How to Download the WHO App and Access Official Health Information
People searching for how to download the WHO app should know one important detail first: the World Health Organization does not offer one universal app simply called “WHO App”. It publishes several official applications for specific purposes, including health education, hearing checks, vision screening, yoga, malaria guidance and professional training.
The safest method is to use the official WHO Applications directory or the Google Play and Apple App Store pages linked from WHO websites. This guide explains how to choose the correct app, install it in India and access official health information if no suitable app is available.
Key Takeaways
- There is no single all-purpose WHO mobile app for every health topic.
- Download only apps linked from WHO’s official website or published by “World Health Organization” in an official app store.
- Android users should use Google Play; iPhone and iPad users should use the Apple App Store.
- WHO apps are usually topic-specific and may not provide diagnosis, emergency care or personal medical treatment.
- The WHO India website and India’s National Health Portal are useful alternatives for current health information.
- Avoid random APK websites, modified apps and downloads shared through messaging groups.
Is There One Official WHO App?
No. “WHO app” is a broad search term used for several different applications created by the World Health Organization.
WHO maintains an Applications page listing some of its mobile tools. Its official Google Play developer page also lists apps published by “World Health Organization”, such as WHO Academy, WHO mYoga, WHOeyes, Skin NTDs, World Malaria Toolkit and other specialist tools. The available catalogue can change, and an app may not be listed in every country.
Before downloading, identify what you actually need:
| Your purpose | Possible official WHO app or resource |
|---|---|
| Yoga practice | WHO mYoga |
| Hearing screening | hearWHO |
| Basic vision checks | WHOeyes |
| Malaria guidelines and data | World Malaria Toolkit |
| Courses for health workers | WHO Academy |
| Skin disease education for health workers | WHO Skin NTDs |
| General health information | WHO website and WHO India pages |
| Indian government health services | National Health Portal |
An app designed for health professionals may be unsuitable for the general public. Always read the description, intended audience and limitations before installing.
How to Download the WHO App on Android
The following process works on most Android phones and tablets available in India.
Method 1: Use the official WHO Applications page
- Open a browser and visit who.int/news-room/apps.
- Select the app that matches your need.
- Follow the Android or Google Play link provided on the WHO page.
- Check that the developer is listed as World Health Organization.
- Read the app description, content rating, permissions and recent update information.
- Tap Install.
- Wait for the download to finish, then tap Open.
If the WHO page does not provide a current store link, search for the app directly in Google Play by its exact name. Confirm the publisher before installing because similarly named apps may be unofficial.
Method 2: Search directly in Google Play
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Search for the exact app name, such as WHO mYoga, WHO Academy or hearWHO.
- Open the result and inspect the publisher name.
- Compare the app icon and description with the information on the WHO website.
- Tap Install.
Google Play may show a message such as “This app isn’t available for your device” or “This item isn’t available in your country”. This generally means the app’s distribution is restricted, the app is intended for a specific audience or your Android version is not supported.
Do not bypass such restrictions by downloading an APK from an unknown website. A package labelled “WHO latest APK” may be modified, outdated or malicious.
How to Download the WHO App on iPhone or iPad
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Search for the exact WHO app name.
- Open the listing and check that the developer is World Health Organization.
- Review the description, languages, age rating and privacy information.
- Tap Get, then authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID or your Apple ID password.
- Open the app after installation.
You can also use the official World Health Organization developer page on Apple’s App Store to see available listings. App availability can differ between the India App Store and other regional stores, so an app visible in a US listing may not appear in India.
If an app cannot be found, check the WHO website for a replacement, web version or updated product name. Avoid installing an app simply because its title contains “WHO”.
WHO mYoga: An India-Relevant Official App
WHO mYoga is one of the WHO’s best-known public-facing apps for Indian users. WHO developed it with support from India’s Ministry of AYUSH and describes it as a tool for yoga learning and practice.
The official WHO mYoga page provides links for Android and iOS. The page states that the app includes video and audio sessions of different durations and supports English and Hindi. WHO also publishes a privacy statement for the application.
mYoga is intended for general exercise and learning. It should not be treated as a replacement for medical evaluation, physiotherapy or a personalised exercise plan. Stop an activity if it causes pain, dizziness or breathing difficulty, and seek professional advice when appropriate.
Other Official WHO Apps You May Find
hearWHO
hearWHO is a free hearing-check application for iOS and Android. WHO says it is available in Chinese, English, Spanish, Russian and Dutch.
It is a screening tool, not a formal hearing test. It does not replace an examination by an audiologist or doctor, particularly when hearing loss is sudden, one-sided or associated with pain or discharge.
