What you need
An old iPhone or iPod touch
Jailbroken, with Cydia, and one of these. Not jailbroken yet? See No jailbreak yet?.
| Device | iOS | Package |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 3GS | 4.3 to 5.1.1 | WA Classic for iOS 4 and 5 |
| iPhone 3GS | 6 | WA Classic for iOS 6 |
| iPhone 4 | 4.3 to 5.1.1 | WA Classic for iOS 4 and 5 |
| iPhone 4 | 6 | WA Classic for iOS 6 |
| iPhone 4S | 5.1.1 | WA Classic for iOS 4 and 5 |
| iPhone 4S | 6 | WA Classic for iOS 6 |
| iPhone 5 | 6 | WA Classic for iOS 6 |
| iPod touch (3rd generation, 32 or 64 GB) | 4.3 to 5.1.1 | WA Classic for iOS 4 and 5 |
| iPod touch (4th generation) | 4.3 to 5.1.1 | WA Classic for iOS 4 and 5 |
| iPod touch (4th generation) | 6 | WA Classic for iOS 6 |
| iPod touch (5th generation) | 6 | WA Classic for iOS 6 |
Cydia picks the right package for your iOS by itself.
INFO
On an iPod touch everything works over Wi-Fi. The iPod touch 3rd generation has no microphone and no camera: calls and voice messages need a headset with a microphone.
WARNING
The iPod touch 3rd generation with 8 GB (model number MC086, on the back) is a 2nd generation inside. It stops at iOS 4.2.1 and can't run WA Classic. Only the 32 and 64 GB models are a real 3rd generation.
WARNING
iOS 7 to 10 aren't supported yet. A version for them, in the flat look of WhatsApp 2.18, is coming soon.
Calls like a phone call (slide to answer on the lock screen) need MobileSubstrate. Cydia installs it together with WA Classic if it's missing.
Your phone
With WhatsApp, as always. It stays the main device: WA Classic is linked to it like WhatsApp Web.
A computer at home
It runs the bridge and has to stay on. Any of these works:
- a Mac with macOS 12 or newer
- a Windows 10 or 11 PC (64-bit)
- a Raspberry Pi with 64-bit Raspberry Pi OS, or another Linux computer
- a NAS that runs Docker (Synology, QNAP, Unraid)
Wi-Fi
For the setup, the iPhone and the computer have to be in the same network. Afterwards WA Classic also works away from home.
INFO
Ready? Continue to Installing the bridge.