How To Join A Text Group
The HNA WhatsApp groups are "closed groups," which means that only Admins can add people (to ensure maximum privacy by limiting it strictly to just our neighborhood). To be added to the group, complete the following steps (if you already have WhatsApp on your phone, skip to STEP 5):
Need tech support to help set this up on your phone? Let us know - someone will help you.
- STEP 1: Download the WhatsApp application for your phone, and set up an account. The app is free.
- STEP 2: Allow access to contacts. This is not necessary, but allowing the app to access your contacts means that the people you do know in the neighborhood who participate in the group will show up by name, not just phone number.
- STEP 3: ALLOW NOTIFICATIONS. This is necessary. Allowing notifications means that messages sent through our group will pop up on your phone, just like a text message with a sound (you can choose the sound). Tapping on the message that pops up will open the app for you in case you need to reply. If you don't allow notifications, you will have to open the app to view messages.
- STEP 4: (iPhone users) "Skip Restore" setting the icloud backup. If you're only using the app to participate in neighborhood emergency notifications, then this really isn't necessary.
- Step 5: Email us at [email protected], subject "WhatsApp," and let us know what you have the app and you want to be added to the the various groups. Be sure to include your name and your cell number, and we will add you to the groups of your choice. If you do not specify a group, we will add you to all of them.
Need tech support to help set this up on your phone? Let us know - someone will help you.
FAQ's
Q1: Can I silence a group?
A: Yes! If you find a particular message session is not relevant to you (perhaps you're traveling and you don't care about a bear sighting), you can easily mute the conversation! On the "chats" screen, swipe left on our group name, and you should see options for "more" and "archive." Select "more," and in the popup window, select "mute." It will then give you the option to mute the conversation for 8 hours, 1 week, or 1 year. You can also access the mute feature under the "Group Info" page.
Q2: Why can't we just do a normal text message? Why do I have to download an app?
A: Text messages are limited to a set number of participants. WhatsApp can accommodate large group chats.
Q3: What if I want to be removed from the group.
A: You can remove yourself: Open the App. Click the "Chats" icon at the bottom of your screen, then tap the name of our group. In the top bar where it says "Highlands Emergency Text," tap the name of our group to bring up the "Group Info" screen. Scroll all the way to bottom and click "Exit Group."
Q4: Can I message someone directly without messaging the entire group?
A: Yes. You can message anyone directly by tapping their number/name from the participants section and selecting "send message." This should start a new, separate thread between you and that person/those people.
A: Yes! If you find a particular message session is not relevant to you (perhaps you're traveling and you don't care about a bear sighting), you can easily mute the conversation! On the "chats" screen, swipe left on our group name, and you should see options for "more" and "archive." Select "more," and in the popup window, select "mute." It will then give you the option to mute the conversation for 8 hours, 1 week, or 1 year. You can also access the mute feature under the "Group Info" page.
Q2: Why can't we just do a normal text message? Why do I have to download an app?
A: Text messages are limited to a set number of participants. WhatsApp can accommodate large group chats.
Q3: What if I want to be removed from the group.
A: You can remove yourself: Open the App. Click the "Chats" icon at the bottom of your screen, then tap the name of our group. In the top bar where it says "Highlands Emergency Text," tap the name of our group to bring up the "Group Info" screen. Scroll all the way to bottom and click "Exit Group."
Q4: Can I message someone directly without messaging the entire group?
A: Yes. You can message anyone directly by tapping their number/name from the participants section and selecting "send message." This should start a new, separate thread between you and that person/those people.