WhatsApp Plus APK 18.80 — Download Latest Version August 2026

WhatsApp Plus APK 18.80: the complete 2026 guide

You are probably here because official WhatsApp no longer does what you need. Maybe you want to read a message without the blue double tick showing up, save a status before it disappears, or simply swap that familiar green for something that looks like your own. WhatsApp Plus was built for exactly those reasons, and it has stayed the most downloaded WhatsApp mod in the world for over a decade.

On this page you will find the APK file for version 18.80, updated in August 2026, along with everything worth knowing before and after you install it: which features actually work, how to install it step by step, how to avoid getting your account banned, how to back up your chats, and what to do when something goes wrong.

One honest warning before you continue: WhatsApp Plus is not an official Meta application, and using it goes against WhatsApp's terms of service. That does not make it illegal, but it does mean you take on some risk. This guide explains exactly what that risk is and how to keep it as small as possible.

Quick summary

What it is: WhatsApp Plus is a modified build of the original WhatsApp that adds privacy, customisation and control over your chats.
Features: Ghost mode, anti-delete, status downloads, blue themes, dual accounts, fingerprint lock and file sharing up to 1 GB.
Download and install: A 98 MB APK for Android 5.0+ or newer, with full step-by-step instructions further down this page.
Anti-ban protection: Version 18.80 carries the strongest anti-ban layer released so far, although no mod can promise total safety.
Older versions: If your phone is older or you prefer stability, the full version archive sits near the bottom of the page.
Troubleshooting: What to do if you get banned, if the APK will not install, if the SMS code never arrives, or if your chats vanish.
Comparisons: Honest differences against official WhatsApp and against other mods such as GB WhatsApp, Fouad and Aero.
Backups: How to back up your conversations and migrate from official WhatsApp to Plus (and back) without losing anything.

What is WhatsApp Plus?

WhatsApp Plus is a modified version of the official WhatsApp app, created in 2012 by developer Rafalete and later improved by AlexMods. It adds features the original app does not offer: hide blue ticks, freeze last seen, download statuses, apply blue color themes and send larger files. It is not on Google Play, so it is installed as an APK. Millions of people use it in Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Spain, India and Arabic-speaking countries.

Origin and development

WhatsApp Plus first appeared in 2012, created by Rafalete, a long-standing developer on the XDA forums who took the WhatsApp client and added the customisation options the official app never wanted to ship. It was one of the first messaging mods to become genuinely popular, and its blue icon turned into a signature.

WhatsApp Inc. responded by mass-banning accounts that used it, and the original project eventually shut down. Years later AlexMods picked the work back up, rebuilt the mod on top of modern versions of the official client, and added the anti-ban layer that is now its main selling point. That development line leads directly to version 18.80 available here.

This history matters for a practical reason: dozens of sites offer something called WhatsApp Plus, and many of them distribute repackaged APKs with injected advertising or outright malware. The legitimate mod comes from the Rafalete to AlexMods lineage, which is what we publish.

App specifications

Application	WhatsApp Plus
Version	v18.80
File size	98 MB
Minimum Android	5.0+
Rating	4.7 / 5
Downloads	20,000,000+
Licence	Free
Developer	Rafalete / AlexMods
Last updated	August 2026
Category	Communication / Messaging

What's new in version 18.80

Here is what changed compared with earlier builds of the mod:

Reinforced anti-ban layer with the lowest reported restriction rate of any release so far.
Individual chat locking with PIN, pattern or fingerprint, separate from the app lock.
Genuine dual-account support on one device, with no cloning apps required.
Granular privacy control over who sees your online status, photo, typing indicator and last seen.
Video sharing up to 1 GB and voice notes up to 100 MB with noticeably less compression.
Message editing for up to 15 minutes after sending.
Voice status updates up to 30 seconds and text statuses without a length cut-off.
Built-in chat translator supporting more than 100 languages.
Pinned notes inside each conversation for keeping important details handy.
Automatic filtering of messages from unknown numbers.
New chat bubble animations plus refined typography and icon sets.
Stability fixes: fewer unexpected closures and lower background battery drain.

