How to Download Viber for Free: A Comprehensive Guide

Viber is a popular messaging and calling app that allows users to connect with friends, family, and colleagues around the world for free. It offers a wide range of features including text messaging, voice calls, video calls, group chats, and file sharing. Whether you’re looking to stay in touch with loved ones or collaborate with your team, Viber provides a convenient and cost-effective communication solution. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to download Viber for free on various devices, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free installation process.

Why Choose Viber?

Before we dive into the download process, let’s explore some of the compelling reasons why Viber is a preferred choice for millions of users worldwide:

Free Communication: Viber uses your internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) to facilitate free calls and messages to other Viber users, eliminating the need for traditional phone charges.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Viber is available on a wide range of devices, including smartphones (Android and iOS), tablets, and desktop computers (Windows, macOS, and Linux). This allows you to stay connected regardless of the device you’re using.
High-Quality Calls: Viber utilizes advanced audio and video compression technologies to deliver clear and crisp calls, even on low-bandwidth connections.
End-to-End Encryption: Viber employs end-to-end encryption for all one-on-one chats and calls, ensuring that your conversations remain private and secure. Only you and the recipient can read or hear your messages.
Group Chats: Viber allows you to create group chats with up to 250 participants, making it ideal for coordinating events, sharing information, or simply staying in touch with a large group of people.
Viber Out: Viber Out is a paid service that allows you to make calls to non-Viber users on mobile and landline phones at competitive rates. This is a useful feature for calling people who don’t have Viber installed.
Stickers and GIFs: Viber offers a vast library of stickers and GIFs that you can use to express yourself in your chats. You can also create your own custom stickers.
Community Features: Viber allows you to join and participate in public communities focused on various topics, allowing you to connect with people who share your interests.
Disappearing Messages: Viber allows you to send disappearing messages that automatically delete themselves after a set period of time, adding an extra layer of privacy to your conversations.
File Sharing: Viber allows you to share various types of files, including documents, photos, videos, and audio recordings.

Downloading Viber on Different Devices

The process of downloading and installing Viber varies slightly depending on the device you’re using. Below are detailed instructions for downloading Viber on the most popular platforms:

1. Downloading Viber on Android Smartphones and Tablets

The most common way to download Viber on Android devices is through the Google Play Store. Here’s how:

Open the Google Play Store: Locate the Google Play Store icon on your home screen or app drawer and tap on it to open. The Google Play Store icon typically looks like a colorful triangle.
Search for Viber: In the search bar at the top of the screen, type “Viber” and tap the search icon (usually a magnifying glass).
Select Viber Messenger: A list of search results will appear. Look for “Viber Messenger” in the list and tap on it to open the app’s page. Ensure that the developer is listed as “Viber Media S.à r.l.”.
Tap the Install Button: On the Viber Messenger app page, you will see an “Install” button. Tap on this button to begin the download and installation process.
Accept Permissions: A pop-up window will appear asking you to grant Viber certain permissions, such as access to your contacts, microphone, and camera. Review the permissions carefully and tap “Accept” to continue. Viber needs these permissions to function properly. For instance, access to your contacts allows Viber to identify which of your contacts are already Viber users, and access to your microphone and camera is needed for voice and video calls.
Wait for the Download and Installation: The app will now download and install automatically. The download speed will depend on your internet connection. Once the installation is complete, you will see an “Open” button.
Open Viber: Tap the “Open” button to launch Viber. You can also find the Viber icon in your app drawer or on your home screen.
Register Your Phone Number: When you open Viber for the first time, you will be prompted to enter your phone number. Enter your phone number carefully and tap “Continue.” Viber will send you a verification code via SMS.
Enter the Verification Code: Enter the verification code that you received via SMS. Once you enter the correct code, Viber will automatically verify your account.
Sync Your Contacts: Viber will ask you if you want to sync your contacts. If you choose to sync your contacts, Viber will automatically identify which of your contacts are already using Viber and add them to your Viber contact list. You can also choose to skip this step and manually add contacts later.
Set Up Your Profile: You can now set up your Viber profile by adding your name and profile picture. This information will be visible to your contacts on Viber.

