What is Viber
The Viber app allows you to make calls and send messages for free.
The popular messenger is fantastically convenient and easy to use, works flawlessly and saves money. It allows you to always stay in touch, exchange text messages, photos and videos. The user can download Viber to a computer or mobile device. Free calls are possible via Wi-Fi and 3G and 4G mobile networks between smartphones if Viber is installed on them. Only Internet traffic is paid for. Calls to landline phones and devices that do not have this application are subject to charges. In a short period of time, Viber Media managed to attract the attention of a huge number of people to its product. More than half a million people already use the application, and their number continues to grow rapidly.
History of creation
The popular service appeared in 2010. It was created by two Israeli developers Talmon Marko and Igor Magazinnik. They met in the Israeli army, where they served. Friends together created their first project, iMesh, designed for exchanging music files.
When going on business trips to other countries, Marco was faced with the instability of Skype, and telephone communications were too expensive. The idea arose to create an alternative program that would allow people to easily call different phone numbers around the world. It was developed so that employees could call each other within the company. No one imagined that the program would become so successful.
Today you can already download Viber to your computer in Russian. The system allows you to fully satisfy everyone who was able to come up with a name for the new product. Time was spent reviewing domain names and selecting possible options. During the discussion, one of the employees mentioned that he purchased one domain several years ago. Everyone was already tired of useless searches and agreed to use this option.
Viber Media has several offices around the world. The project is being developed in Israel, where the technical support office is located. If users have problems, specialists help resolve them. There is a large developer hub in Belarus where work on the project is underway. The company's original shareholders were Israeli families and IRS West.
The founders of the successful project decided to sell their brainchild to Hiroshi Mikitani, who is the owner of the famous company Rakuten. The Japanese billionaire plans to use the system to distribute his services around the world. The creators of the program continue to develop the project, but are no longer its owners.
Rakuten buys Viber
In 2020, the Western Union payment system entered into an agreement with Viber. Thanks to him, it became possible to make money transfers around the world. It was announced that a new feature has been added to the messenger that allows you to hide correspondence on the main screen. You can now delete messages from all devices. In the same year, the company purchased the domain name viber.ru.
Viber or Viber?
Russian users often do not know how to pronounce the name of a popular product. Disputes often arise between people because of this. To understand the issue, you should note that the name was invented by the Israelis, but the word is written in Latin letters.
Traditionally, domain names are written in English. According to the rules of reading, a vowel letter in an open stressed syllable is read as in the alphabet. That's why many people read Viber. Despite this, Viber is a proper name. Transmission into a foreign language is usually carried out by transliteration, that is, Viber. In this case, all characters are accurately transmitted.
In an interview, Evgeny Roshchupkin, director of the Viber representative office in Russia, explains that the company is international. The name was invented for the English language, so it is correct to pronounce Viber. One of the founders of the system, Igor Magazinnik, is a native of the USSR; in his interview he also speaks to Viber. Each person decides for himself what it is more convenient for him to call this popular program, but it is still worth listening to the opinion of the company’s management.
Application features
The messenger supports text and voice messages, video calling. The program is available for mobile phones and tablets; installing Viber on your computer is quite simple. It works great on slow connections. Anyone can download Viber to their computer; the Russian version is available on the official website. The desktop option is an excellent solution when you have to work on a stationary machine for a long time.
There are many stickers available in the application; you just need to draw a picture yourself and send it to a friend. The program has group and public chats. It is possible to install Viber for a computer in Russian, which is convenient for the Russian-speaking audience.
Why choose Viber
The program is suitable for Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, iPhone, iPad, iPod. You can use the program on a computer under MAC, Linux, Windows. After installing the application, a person can immediately use it.
A new version is available for owners of Windows 10 devices. It allows you to send various information to groups of up to 200 subscribers. If a message was sent in error, it can be easily deleted. You can use a video call and quickly answer without opening the application.
Registration failed
Viber cannot be installed on a tablet for the same reasons as on a phone. If problems occur, check your Internet connection, availability of memory space, delete the old Viber.