Main features

Ghost mode

Browse and read messages without appearing online or turning ticks blue.

Blue themes

Customize colors, icons and chat bubbles with the WhatsApp Plus Blue style.

Anti-ban

Improved system that lowers the risk of your account being blocked.

Download statuses

Save your contacts' status photos and videos with one tap.

Files up to 1GB

Send videos up to 1GB and audio up to 100MB, far above the official limit.

Dual accounts

Use two numbers on the same phone without third-party apps.

Fingerprint lock

Protect the app and specific chats with PIN, pattern or fingerprint.

Auto translate

Translate messages into 100+ languages inside the chat.

Anti-delete

Read messages even after the sender deletes them.

Every feature explained

These are the features people actually install the mod for, with the exact path to switch each one on.

View statuses without being seen

The official app always tells the author who viewed their status. WhatsApp Plus lets you turn that notification off, so you can browse your contacts' updates without leaving a trace. It is by far the most used feature in the mod.

Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner.
Go to Settings then Privacy and security.
Turn on "Hide status view".

Hide blue read receipts

Read incoming messages without the sender seeing a read confirmation. Unlike the official toggle, you still see when other people read yours, and you can apply the rule to selected contacts or to groups only.

Open Settings then Privacy and security.
Enable "Hide read receipts".
Optionally pick which contacts or groups it applies to.

Freeze your last seen

This pins your last seen timestamp to a fixed moment. Even if you use the app all day, your contacts keep seeing the same time. You still see everyone else's last seen, which the official app blocks once you hide your own.

Go to Settings then Privacy and security.
Enable "Freeze last seen".

Anti-delete messages and statuses

When somebody deletes a message for everyone, WhatsApp Plus keeps it in your conversation and marks it as deleted. It works with text, images, video and voice notes, and also with statuses pulled before the 24-hour mark.

Open Settings then Privacy and security.
Enable "Anti-delete messages" and "Anti-delete statuses".

Anti view-once

Photos and videos sent as view-once normally vanish after you open them. With this enabled you can reopen them as often as you like, because the file is stored locally on your phone.

Go to Settings then Privacy and security.
Enable "Anti view-once".

Download contacts' statuses

Save photos and videos your contacts post straight to your gallery, with no third-party apps and no screenshots. You can also decide whether other people are allowed to download yours.

Open the Status tab.
Tap the download icon shown over each status.
The file lands in your phone gallery.

Themes, colours and fonts

The mod ships with a theme store holding thousands of community-made combinations. You can change the top bar colour, the shape of chat bubbles, the launcher icon and the entire interface typeface.

Open the menu then Themes.
Download a theme from the built-in store.
Tap Apply and the app restarts with the new look.

App lock and per-chat lock

Beyond locking the whole app with a fingerprint, PIN or pattern, you can lock individual conversations separately and even hide them from the main list so they only appear once you enter a code.

Go to Settings then Privacy and security then Lock.
Choose fingerprint, PIN or pattern.
To lock a single chat, long-press it and choose "Lock chat".

Two accounts on one phone

WhatsApp Plus installs alongside official WhatsApp instead of replacing it, because it uses a different package identifier. That lets you keep a personal number in one app and a work number in the other, each with its own chats, notifications and backups.

Install WhatsApp Plus without removing official WhatsApp.
Open it and enter your second phone number.
Verify it with the SMS code you receive.

Auto-reply and scheduled messages

Write a message and schedule it for a specific date and time, or set automatic replies for when you cannot pick up the phone. Especially useful if you handle customers over WhatsApp.

Open the menu then Auto reply or Message scheduler.
Write the message and pick recipients and timing.
Enable it and leave it running in the background.

DND mode

Cuts internet access for WhatsApp Plus alone while every other app keeps working normally. Ideal for going quiet for a while without putting the phone into aeroplane mode.

Find the aeroplane icon in the top bar of the main screen.
Tap it to switch DND on.
Tap again when you want to reconnect.

