Zalo App: Features, Setup Guide & Tips

The Zalo app was introduced by VNG Corporation in 2012, and it has been Vietnam's most popular instant messaging platform with about eighty-five million users as of the end of 2024.

The Zalo app has been topping the social media chart for so long due to its user-friendly interface and cross-platform support which in turn make it an essential tool for communication.

If you are new to Zalo or want to know how to make the most use of this app, then this article will discuss all its important features and you will learn about its setup process and more.

Part 1. What is the Zalo App

So, what is the Zalo app? Zalo is a popular messaging service that allows you to communicate with others using free text messages, calls, chat, and video calls. It is quite common in Vietnam and useful to anyone who might want a simple way faster than SMS.

The Zalo app allows you to send clear images, make quality calls, and exchange important documents without delays or worry about being interrupted.

The Zalo app is also popularly called an Over-the-top (OTT) messaging platform, Thanks to OTT technology, the app makes sure that your messages and files are sent fast and safe no matter where you are.

Part 2. Key Features of the Zalo App

Zalo is a messaging and calling app that lets you easily connect with family & friends across countries. Here are some key features of the Zalo app.

Free messaging and calling

Zalo allows unlimited messaging via the internet with free voice or video calls. Whether you are talking to a friend in the same room or over video conference with family on another continent, Zalo maintains clear and uninterrupted communication every time.

Group chats and file Sharing

The group chat on Zalo app is perfect for when you are coordinating a joint project or planning a family reunion. You can message up to 250 people at once and keep up with everyone.

Additionally, it makes it easy for you to share photos/videos/documents in these groups without having them disseminated everywhere and helps save your time with the added benefit of being organized.

Payment and booking features

Zalo app is more than just a messaging app, Users can use Zalo app to pay bills, send money, or get a loan.

If you are planning a trip, you can use the Zalo app to book hotels, transportation, and even doctors. Zalo Ads also allows you to market your goods.

In-app enhancements

Zalo is more than just a messaging app, it even includes some built-in handy tools. You can snap like on Snapchat, edit photos, chat stickers, and use photo filters. You can also share stories as you do on Facebook and send multi-format files.

You can even nickname your contacts or get a live weather update, thanks to Zalo being as personalized as possible.

Fast and stable performance

Zalo guarantees a very quick and reliable messaging experience. the app has been designed to be stable for a long time. It is also very fast when you send messages or make calls and send photos even at peak hours.

Data usage monitoring

Zalo allows you to monitor your own usage so that you do not consume too much.

It has features to help you regulate and monitor data usage within the app (great for those who are on a limited data plan).

Strong privacy protection

Zalo is huge on privacy. To keep your conversations safe and secure, the app has implemented end-to-end encryption that encrypts all of your messages, so only you and the person you're chatting with can see them.

You also have control over your privacy settings, which means you decide who can see information about you.

Business integration

Zalo is good for more than just personal messaging – it makes a powerful business tool too. As an app, it integrates with a number of services that you can use to do things like online shopping and transactions.

It even acts as your work platform for better communication etc. The level of flexibility is what makes Zalo a sought-after app for both personal and professional pinpoints.

Part 3. How to Use Zalo App: A Beginner’s Guide

If you're just starting with Zalo, don’t worry—it's easy and quick to join the action. Zalo app iPhone exists, so, whether you're on Android, iOS, or Windows, here’s how you can begin using Zalo:

Step 1. Zalo app download and Installation

If you use Android, go to the Google Play Store or if you are an iOS user visit the Apple app store. Look for Zalo then download and install it.

Step 2. Upon completing the installation, launch the app and sign up or log in

For new Zalo users, register by typing your phone number so the app can send a verification code to confirm if you have already registered, and to log in.

Step 3. Finish building your profile

Now that you verified your phone number, enter any details like name and password to complete setting up your account. This step simply customizes your experience and helps friends find you more easily.

Step 4. Add friends

In Zalo, you will find three ways to add friends. They enable you to browse by phone number, check out QR Code, or even connect to your connections. If you are at a party, for example just take the QR code of your friend and get it added instantly.

Step 5. Send photos, video & more

After you've added a few friends, you can start sending text messages and making phone calls. Also, you can post updates on your timeline or within groups where it is very easy to get in touch with all.

Step 6. Explore business features

The app is not just for personal use, but you can shop online or manage your e-wallet within the application and even run ads. Thus, it is an overall tool that you can use to get in touch and also handle different aspects of your digital life.

Part 4. Troubleshooting Common Issues with Zalo App

Whether it's struggling to log in, having issues with message delivery, or dealing with call quality, these problems can be frustrating. Below we discuss some tips designed to help troubleshoot some of the most common problems you might be dealing with.

#1. Login issues

Nothing is more annoying than the login errors. You can be entirely kept out of your account or you keep having to reenter sub-par credentials.

If you need to resolve this, first and foremost check that there are no problems with your internet connection; if working, enter the right usernames. If you still experience the issue, change your password or update your version of Instagram to the current one.

#2. Message delivery problems

If you are experiencing issues sending messages or receiving them, it could be the result of a poor network connection, or perhaps Zalo's messaging server is down temporarily.

Restart the App or Switch from Wi-Fi to Mobile Data If the problem persists, you may try clearing the app cache or reinstalling it.