Often the problem is not related to the Viber installation, but to logging into your profile. Users note that the messenger gives the error Registration count exceeded the daily limit or does not send an activation code.
If you receive the error Registration count exceeded the daily limit, it means that the registration code was entered incorrectly more than three times in a row. Be careful when entering the code and take your time. You can try again and get the password again only after 24 hours.
I don't receive the code? This is also a common problem. There can be two options here: the phone number was entered incorrectly or there were problems on the Viber server. Enter the number without +7 or 0 at the beginning, carefully check it for correctness before confirming. If the code does not arrive, the verification may be carried out via a voice call or the Internet, check if the network is working.
Advice. Make sure your phone can receive SMS messages. Ask a friend to send a message for verification.
If Viber does not register a new profile, it is possible that this number was previously blocked by the security service. To resolve the issue, contact support. Describe the reason in detail, find out why Viber is not installed or does not register a new user. How to contact technical support, read the instructions.
Main advantages and disadvantages
The stunning success of the project lies in its simplicity and accessibility of use. During installation, you only need to enter your mobile phone number. This must be done once; activation occurs via SMS.
pros
- high quality sound reproduction;
- prompt delivery of messages;
- cross-platform;
- saving battery life;
- no advertising;
- no password required to login;
- the contact is added automatically.
Unlike Skype, where contacts are searched for independently, in Viber they automatically appear from the phone book. After installation, the program checks the existing contacts on the phone and identifies those who already have the application installed. A special notification comes about this. After installation, the messenger already has a list of contacts; you do not need to specifically search for them and add them manually.
Minuses
- cannot transfer documents like Skype;
- Viber does not have a full web version;
- video communication (available only on the Windows client for now).
Video communication was not supported until recently. In July 2016, an update was released for Windows 10, which expanded the capabilities of the application. Owners of personal cars and phones with this OS will be able to see their interlocutor.
The number is entered only once, all data is synchronized between devices linked to the phone. Viber for computer is popular among those people who spend a lot of time on a desktop every day.
The application was originally developed for mobile platforms, so it consumes less resources than Skype. It offers free and paid stickers. Simultaneous communication with several subscribers is possible.
Which is better: Viber or WhatsApp?
Previously, people spent a lot of money on sending SMS messages. Gradually, prices for these services decreased, and today other alternatives have appeared. The advent of Viber and WhatsApp messengers made it possible to communicate for free even at great distances. Both offers are easy to use and are linked to a mobile phone number. They are easy to install on your device and do not require registration or complex installation. Russian-speaking users can download WhatsApp and Viber to their computer in Russian.
Which is better: Viber or WhatsApp
Messengers help you make calls to any corner of the planet, send and receive various information, and create chats for communication. Viber offers video calling, but this feature is missing from WhatsApp. Both programs are free. Downloading Viber to your computer or mobile device is easy. The program is used by more than 500 million people; it has a special function for transferring an account from Facebook, the VKontakte social network. Only Facebook is available on WhatsApp; the number of messenger users has already reached 1 billion.
WhatsApp users are forced to find and install additional applications in order to receive a variety of stickers. In addition to standard emoticons, Viber offers a large selection of stickers and animations. The service allows you not only to communicate, but also to send stickers. Most people consider their presence to be an advantage of the messenger. Colorful pictures will help convey the mood of your interlocutor and express feelings without words.
WhatsApp developers do not pay much attention to thematic design. Viber supports 30 languages, WhatsApp – 40. Both messengers have no problems with updates; they release new versions three times a month. Viber has the best functionality and offers unlimited opportunities for users to communicate. Therefore, many people in different countries prefer this messenger. It is especially popular in Russia.
Bad Internet
The first and most obvious reason why Viber is not installed on Android, iPhone or computer is a poor-quality Internet connection. This difficulty is easily solved, you need to do the following:
- Switch to another mobile or wireless network;
- Put your phone into airplane mode for a few seconds (then turn it off);
- Reboot your smartphone or router;
- Make sure there are enough funds on your balance and internet options are connected.