Large file sharing

The official 16 MB video limit is probably WhatsApp's most irritating restriction. The mod raises it to 1 GB for video and 100 MB for audio, lets you send up to 90 images at once, and allows APK and ZIP files.

Attach the file the way you normally would.
For long videos, pick the sending quality before you confirm.

The same conversations seen from the other side.

Other included features

Full ghost mode: Read, type and browse without ever appearing online.
Hide the typing indicator: Compose without the other person seeing that you are typing or recording.
Per-contact notifications: Different tone, vibration and LED colour for each person or group.
Unlimited pinned chats: No three-conversation cap like the official app.
Extended groups: Support for larger groups plus tabs to keep them organised.
Voice note speed: Play audio from 0.5x to 2x without leaving the chat.
Aeroplane-mode replies: Write replies offline and they send themselves on reconnect.
Chat statistics: See who you talk to most and which emojis you use.
Bulk sending: Send one message to several contacts without building a broadcast list.
Anti-spam: Automatically block anyone flooding you with repeat messages.
Per-chat wallpapers: A different background for every chat or group.
Scheduled backups: Automatic backups on whatever interval you choose.
Improved media viewer: Full-resolution photos and video with real zoom.
Expanded emoji sets: iPhone and Android emoji plus community packs.
Auto-download control: Decide which file types and sizes download by themselves.
No advertising: The mod injects no ads into the chat interface.

WhatsApp Plus vs official WhatsApp

Bars to real scale: the official video limit is barely visible next to it.

Feature	WhatsApp Plus	Official WhatsApp
Hide last seen	Yes	No
Hide online status	Yes	No
Hide typing indicator	Yes	No
Hide blue ticks	Yes	Partial
View statuses unseen	Yes	No
Download statuses	Yes	No
Anti-delete messages	Yes	No
Anti view-once	Yes	No
Video limit	1 GB	16 MB
Audio limit	100 MB	16 MB
Images per send	90	30
Pinned chats	Unlimited	3
Video status length	7 minutes	30 seconds
Themes and fonts	Yes	No
Change app icon	Yes	No
Two accounts on one phone	Yes	No
Fingerprint or PIN lock	Yes	Partial
Hide specific chats	Yes	No
Scheduled messages	Yes	No
Auto reply	Yes	Business only
DND mode	Yes	No
In-chat translator	Yes	No
Bulk send without broadcast	Yes	No
Available on Google Play	No	Yes
Automatic updates	No	Yes
Official support	No	Yes

Minimum requirements

Operating system: Android 5.0+ (Lollipop) or newer
Free space: At least 100 MB available on the phone
Connection: Stable Wi-Fi or mobile data for SMS verification
Permissions: "Install unknown apps" must be enabled
Phone number: An active line able to receive SMS or calls

How to install WhatsApp Plus (Android)

1
Allow "unknown sources"
Go to Settings → Security and allow installing apps outside Google Play.
2
Download the APK
Tap the download button on this page to get file 18.80.
3
Open the file
Find the APK in your file manager and tap "Install".
4
Verify your number
Open the app, enter your phone number and confirm it by SMS.

Tutorials →

Tips for a safe installation

Back up your chats in the official app before installing anything.
Confirm the downloaded file size matches the stated 98 MB.
Review the permissions requested at install time; be suspicious of anything unrelated to messaging.
Do not uninstall official WhatsApp until you have confirmed the mod works and restored your data.
Keep an antivirus on the phone and scan the APK before opening it.
Avoid sites that push you through several link shorteners or demand a "download manager".
Never share your six-digit verification code with anyone.
Turn on two-step verification as soon as setup finishes.
Update the mod as soon as a new release lands; older builds lose anti-ban protection.
If you rely on the mod for work, consider using a secondary number rather than your main one.

Is WhatsApp Plus safe?

Straight answer: the file we publish is scanned and free of malware, but using any WhatsApp mod carries risks worth understanding before you install.

