Tell me more ×
Android Enthusiasts Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for enthusiasts and power users of the Android operating system. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 7 down vote favorite
1

I've just installed Android using Virtualbox on Ubuntu, and now I want to install WhatsApp on it.

When I visit Google Play and try to install WhatsApp, it tells me that I have to associate a device via my Gmail account. When I'm connected, it's saying that I have to choose another device (because I've already installed it on my Nexus) but it doesn't list me the Virtualbox install as an option.

What's causing this problem?

share|improve this question
Doesn't whatsapp need a SIM card? – Klaasvaak Jul 11 '12 at 14:41
yes of course ! But i've created it on the installation of the Android OS – Mehdi Jul 11 '12 at 14:42
1  
It sounds like you don't have the Google Play app (or Google's services framework) on your VirtualBox install. You cannot download apps directly from the website, you must have the Android app installed if you want to get the Whatsapp from Google Play. – eldarerathis♦ Jul 11 '12 at 15:13
Have you tried getting the apk from another source? – TGS Infinity Aug 29 '12 at 16:38

migrated from stackoverflow.com Jul 11 '12 at 14:57

2 Answers

up vote 1 down vote

WhatsApp requires a SIM-Card as stated in a comment already. I know from various xda-developers discussions, that it's easier to do a backup from whatsapp on your phone with titanium backup, and then restore it inside your VM. Beware: the message database is local and messages are not synced across identical accounts.

share|improve this answer
up vote 1 down vote

I was able to install Android on Virtualbox normally but never got Whatsapp working on it, always errors and complications (Tablets are not supported, etc...). Finally I found the only solution that worked for me on a spanish website. NO SIM-card needed! Also beginners will understand!

Here's the way I did it:

  1. Download Virtualbox for your system, install it...
  2. Download Android with Whatsapp included Android_4.1.1_WhatsApp.ova. This is a fully working Android version with Whatsapp already installed
  3. If downloaded, open Virtualbox and
    • Select "File"-Menu
    • "Import Appliance..."
    • "Open appliance"
    • locate the downloaded "Android_4.1.1_WhatsApp.ova", select it and press "Open"
    • "Continue"
    • "Import"

Now you should have a Virtual Machine in vbox named "androVM_vbox86t_4.1.1_r4-20121002-gapps". Select it and press "Start". A window with running Android will pop up, let it load, unlock it (if cursor doesn't work, disable in "Machine"-Menu the "Mouse Integration")

Your Android version will be in spanish language. With translate.google.com you will be able to select your own language in the settings menu in Android. Whatsapp is already installed, just run it and type a number you can be called with... Follow the steps and there you go.

Hope I could help you, I'm German, apologize for bad english ;)

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.