Often it is this trivial mistake that prevents you from installing Viber and enjoying communication! Everything is fine with the Internet, you still can’t install Viber on your phone, does it give you an error? Let's look for other reasons!
How to install Viber on a computer
The procedure can be completed without using a mobile device. If a person is interested in the question of how to install Viber on a computer without a phone, then he needs to follow a few simple steps. You need to download the Viber program for PC. If you are asked if there is an application on your mobile phone, you should minimize the window.
Then download the BlueStacks emulator and start the installation process. You must indicate the location where you plan to place it, and you must agree to the proposed conditions. In the BlueStacks search, enter and select “Viber”. Now sign in to your Google account and set up the program to work. Then click install and enter the phone number to which the activation code will be sent. All you have to do is wait to receive the code, enter it, and you can use the messenger.
Launch BlueStacks
Enter Viber in search
We see the application we need and click install
Viber is installed on your computer
Done, you can run the program
Launch Viber and enjoy communication
Step-by-step instructions for installing Viber on a Windows PC
In order to install Viber on a laptop, first of all, you need to download the program itself.
Downloading Viber from the official website.
We advise you to do this from the official website so as not to “catch” viruses and to be sure of the desired version.
- So, we find the desktop version for Windows on the portal and click on the “download” button.
- We launch the downloaded program, in the window that appears, we agree to the license terms (check the box and click the “Install” button).
- We wait for completion and launch the installed program.
Activation
There are several options for activating Viber on a PC or laptop. The first method involves scanning a QR code. Once the installed program is opened, you will see a pop-up window asking if the application is installed on your smartphone. If the answer is positive, a window will appear for entering your mobile phone number, as well as the prompt “Open QR scanner”.
The guide here would be as follows:
- Click on the scanner, after which a QR code will be displayed on the computer.
- We take the smartphone, open the camera and scan the code from the monitor.
- Next, the Viber interface will appear on the computer, and you will be able to communicate with your usual contacts from the laptop.
Without camera
Activating Viber on a computer without a phone camera.
If you have a push-button phone or an insufficiently powerful camera (like a Nokia Lumia), then you can manually authorize in the following way:
- At the bottom of the window with the QR code, click on the button “My camera doesn’t work. What to do?".
- The program will generate a link with a secret code. The link must be copied (select with the mouse and click “Copy”).
- Next, we send the link to your phone (in any way convenient for you).
- Open the link on your smartphone. He will launch it through his usual browser and give a request to Viber.
- In the window that appears, check the box next to “I want to activate” and click “Allow”.
- Done, you can use the program.
Without a smartphone
The developers did not provide for the independent installation of Viber on a computer, bypassing the smartphone, but there is still a cunning way to deceive the system. In order for the application to work without a phone number and connection to a mobile phone, you need to install an emulator (a dummy Android). You can use the free BlueStacks program, after installing which Viber will “think” that the laptop is a phone.
You can do without a real number: the Onlinesim and Telphin services offer to generate numbers in 5 minutes (the free version is limited, but it is enough to get one number needed to install Viber).
Detailed instructions can be seen in the video:
Important: you also need to understand why Viber is not installed on your phone. After all, if this happens, it will be extremely difficult to install the program on your PC.
From APK file
You can install Viber on your PC in another way using an APK file. You can also find and download Viber to your laptop via an apk file for free and in Russian from the program’s official website. You won't need to create accounts or add codes.
To complete the installation, you will need an emulator. After the file is downloaded, you should open it through the emulator (there will be an “APK” button on the left). Click on it, the program will start delivering compressed files.
When the process is completed, a pop-up window will appear.
- Click on the inscription “Install”.
- In the pop-up window, select “Next” / “Install”. The unpacking process will begin.
- After it is completed, click on the “Open” button.
- As soon as Viber starts, click on “Continue”.