What is genuinely safe. WhatsApp Plus keeps the end-to-end encryption of the original client, so your messages still travel encrypted. It adds protection layers the official app lacks, including fingerprint locking, two-step verification and hiding specific conversations.

What you are accepting. The mod breaks WhatsApp's terms of service, so Meta can restrict your account if it detects usage. The anti-ban layer in version 18.80 greatly reduces that chance, but no developer can rule it out entirely. And because it is not distributed through Google Play, updates never arrive on their own: you have to come back and download the new APK manually.

The real risk is the source. The vast majority of security problems blamed on WhatsApp Plus come from downloading the APK on sites that repackage it with adware or trojans. Always download from a site that keeps the build current, and check the file size (98 MB) before installing.

Advantages

Complete control over your privacy: last seen, read receipts, online status and typing indicator.
Full customisation of themes, colours, icons and fonts.
File sharing up to sixty times larger than the official app allows.
Status downloads without extra applications.
Two WhatsApp accounts running at once on a single phone.
Scheduled messages and automatic replies included as standard.
Per-chat locking with fingerprint, PIN or pattern.
Recovery of messages and statuses the sender deleted.
Completely free with no in-app advertising.

Disadvantages

Breaks WhatsApp terms of service and can lead to account restriction.
No official support; if something breaks you depend on the community.
Updates are manual and never arrive through Google Play.
No iPhone version and no native desktop app.
Downloading from an untrustworthy source can expose you to malware.
Some features misbehave on manufacturers with heavily customised Android skins.
Encryption cannot be independently audited the way the official app can.
Cloud backups are not always compatible between the mod and the official app.

How to update without losing your chats

Older builds lose anti-ban effectiveness over time, so update as soon as a new version appears. The process keeps your conversations intact as long as you follow this order:

1
Back up first
Open the mod, go to Settings then Chats then Backup, and wait for it to finish.
2
Download the new APK
Return to this page and grab version 18.80 from the main button.
3
Do not uninstall the old version
This is the critical step. Uninstalling wipes local data and you lose your chats.
4
Install over the top
Open the downloaded APK and confirm the update when Android asks.
5
Open and verify
On launch the app keeps your chats, themes and privacy settings.

What to do if your account gets banned

If the app shows a restricted-account notice, do not delete anything straight away. This procedure resolves most temporary bans:

No mod guarantees 100 %, but these choices change the odds a lot.

1
Stay calm and stop reinstalling
Repeatedly reinstalling the mod strengthens detection. Stop and work through these steps in order.
2
Save your data
Using the file manager, copy the WhatsApp Plus folder somewhere safe in storage.
3
Uninstall the mod
Remove WhatsApp Plus from the phone entirely.
4
Install official WhatsApp
Download it from Google Play and sign in with your usual number.
5
Use the official app for a few days
Keeping the account active on the official client for three or four days usually lifts temporary bans.
6
If the ban persists
Remove the SIM for a couple of days, or request a review from the notice inside the app.
7
Return to the mod carefully
Install version 18.80 again, which carries the strongest anti-ban protection.
8
Restore your backup
Put the saved folder back and let the app restore your conversations.

How to back up your chats

Mods do not always cooperate with Google cloud backup, so the reliable approach combines a local backup with a Drive backup:

The manual folder copy is the one that really saves you if the phone is lost.

1
Open chat settings
Three-dot menu, then Settings, Chats, Backup.
2
Choose what to include
Tick the video option if you want media preserved; it multiplies size and duration.
3
Run the backup
Press Save and leave the app open until the progress bar completes.
4
Schedule automatic backups
In the same menu, set a daily or weekly interval so you do not have to remember.
5
Copy the folder manually
Open the file manager, find the app folder in internal storage and copy it to an SD card, a PC or the cloud. This is the backup that really saves you.

