, online status, and other personal information.
* **Explore Viber Communities:** Discover and join Viber communities that align with your interests to connect with like-minded people.
* **Utilize Viber Out for Affordable Calls:** If you need to call non-Viber users, consider using Viber Out for affordable international calls.
## Conclusion
Downloading and installing Viber is a straightforward process on most devices. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can quickly get started with Viber and enjoy its features for staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues around the world. Remember to troubleshoot any issues you encounter and optimize your Viber experience for the best possible communication.
By providing clear and concise instructions, this guide empowers you to download and install Viber on your preferred device, regardless of your technical expertise. Enjoy the seamless communication and connection that Viber offers!