- A window will open for you to enter a number. Fill out yours or generate it using online services. We confirm that the number indicated is correct.
- We receive an activation code. The program is ready for use, chats should open in front of you.
What is Viber Out
You can communicate for free with users who have the program installed. You can call landlines and mobile phones that do not have this application. This paid service is called Viber Out. Its cost depends on the region. MasterCard and Visa bank cards will help you pay for calls; you just need to allow the operation in your bank account settings.
This service allows you to save on calls between subscribers located in different countries. It gives unlimited opportunities for communication. You can view the tariffs directly in the application.
Answers to popular questions
Users often have questions when using the messenger. Answers to the most popular of them are presented below.
a
How to recover messages in Viber?
Deleted messages cannot be returned. All correspondence is stored only by the person who sent it and the recipient. If you delete it, it will disappear on your smartphone and also automatically on your computer. If the interlocutor has not deleted the correspondence, he will still have it.
Deleted messages are restored from a backup copy, the availability of which must be taken care of in advance. To do this, go to the settings, in the “Calls and messages” item we find the electronic message log. In automatic mode, a backup copy will be created, and then the user will be prompted to send it to their mailbox. You can view it on a stationary machine.
a
Viber does not receive an activation code, what should I do?
Check if your device meets the minimum requirements for installing Viber. Then you should carefully check that the number was entered correctly during the activation procedure. Select the correct country from the list provided. When entering numbers, do not use spaces.
Make sure your cellular network and roaming are working and the signal is strong enough for your device to receive the message. To do this, simply type the command to check your balance. If you are in another country, you will need to activate roaming to receive the required code.
When you cannot receive a message on your phone, use the number of a local operator. The specified number will become your Viber ID, so for this purpose you can use a number you trust. You can try activation via a call back.
a
How to add a contact to Viber?
The program synchronizes with the phone book; when you add a new contact to your smartphone, you can immediately start communicating. You can go to the menu and add a contact. The application has the “Invite to Viber” function. Using it, it is easy to send an SMS message to a person if his device supports the operating systems on which the messenger runs.
a
How to disable Viber?
To shut down an application, you must stop it manually. To do this, you need to open Viber, go to settings and exit the application. After this, your availability will be limited. It will not be possible to receive calls and messages through the program until it is launched again.
To completely disable the messenger, you need to find the “Privacy” tab in the settings and disable your account. After this, the user's records are deleted from the program and the service will be unavailable. In this case, the lost information is not restored, even if you register an account again on the same phone.
a
How to block a contact in Viber no matter what he writes to me?
If a person receives a call from a number that is not in their existing contact list, they can add it to their contact list or block it. If you decide to enable blocking, the request is rejected and the number is blacklisted. If you need to block a subscriber who is in the same group as the user, there is a special blocking button in the group in the contact menu. In this case, the contact will be visible and can monitor your activity. Blocking applies to private conversations.
It is possible to go to the privacy section from the settings. The numbers needed to block are selected from the list; several subscribers can be sent to the black list at the same time. Phone numbers from the contact list, phone book are entered into it
a
Can I call other countries via Viber?
The application is used by people from different parts of the world. The program allows you to communicate with relatives living abroad. With its help, it is easy to call friends who are currently located thousands of kilometers away. If the subscriber has Viber installed, you can talk to him for free via Wi-Fi and 3G and 4G mobile networks. When calling a landline phone or smartphone without Viber installed on it, you will have to pay for the conversation. To do this, use the Viber Out service.
a
How to top up your Viber account?
To use the Viber Out service and call any landline and mobile phones, you need to top up your account. In the program we find the Viber Out balance, click “Top up” and select the amount we want to pay. The program will offer several options. Then follow the payment instructions carefully, the entire process only takes a few minutes.
Load more
The development team is constantly working to improve the service. The system protocol is closed; end-to-end encryption of correspondence, calls and other information has been created. This will make the exchange of information more secure.