Moving your chats from official WhatsApp to Plus

If you are coming from the official app and want your full history, this is the route that works:

1
Back up in the official app
Open WhatsApp, go to Settings, Chats, Backup and save including media.
2
Find the data folder
Using the file manager, locate the folder WhatsApp uses for messages and media.
3
Install WhatsApp Plus
Download APK 18.80 from this page and install it without removing the official app yet.
4
Verify the same number
Open the mod and enter your usual number; the code arrives by SMS.
5
Accept the restore
When the app detects the backup, choose Restore and wait for it to finish.
6
Check before deleting anything
Confirm every chat is there, and only then decide whether to remove the official app.

The reverse process, from WhatsApp Plus to the official app, works identically: back up in the mod, install from Google Play, verify the same number and restore.

Using WhatsApp Plus on PC or Windows

There is no native desktop build of WhatsApp Plus, but there are two ways to run it on Windows or macOS:

With an Android emulator: Install BlueStacks, LDPlayer or NoxPlayer, drop the downloaded APK onto it, and the mod runs in a desktop window with every feature intact.
With the linked web version: From the mod, open the menu then Linked devices and scan the WhatsApp Web QR code. Your chats appear on the big screen, though mod-exclusive features stay on the phone.
Which to choose: The emulator is the complete route but eats a lot of RAM; the web version is light and instant and is usually enough for comfortable typing.

WhatsApp Plus for iPhone (iOS)

Let us be direct: there is no WhatsApp Plus for iPhone. Apple restrictions prevent installing apps outside the App Store without a jailbreak, and no iOS build of the mod exists. Any site offering one is, at best, funnelling you into a survey.

Use the native privacy settings: Official WhatsApp already lets you hide last seen, disable read receipts and silence unknown callers under Settings then Privacy.
Try WhatsApp Business: If you mainly want auto-replies and away messages, the official Business app includes them free with no ban risk.
Avoid alternative app stores: Services promising iOS mods through developer profiles usually expire within days and are a common vector for account theft.

WhatsApp Plus versus other mods

WhatsApp Plus is not the only mod out there. Here is how it really compares with the best-known alternatives:

WhatsApp Plus: The oldest and most searched-for in Spanish-speaking markets. Independent installation with no QR linking, and the most refined anti-ban layer.
GB WhatsApp: Nearly identical features and an enormous community in India and Indonesia. The interface is busier and some builds require QR linking.
Fouad WhatsApp: The most customisable of the lot, with extremely detailed design options. In exchange it is the heaviest and hardest on battery.
WhatsApp Aero: Focused on design and smoothness with polished animations. Updates land less frequently than the others.
YoWhatsApp: A decent balance of features and stability, though development has been uneven in recent years.

Popular in these countries

🇵🇪 Peru
🇨🇴 Colombia
🇲🇽 Mexico
🇪🇸 Spain
🇧🇷 Brazil
🇮🇩 Indonesia
🇮🇳 India
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
🇺🇸 USA
🇱🇾 Libya

Available downloads

Here is the latest WhatsApp Plus release along with other WhatsApp mods built by third-party developers. Only download the one you plan to use: running several mods on the same number raises the risk of a ban.

WhatsApp Plus v18.80 Latest version · 98 MB · Android 5.0+
Download

Common problems and fixes

Installation fails or says "app not installed"

Usually Google Play Protect. Open Play Store, Settings, Play Protect and disable scanning temporarily. Also check you do not already have another build of the same mod installed.

The verification code never arrives

Make sure the number includes the country code. If nothing arrives within five minutes, request verification by call. If it still fails, try the SIM in another phone.

The app closes by itself

Go to Android Settings, Apps, WhatsApp Plus, Storage and clear the cache. If it continues, reinstall over the top with the latest APK.

My chats are missing after installing

The backup was not detected. Check you used the same number and that the data folder is still in internal storage.

I cannot send large files

Check you have enough free space and that sending quality is not capped under Settings, Storage and data.

Battery drains quickly

Disable automatic media downloads and reduce how often automatic backups run.

WhatsApp Plus tutorials and guides

Detailed step-by-step guides, all tested on version 18.80. Pick the one you need and follow it without skipping steps.

How to install WhatsApp Plus 18.80 step by step

A complete guide to installing the APK on any Android, even if you have never installed an app outside Google Play.

