How to download COVID-19 vaccination certificate on your smartphone using WhatsApp

COVID vaccination certificate is an integral piece of document considering the times we are living in. Now, with the introduction of the Centre’s COVID certificate chatbox, one can get their vaccination document delivered on WhatsApp in just a few seconds. The best part is, you don’t have to follow the long process of entering your reference ID or secret code anymore. 

Here is a step-by-step guide to download your COVID vaccination certificate via WhatsApp. 

Step 1: Save the helpdesk number +91 9013151515 on your device and drop a message ‘Hi’ from your WhatsApp.

Step 2: After you drop a message, the bot will display a list of  COVID-related topics. Out of these options, you have to select  ‘Download Certificate’ written in the second line. See the image below.

Step 3: Since it is the second option, type ‘2’ and send.

Step 4: The bot will again display a list of three options as shown in the image below. Type ‘3’ that is ‘Download Cowin certificate  and send.

Step 5: After this, an OTP will be sent to your WhatsApp number, which you will be required to enter and send on the chat.

Step 6: Once you enter the OTP, the bot will display the names of individuals that are registered on the CoWIN website with the number.

Note: If your WhatsApp number is different from the one you registered on CoWin to get vaccinated, then you will not get OTP. In this case, you will have to download the certificate from the Arogya Setup app.

Until now, users were only able to download the certificate via the Aarogya Setu app. The process was lengthy and required details like Reference ID and Secret code.

Also Read: United Airlines becomes first major airline to mandate vaccines for employees

COVID vaccination certificate is required as proof to get a permit for international travel and also for entry at certain domestic locations as well. Various domestic locations, including offices, colleges, restaurants, and clubs have mandated vaccination for entry.

This feature was introduced by the Centre on Sunday has as a part of the MyGov Corona Helpdesk chatbot on WhatsApp. This bot was introduced back in March 2020 to help answer COVID-19 related questions and prevent misinformation.