The best way to download whatsapp is to search for it on google and click the top result to go to the official website. Then click download from there. It turns out the age-old method of installing shit is the best.

Usually there is no download link (nor is there in the case of WhatsApp, as far as I can see), but a link to the Play store web interface.

Yeah a link to the play store is what I meant. That's guaranteed to point to the genuine app.

In a way, you can: https://f-droid.org/app/com.javiersantos.whatsappbetaupdater

The method the other commenter suggested also works.

But yes, these are anecdotal for WhatsApp, which I presume was just an example on your side.

You'd have to mainly use F-Droid and then make some exceptions for those apps. You could also use Yalp store (which interfaces with the Play Store) or Aptoide to get those apps, if you don't want to keep the Google Play Services around, though I cannot make any claims of these being more secure.

If your loved ones require you to install crap on your phone to communicate with you, do they really love you?

If you won't install what you call crap and they call good or great on your phone to communicate with them, do you really love them?

Great reply.

Your question demands an answer, for real. As does mine.

I used to begrudge my friends when I was depressed and isolated (self-sabotage). Why weren't they communicating with me in my ways? They were, but not frequently enough to satisfy me. But in the end, them reaching out multiple times when I was available in only one or two spots, was very commendable and I appreciate the friends that did.

There has to be a middle ground. In this case, unfortunately, besides close friends or family who know something about tech, you will have to be the one to compromise and use their apps. Plus, I've seen getting people to move to your communication methods which are less popular usually leads to less talking. Not always, just something I've noticed isn't uncommon. I end up talking to people more if we just use FBM or iMessage or something.

Don't be dense. Not everyone has the technical skills to decide which is the best app to message others. People just go with the popular ones or the ones their family/friends use.