#3. Call quality issues

Choppy or dropped calls are usually a result of poor connection on the Zalo app.

Be sure that you are in a strong signal area and close all other running background apps which will create some bandwidth. Sometimes switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data also helps with call quality.

#4. Notifications not working

Missing important messages because your Zalo app notifications are not working can be frustrating

First of all, make sure that the notifications are on both in your app and phone settings. If you have already done this, simply restart your phone or re-install the app. This generally has the effect of renewing attention and getting notifications to work again.

Part 5. Comparing Zalo with Other Messaging Apps

When choosing a messaging app, it's natural that we start comparing one over another in order to select which is more likely suitable according to the functionality.

Zalo, for instance, is a popular choice in Vietnam, but how does it stack up against other messaging giants like WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook Messenger? Let’s take a closer look to help you decide which app might be the right fit for you.

Zalo vs. WhatsApp

Despite being two of the best-rated messaging apps among users, Zalo and WhatsApp serve different markets with unique attributes. Here’s how they compare:

Zalo vs. Viber

Both offer excellent messaging, but Viber and Zalo are different in terms of features. The following table illustrates the differences and shows a comparison for case/switch:

Zalo vs. Facebook Messenger

Facebook Messenger is a global heavyweight, especially in North America and Europe. When compared to Zalo, it offers some unique advantages and limitations. Here’s how the two compare:

Part 6. What Users Are Saying About Zalo App

When it comes to Zalo, users have a lot to say, and much of it is positive. One of the standout aspects of the app is how it’s more than just a messaging platform—many people rely on it as a comprehensive tool for various needs.

Beyond chatting, you can use Zalo for online shopping, making payments, and even booking services. This versatility has earned it high ratings on both the Play Store and App Store, where users appreciate the app's ability to handle so many tasks in one place.

Vietnamese users, in particular, have embraced Zalo with enthusiasm. Zalo serves as a perfect app for their demands since it was made in Vietnam and supports various languages that global apps may not. The app’s interface, along with its fun stickers and emojis, adds a touch of personality that users enjoy.

However, it’s not all perfect. According to reports from Kimola, some users feel that the interface could use a bit of a refresh. They expect a more polished user experience to match the app's broad functionality. Despite this, the overall sentiment remains positive, with many users praising Zalo for what it offers.

Part 7. Tips: How to Monitor Someone's Zalo App without Them Knowing

If you're considering monitoring someone's Zalo app without them knowing, whether for parental control or another reason, tools like Msafely can help you do this discreetly.

7.1. What is Msafely

Msafely is an extraordinary secret monitoring software. Compatible with both iOS and Android. Msafely provides a variety of options for tracking app-based activities such as Zalo, along with other communication channels that occur online.

Msafely runs in the background without making a sound on your phone and it will not be noticed by somebody who is located near you. You will be able to know in real-time what is happening on Zalo, such as who they are talking with or video calling.

7.2. What other phone activity can Msafely monitor

Msafely doesn’t just stop at monitoring Zalo. It also offers a wide array of monitoring options for other activities:

•  Read text messages

You can read every message, even if it has already been deleted.

•  Social media app tracker

You can track all the social media activities apart from viewing Zalo, such as WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, etc.

•  Installed apps monitor

Monitor all installed apps, including their details like dates, sizes, and versions.

•  Live GPS tracking

This feature allows you to track a device on a map.

•  Web history

See a complete list of all websites visited with an active link to the corresponding URL.

•  Monitoring emails

With Msafely, you can monitor incoming and outgoing emails.

•  Wi-Fi logger

This will show you a list of all the Wi-Fi connections to which the device has ever connected.

7.3. Steps to use Msafely to monitor someone's Zalo app secretly

If you’re ready to start monitoring the Zalo app, here’s how you can set up Msafely:

Step 1. Sign up for a free account with a valid email address.

Step 2. Choose if you want to monitor an iPhone or Android device.

Step 3. As soon as the setup is completed, you will be asked to log into your Msafely dashboard where you can start monitoring activities on the target device.

Part 8. FAQs about Zalo App

Q1. What is the use of the Zalo app?

Zalo is a Vietnamese messaging app that offers chatting, voice, and sometimes even video calls (if you have time).

Q2. Is Zalo free to use?

Yes, Zalo is free to download and can be used for free with certain functions of the software being paid.

Q3. Is Zalo available outside Vietnam?

Absolutely! Zalo is mainly used in Vietnam, but you can access the app wherever there's the Internet.

Q4. Is Zalo secure?

Yes, it has end-to-end encryption of messages and calls.

Q5. Can I use Zalo on many devices?

You can use Zalo on both your phone and computer, but you can only be logged in on one device at a time.

Part 9. Conclusion

Zalo is an amazing application that expands past essential message functionalities. So, if you want to keep in contact with friends and family members, or even do business, Zalo is there for you.

With its easy setup and user-friendly features, you'll find it simple to get started and customize your experience to meet your needs. As you explore the app's various capabilities, from free calls to payment options, Zalo can quickly become a staple in your digital life.

With features to manage large groups, coordinate meetups, and send audio messages quickly from anywhere you go in Vietnam or beyond, Zalo has what it takes for communication success.