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4 min read 5 stepsApril 20, 2026Verified April 2026

WebMD App: Use the Symptom Checker and Find Trustworthy Health Info

The WebMD app offers a symptom checker, medication guides, and reliable health articles to help you have better conversations with your doctor.

At a Glance

Download the WebMD app

~18s

Search for "WebMD" in the App Store or Google Play and install the free app. You can use most features without creating an account, but creating a free account lets you save articles, track symptoms, and access personalized health information. Tap "Sign Up" and enter your email and a password to create an account.

Use the Symptom Checker

~34s

On the home screen, tap "Symptom Checker." You will see a body outline — tap on the area of your body where you are experiencing symptoms. A list of specific symptoms for that body area will appear. Select all that apply to your situation and answer the follow-up questions. When you are done, tap "See Results" to view a list of possible conditions that match your symptoms.

Warning

The Symptom Checker is a research tool, not a diagnosis. Use the results to prepare for a conversation with your doctor, not to decide on your own treatment. Many conditions share similar symptoms and require a doctor's examination to tell apart.

Look up a medication

~35s

Tap the search bar at the top of the app and type the name of a medication you want to learn about. Select the medication from the results to see a detailed article covering what it is used for, how to take it, common side effects, serious side effects to watch for, and drug interactions. This is helpful both before starting a new prescription and for understanding medications you have been taking for years.

Quick Tip

If you cannot remember the name of a medication, tap "Pill Identifier" from the main menu. You can identify a pill by entering its imprint code (the letters or numbers stamped on the tablet), shape, and color.

Read health articles from medical experts

~24s

Tap the "Health A-Z" tab to browse articles on hundreds of conditions, organized alphabetically and by body system. Each article explains what the condition is, its symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated. Articles are written in plain language and reviewed by medical professionals. This is a good place to learn more about a diagnosis you have received or a condition that affects someone in your family.

Prepare better questions for your doctor

~32s

Use the app before your next doctor's appointment to research your health concerns. Note down any terms you do not understand, the possible conditions listed by the Symptom Checker, and any questions the articles raise for you. Bring these notes to your appointment. Research shows that patients who come prepared with written questions have more productive visits and feel more informed about their health decisions.

Quick Tip

Write your top three questions on a piece of paper before your appointment. Many patients feel nervous at the doctor's office and forget what they wanted to ask. A written list prevents this.

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WebMD is one of the most visited health information websites in the United States, and its app brings that same information to your phone. Use the WebMD app as a starting point for learning about symptoms, conditions, and medications, not as a replacement for your doctor's judgment.

The Symptom Checker lets you pick your symptoms from a body diagram and answer a few questions. It then shows a list of conditions that commonly match, with a brief explanation of each. This can help before a doctor's appointment. It gives you words to describe your symptoms and helps you guess what the doctor might ask.

WebMD also has a Pill Identifier tool. Enter the imprint code, shape, and color of an unknown pill to find out what it is. This helps if you have mixed-up medications or find an unlabeled pill and need to identify it safely.

The app has a medication guide that explains how medications work, their common side effects, and what to avoid while taking them. You can search for a medication by name and read a plain-English explanation of its uses and precautions.

WebMD also has a library of articles written with doctors on topics from common illnesses and chronic conditions to nutrition, fitness, and mental health. Medical professionals review the content, and it's generally reliable as a starting point for research. Still, always talk to your own doctor before making health decisions.

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Official Resources

Medicare.gov MedlinePlus — Health Info AARP Health & Technology

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