WHOeyes
WHOeyes is designed to check near and distance vision and provide educational messages. WHO specifically notes that it does not replace regular eye examinations by an eye-care professional.
WHO Academy
The WHO Academy app on Google Play provides courses and learning resources developed for health workers and other learners. Some content may require registration or an account.
World Malaria Toolkit
This app brings malaria recommendations, country information and links to technical resources into a mobile format. It is primarily useful for health professionals, programme managers and students rather than for self-diagnosing fever.
The WHO Applications directory includes additional specialist tools. Read the intended-user information carefully before relying on any clinical content.
How to Access WHO Health Information Without Installing an App
For general health information, an app may not be necessary.
- Visit the WHO India health topics page for subjects such as dengue, diabetes, air pollution, depression, antimicrobial resistance and food safety.
- Use the WHO India country page for country profiles, data, publications, news and disease-outbreak information.
- Check WHO health topics for fact sheets and guidance covering diseases, nutrition, vaccines and public-health issues.
- For India-specific public health information, use the National Health Portal, maintained through India’s government digital infrastructure.
To save a WHO page on Android, open Chrome, tap the three-dot menu and choose Add to Home screen. On an iPhone, open the page in Safari, tap Share and select Add to Home Screen. This creates a shortcut without installing an APK or third-party application.
How to Check Whether a WHO App Is Genuine
Before installing, check all of the following:
- The download link comes from who.int, an official WHO regional site or a recognised app-store listing.
- The publisher is World Health Organization or an explicitly identified WHO programme.
- The app name and icon match the link on the WHO page.
- The listing explains the purpose and intended users.
- Privacy information is available.
- The app does not promise guaranteed cures, instant diagnosis or emergency treatment.
- Reviews are treated as supplementary information, not proof of official status.
WHO branding can be copied. A blue logo, “WHO certified” wording or a large number of downloads does not by itself prove authenticity.
Why You Should Avoid Unofficial WHO APK Downloads
An APK is an Android installation file. Installing one from outside Google Play can expose your phone to:
- Malware or spyware
- Modified medical content
- Fake login screens
- Excessive permissions
- Unwanted advertisements
- Outdated guidance
- Theft of personal or health information
If an official WHO page provides a direct APK, follow that page’s instructions and verify the file source. Otherwise, use Google Play. Never disable Android security settings merely to install a file from an unknown website.
Troubleshooting WHO App Download and Installation Problems
The app does not appear in the store
Confirm the spelling and search the official WHO Applications page. The app may have been renamed, withdrawn, limited to health workers or removed from the Indian store.
Installation is stuck
Check your internet connection, available storage and Google Play or App Store updates. A stable Wi-Fi connection can help when mobile data is slow or unreliable.
“Not compatible with your device”
The listing may require a newer operating system, a particular screen size or a supported processor. Update your phone only through its normal system settings. Do not use unofficial copies to bypass compatibility restrictions.
The app opens but content will not load
Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, disable an active VPN, restart the app and check whether WHO’s service is temporarily unavailable. Some apps require an initial internet connection before offline content becomes available.
You are unsure about medical advice in the app
Use the app as an information or screening aid, not as a diagnosis. For urgent symptoms in India, contact local emergency services or visit a qualified healthcare professional. WHO guidance is general and may not replace advice from an Indian clinician who knows your medical history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official WHO app download link?
There is no single universal link. Start with the WHO Applications directory, then use the Android or iOS store link for the specific app you need.
Is the WHO app free to download?
WHO’s listed public apps are generally presented as free, but store availability and optional account requirements can vary. Check the current listing before installing.
Can I download the WHO app in India?
Many WHO apps are available in India through Google Play or the Apple App Store, but availability is app-specific. Regional restrictions, device compatibility and intended audience can affect access.
Is there a WHO app for COVID-19 updates?
WHO has released COVID-19 information and training apps at different times. Availability changes, so use the current WHO website and official health-topic pages for up-to-date information rather than relying on an old APK.
Does WHO mYoga provide medical treatment?
No. WHO mYoga provides yoga practice and educational content. It is not a treatment service and does not replace medical care.
Can I install a WHO app on a Windows laptop?
Most WHO mobile apps are designed for Android or iOS. If you need information on Windows or macOS, use the WHO website in a browser unless the specific WHO product provides a supported web or desktop version.
How do I know a WHO APK is safe?
Use an APK only when it is linked directly from an official WHO page. For normal users, Google Play or the Apple App Store is the safer and simpler distribution method.
Where can I find Indian-language health information?
WHO offers selected multilingual content, while India’s National Health Portal provides health information in several Indian languages. Availability varies by topic, so check the language selector on each official page.