2. Downloading Viber on iPhones and iPads (iOS)

The process of downloading Viber on iOS devices is similar to that of Android. You’ll use the App Store:

Open the App Store: Locate the App Store icon on your home screen and tap on it to open. The App Store icon typically looks like a blue “A” inside a circle.
Search for Viber: Tap the “Search” tab at the bottom of the screen. In the search bar at the top of the screen, type “Viber” and tap the search button.
Select Viber Messenger: A list of search results will appear. Look for “Viber Messenger” in the list and tap on it to open the app’s page. Ensure that the developer is listed as “Viber Media S.à r.l.”.
Tap the Get Button: On the Viber Messenger app page, you will see a “Get” button. Tap on this button to begin the download and installation process. You may be prompted to enter your Apple ID password or use Touch ID/Face ID to authorize the download.
Wait for the Download and Installation: The app will now download and install automatically. The download speed will depend on your internet connection. Once the installation is complete, you will see an “Open” button.
Open Viber: Tap the “Open” button to launch Viber. You can also find the Viber icon on your home screen.
Register Your Phone Number: When you open Viber for the first time, you will be prompted to enter your phone number. Enter your phone number carefully and tap “Continue.” Viber will send you a verification code via SMS.
Enter the Verification Code: Enter the verification code that you received via SMS. Once you enter the correct code, Viber will automatically verify your account.
Sync Your Contacts: Viber will ask you if you want to sync your contacts. If you choose to sync your contacts, Viber will automatically identify which of your contacts are already using Viber and add them to your Viber contact list. You can also choose to skip this step and manually add contacts later.
Set Up Your Profile: You can now set up your Viber profile by adding your name and profile picture. This information will be visible to your contacts on Viber.

3. Downloading Viber on Windows and macOS (Desktop)

You can also download Viber for your desktop computer, allowing you to chat and make calls from your computer. Here’s how to download Viber for Windows and macOS:

Visit the Viber Website: Open your web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari) and go to the official Viber website: https://www.viber.com/
Navigate to the Download Page: On the Viber website, look for a “Download” or “Get Viber” button. This button is usually prominently displayed on the homepage.
Select Your Operating System: The website should automatically detect your operating system (Windows or macOS) and provide the appropriate download link. If it doesn’t, you may need to manually select your operating system from a list.
Download the Viber Installer: Click on the download link to download the Viber installer file to your computer. The file will typically be saved in your Downloads folder.
Run the Installer: Once the download is complete, locate the Viber installer file in your Downloads folder and double-click on it to run the installer.
Follow the Installation Instructions: The Viber installer will guide you through the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully. You may need to accept the license agreement and choose an installation location.
Launch Viber: Once the installation is complete, Viber will launch automatically. You can also find the Viber icon on your desktop or in your Start Menu (Windows) or Applications folder (macOS).
Activate Viber: When you open Viber for the first time on your desktop, you will be prompted to activate your account. To do this, you will need to have Viber already installed on your smartphone or tablet.
Scan the QR Code: Viber on your desktop will display a QR code. Open Viber on your smartphone or tablet, go to “Settings” (usually found by tapping the “More” button), and then tap “Scan QR Code.”
Scan the QR Code on Your Desktop: Use your smartphone or tablet to scan the QR code displayed on your desktop screen. Once the QR code is scanned, Viber on your desktop will be automatically activated and synced with your Viber account on your smartphone or tablet.

4. Downloading Viber on Linux (Desktop)

Viber also offers a Linux version, although the installation process might require a bit more technical know-how. Here’s a general outline:

Visit the Viber Website: Open your web browser and go to the official Viber website: https://www.viber.com/
Navigate to the Download Page: Find the “Download” section and look for the Linux version.
Choose the Correct Package: Viber typically provides packages for different Linux distributions (e.g., .deb for Debian/Ubuntu, .rpm for Fedora/CentOS). Choose the package that is compatible with your Linux distribution.
Download the Package: Download the selected package to your computer.
Install the Package: The installation process varies depending on your Linux distribution. Here are a few common methods:
- Using the Command Line (Debian/Ubuntu): Open a terminal and navigate to the directory where you downloaded the package. Then, run the following command: sudo dpkg -i viber.deb (replace “viber.deb” with the actual name of the package). After running this command, you may need to run sudo apt-get install -f to resolve any dependency issues.
- Using the Command Line (Fedora/CentOS): Open a terminal and navigate to the directory where you downloaded the package. Then, run the following command: sudo rpm -i viber.rpm (replace “viber.rpm” with the actual name of the package).
- Using a Package Manager: Many Linux distributions have graphical package managers (e.g., GNOME Software, KDE Discover) that you can use to install the package. Simply open the package manager, locate the downloaded package, and click “Install.”
Launch Viber: Once the installation is complete, you should be able to find Viber in your applications menu.
Activate Viber: Follow the same activation process as described for Windows and macOS, using the QR code scanner on your smartphone or tablet.

Troubleshooting Common Download and Installation Issues

While the download and installation process is generally straightforward, you may encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Download Issues:
- Slow Download Speed: If your download speed is slow, check your internet connection. Make sure you have a stable and reliable internet connection. Try restarting your router or modem.
- Download Interrupted: If the download is interrupted, try restarting the download. If the problem persists, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies or using a different browser.
- Download Not Starting: If the download doesn’t start, make sure your browser is up to date and that you have enough storage space on your device.
Installation Issues:
- Installation Failed: If the installation fails, make sure you have the necessary permissions to install software on your device. On Windows, you may need to run the installer as an administrator. On macOS, you may need to adjust your security settings to allow apps from identified developers.
- Compatibility Issues: Make sure you are downloading the correct version of Viber for your operating system. Check the system requirements for Viber to ensure that your device meets the minimum requirements.
- Insufficient Storage Space: Make sure you have enough storage space on your device to install Viber.
- Conflicting Software: Sometimes, other software on your device may conflict with the installation of Viber. Try closing any other applications that are running and try installing Viber again.
Activation Issues:
- Incorrect Verification Code: If you don’t receive the verification code or if the verification code is incorrect, make sure you entered your phone number correctly. Also, check your spam or junk folder in case the SMS was mistakenly filtered. You can also request a new verification code.
- QR Code Scanning Issues: If you are having trouble scanning the QR code, make sure the QR code is clearly visible and that your smartphone or tablet’s camera is working properly. Try adjusting the lighting or moving your device closer or farther away from the screen.
- Account Already in Use: You can only use one phone number per Viber account. If you are trying to activate Viber on a new device with a phone number that is already associated with an existing Viber account, you will need to deactivate the existing account first.
General Troubleshooting Tips:
- Restart Your Device: Sometimes, simply restarting your device can resolve many common issues.
- Check Your Internet Connection: Make sure you have a stable and reliable internet connection.
- Update Your Operating System: Make sure your operating system is up to date.
- Contact Viber Support: If you are still having trouble, you can contact Viber support for assistance.

Privacy and Security Considerations

While Viber offers end-to-end encryption for one-on-one chats and calls, it’s important to be aware of some privacy and security considerations:

Metadata: While the content of your messages and calls is encrypted, Viber still collects metadata, such as your phone number, IP address, and usage patterns. This data can be used for various purposes, such as analytics and advertising.
Group Chats: End-to-end encryption is not enabled by default for group chats. You need to manually enable it in the group chat settings.
Viber Out Calls: Viber Out calls are not end-to-end encrypted because they are routed through the public telephone network.
Phishing and Scams: Be wary of phishing and scams on Viber. Do not click on suspicious links or provide personal information to unknown contacts.
Data Sharing: Be aware of Viber’s data sharing practices. Review Viber’s privacy policy to understand how your data is collected, used, and shared.
Permissions: Carefully review the permissions that you grant to Viber. Only grant permissions that are necessary for Viber to function properly.
Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication for your Viber account to add an extra layer of security.
Regularly Update Viber: Keep Viber updated to the latest version to ensure that you have the latest security patches and bug fixes.

Conclusion

Downloading Viber for free is a simple process that allows you to connect with friends, family, and colleagues around the world. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily download and install Viber on your Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, or Linux device. Remember to consider the privacy and security aspects of using Viber and take appropriate measures to protect your personal information. Enjoy the convenience and cost-effectiveness of Viber for your communication needs!