How to update WhatsApp Plus without losing chats

Move to version 18.80 while keeping conversations, themes and settings. The order of the steps is what matters.

How to hide blue ticks in WhatsApp Plus

Read messages without the sender knowing, and apply it only to the contacts you choose.

How to avoid getting banned on WhatsApp Plus

The practices that genuinely reduce ban risk, and the myths that circulate online.

How to download your contacts' statuses

Save photos and videos from statuses straight to your gallery, with no screenshots and no extra apps.

Chat backup and restore

How to back up conversations to Google Drive and locally, and restore them when you change phone.

Frequently asked questions

Does WhatsApp Plus still exist in 2026?

Yes. The mod is still actively developed and the current release is version 18.80, shipped with anti-ban and privacy improvements. You can download it from the main button on this page.

Is WhatsApp Plus safe to use?

The file itself is scanned and malware-free, and it keeps end-to-end encryption. The real risk is not a virus but Meta detecting the mod and restricting your account. Downloading from a trustworthy source and backing up first keeps things stable.

Can my account get banned?

It is possible but uncommon with version 18.80, which carries the most advanced anti-ban layer to date. To lower the risk, keep the mod updated and avoid mass-messaging strangers.

What do I do if I am already banned?

Uninstall the mod, install official WhatsApp from Google Play and use the account normally for three or four days. Most bans are temporary and lift on their own. The full procedure is in the dedicated section of this page.

Does it work on iPhone?

No. WhatsApp Plus is Android only. Apple restrictions prevent installing apps outside the App Store, and no iOS build of the mod exists. Be wary of any site claiming otherwise.

Can I run WhatsApp Plus and official WhatsApp together?

Yes. The mod uses a different package identifier, so both apps coexist on the same phone. You need a separate phone number for each.

Can I use my normal WhatsApp number?

Yes, and most people do. Even so, if your number is essential for work, consider using a secondary line for the mod and keeping the main one on the official app.

How do I update without losing chats?

Download the newest APK and install it over the existing one without uninstalling. Uninstalling first wipes local data. Back up beforehand as a precaution.

How big is it and which Android do I need?

The file is 98 MB and requires Android 5.0+ or newer, plus roughly 100 MB free for installation.

Can I use it on PC or Windows?

Not natively, but you can run it in an Android emulator such as BlueStacks or LDPlayer, or link your chats to the web version by scanning the QR code from the mod.

How do I hide that I viewed a status?

Go to Settings, Privacy and security, and enable "Hide status view". From then on you can see contacts' updates without appearing in their viewer list.

Can I recover a deleted message?

Yes, if anti-delete was enabled before the message was removed. It stays in your chat marked as deleted. It does not work retroactively for messages deleted before you turned the feature on.

Does WhatsApp Plus show ads?

No. The mod inserts no advertising inside the app. If your build shows ads in chats, you downloaded it from a source that repackaged the file: uninstall it.

How is it different from GB WhatsApp?

The features are very similar. WhatsApp Plus is older, installs more simply and runs independently without linking to the official app. GB WhatsApp dominates in India and Indonesia and has a busier interface.

Is using WhatsApp Plus legal?

Downloading and using it is not illegal in most countries, but it does breach the terms of service you accepted with WhatsApp. The possible consequence is administrative (account restriction), not criminal.

How often do new versions come out?

Roughly every one to two months, usually after the official app updates. Check back here periodically or watch the versions section.

Conclusion

WhatsApp Plus 18.80 remains, more than a decade after its first release, the most complete messaging mod available. It delivers precisely what the official app refuses to include: real control over your privacy, unrestricted customisation, and file sharing without the usual limits.

Our advice is simple: always download the newest build, back up before installing, enable two-step verification, and never share your verification code. With those four precautions the experience is stable and problems are rare.

If account safety and official support are your absolute priority, official WhatsApp is still the sensible choice. If you want to push messaging as far as it goes and you accept the trade-off knowingly, the file is above, updated for August 2026.

Download WhatsApp Plus 98 MB · Android 5.0+