howtosimply.com/guides/how-to-find-and-follow-whatsapp-channels-on-android/ · Checked October 2026 · Google Pixel 10a, Android 17 (build CP3A.261005.005), WhatsApp 2.26.41.77

In this guide

Open Updates and tap Explore
Tap Accept and continue
Tap Follow next to a channel
If you do not see this option
If this does not work
Good to know
Sources

Quick answer

Open the Updates tab and tap Explore next to Channels. The first time, accept the Channels terms with Accept and continue. Then tap Follow next to a channel. Its updates appear under Channels on the Updates tab.

3 of 3 steps with real screenshots · 1 official source below

Device: Android
Shown on: Google Pixel 10a, Android 17 (build CP3A.261005.005), WhatsApp 2.26.41.77
App: WhatsApp
Real screenshots: 3 of 3 steps
Checked: October 2026
Sources: 1 official, linked below

Step by step

Open Updates and tap Explore
Explore is next to Channels, under Status.
Done
Tap Accept and continue
The first time only. The page says you must accept the Channels Terms of Service, and that followers and admins can't discover your phone number from a channel.
Done
Tap Follow next to a channel
Explore channels lists them with follower counts. The WhatsApp channel had 234M followers on ours.
Done

If you do not see this option

Can't find a channel? WhatsApp says the list is filtered by country and language. Search by its exact name or ask the admin for a link. Source: How to find and follow WhatsApp Channels
Want to look before following? WhatsApp says you can tap a channel's name to preview its recent updates. Source: How to find and follow WhatsApp Channels

If this does not work

Follow does nothing? WhatsApp suggests updating WhatsApp, checking your connection and restarting the app. Source: How to find and follow WhatsApp Channels
Channel gone? WhatsApp says a deleted or removed channel can no longer be found or followed. Source: How to find and follow WhatsApp Channels

About this guide

Channels are one-way broadcasts from people and organisations. The intro on ours said followers and admins can't discover your phone number from a channel.

The screenshots are from our Google Pixel 10a with Android 17 and WhatsApp 2.26.41.77, in Dark mode, taken on 25 October 2026. We accepted the Channels terms and did not follow any channel. Other channel names are blurred.