To start communicating with friends, you need to download Viber to your computer and enter your phone number. It's quick and easy, after which the messenger is completely ready for use. The application allows you to quickly and completely free of charge contact a person in another country who is served by another operator. It is only necessary that this subscriber has Internet access and Viber installed. Call using Viber and enjoy the communication.
Why is it not installed on my phone?
If everything is in order with the indicated points, the program is loaded, but the problem “I can’t install Viber on my phone” is still relevant, let’s proceed to analyze the possible reasons. There will be several of them: the program version does not match your device, the processor capacity is poor, the memory and cache are not cleared well enough. But first things first.
Conflict between messenger and firmware versions
Often, subscribers try to install Viber on devices that do not support the program. Yes, Viber is “friendly” with many systems, but, alas, it will not work to combine the application with an old push-button telephone.
If you are the owner of Huawei, Meizu, Nokia-Lumia smartphones, Alcatel, Lenovo or Samsung devices with an iPhone and iPad, then you should take a closer look at the updates. Many people ignore the operating system’s offer to update it, but this cannot be done for the device to function correctly.
This is because the developers are constantly improving the application, and new products, in turn, are designed for the latest operating systems.
What to do? Check the current version of Viber for your device:
- Open the phone menu and go to “Settings”.
- In the list we find the “About phone” section, click on it.
- Information has appeared in front of you. Using Android as an example, we will consider possible contact options between the application and the installed system. If you purchased the phone a long time ago, the Android version will most likely be 2.2 or 2. The latest versions of Viber will not be suitable for it; you should download Viber 5.5.2.36 or 4.3.67. This can be done both on the official website of the messenger and through Google websites. However, in the second case, problems may arise with “broken” versions.
By the way, on the Viber website you can check their compatibility with systems, which will make it easier to choose which program to download.
Processor bit mismatch
There are times when the application starts producing errors on new Android devices. The reason may lie in the processor capacity. Modern devices usually run on 64-bit processors, but 86-bit ones are still found. You can find out which processor is in your device on the manufacturer’s website (find your phone model and look at the full specifications).
If your processor is 86-bit, we recommend downloading Viber through Play Market or Apstore for iPhone. These stores themselves determine the appropriate versions.
Overloaded memory
The most common reason for the impossibility of installing the messenger is lack of memory. It should be at least 150 MB (the application core takes up 100 MB). If you find that your memory is full after downloading the program, you can delete unnecessary files without touching the application itself.
Account blocking
Blocking Viber from mass mailings.
If the messenger is installed, but after a long wait it refuses to work, the reason may be that your account is blocked.
Think back: have you been into mass messaging lately? Note that their character may be different; Viber itself decides who to define as spammers.
If the answer is yes, you are most likely in the block. It may be temporary, but there is a chance of being blocked forever. In the first case, you need to wait some time and try to install Viber again, in the second, you will not be able to remove the block: you will not be able to return stickers, receive, type and send messages, or enter correspondence.
You will have to create a new account; connecting to the old one is useless in this case.
Incorrect removal of the previous version
If you have already worked with the program before, then the problem may be that you incorrectly uninstalled the old version of the messenger. Even after you uninstall the application, some of its files may remain on the device, interfering with installation.
First, through the smartphone menu, look at the list of applications and look for Viber there. If found, hold down the icon and click “Delete”. Everything should work.
Virus infection
How long ago have you installed an antivirus on your device (if it is available, you receive special notifications) and have you downloaded it at all?
Viber installation failed due to viruses.
If not, then the Viber “glitch” may be associated with virus files.
You can download the “antivirus” in any application store; after installation and opening, the device will be audited and you will be prompted to remove malicious files.
We agree with him, try to install Viber again, and log in.
Important: Viber can be downloaded for free for Android only if the operating system of the phone or tablet meets the requirements of the developers. That is, no lower than version 4.0. This is due to the mapping of programming codes and the ability to work together without interruption. If the device is older, you can download Viber for Android in Russian for free only from third-party sources or using emulators. The first is dangerous due to viruses, the second is due to deterioration of the device’s processor.
