How to use whatsapp on your computer (and web)
WhatsApp is one of the most downloaded app on every play store. Let it be Google Play store, iTune, Windows app store or BlackBerry. This mobile app was started in 2008 and since then, it has gained huge popularity all over the world. At first it was launched as Mobile app but today we have several means to use WhatsApp on different devices. In this post, we will discuss how to get WhatsApp for Laptop.
We have three different methods by which you can use WhatsApp on laptop/desktop and other big screen devices.
Since acquisition by social media giant Facebook, WhatsApp is updated several times with cool features. The most important update was the calling feature. While the rivals such as Viber, WeChat etc were offering calling feature, WhatsApp had this feature missing.
The calling feature finally brought to WhatsApp in 2015 and later on several other features such as ability to transfer different files (pdf, gif), design overhaul, video calling etc were added. The company released WhatsApp Web to use it via browser & Desktop client recently that can be downloaded and installed on your Laptop.
WhatsApp features-
Before we move ahead and get WhatsApp for Laptop via different ways, let’s take a look at the silent features of WhatsApp. I will be discussing the important features as listing them all could make this list bigger.
- Make unlimited Free domestic voice/video calls.
- Make unlimited Free international voice/video calls.
- Send /receive unlimited free text/voice /video messages.
- Send/ receive documents such as pdf file etc.
- Make chatting with your friend more entertaining by use of interesting emojis.
- Automatically find people on WhatsApp from contact list.
- There is no need of username and password.
- Receive offline messages.
- E-mail chat history to your email.
- Share your location from app itself.
- Broadcast your message to contacts.
- Create Group and plan party, birthday celebration or use the feature for business related discussion.
- Set WhatsApp status that disappears in 10 seconds.
How to get WhatsApp for Laptop:
While earlier there was no way to get WhatsApp for Laptop or Desktop, the developers have now put forth several options for the users. While they can enjoy WhatsApp on their mobile devices, they have dedicated client and WhatsApp web option for Laptop. We will discuss three different ways of getting WhatsApp for Laptop. Let’s go ahead:
WhatsApp for Laptop: via WhatsApp Web-
The best option to get WhatsApp for Laptop is to use WhatsApp via browser. The WhatsApp web was first started couple of years back that given people who wanted to use WhatsApp on big screen such as laptop or the desktop a good choice.
In this method you need not to download anything for getting WhatsApp for Laptop. Hence, no matter if your laptop don’t have disk space to install any program, you can still use WhatApp through browser .
Steps to get WhatsApp for Laptop:
- Open your favorite browser and type- web.whatsapp.com. You will see the screen with QR code on the left hand side. You will also see a check box that says “keep me signed in”. Check or un-check this checkbox based on your preference.
- Pickup your smartphone, go to menu and then select “WhatsApp Web”. The QR scanner will open.
- Scan QR code from on laptop screen and the connection between your smartphone and the Laptop will be established. Now you can use WhatsApp from Laptop.
If you have chosen to receive notifications, you will start to receive them as soon as there is any. For example you will see popup notification when someone sends message on WhatsApp. You can use laptop keyboard to type messages faster and accurately now.
Points to remember:
There are certain things you need to know if you chose to get WhatsApp for Laptop via this method.
- Your phone must remain connected to Internet.
- If you have checked the checkbox “keep me signed in”, anyone can see your messages if they somehow get access to your laptop by typing WhatsApp web url.
- Avoid using WhatApp Web through public computers such as collage/school computers, Cafe etc.
- If you forget to log off from WhatsApp Web, anyone can see your personal messages and all those that will be sent further until you log out.
WhatsApp for Laptop: via WhatsApp CLIENT-
The other method to get WhatsApp for Laptop is through desktop client. Yes ! WhatsApp has desktop clients as well which can be downloaded for Windows as well MAC and used right from there.
The process of using WhatsApp through desktop client is somewhat same as using WhatsApp via WhatsApp web. Here is how to go about it:
- Go to your favorite browser and open website
- Go to download section and download WhatsApp client for Windows PC/ Mac.
- Install WhatsApp desktop client by double clicking the downloaded file. The installation may take sometime. Allow it to complete.
- Once the installation is done, open it and you will see the similar screen as WhatsApp web.
- Pick your smartphone, go to WhatsApp Web and scan QR code that appears on Desktop client home screen. Once scanned, the connection will be established between phone and desktop client. You may now use laptop keyboard to type messages and send files.
WhatsApp for Laptop: via Android Emulator
The other way of using WhatsApp on Laptop/ Desktop is with the help of android emulators. We have created a list of best android emulators for PC and you can download any of these. I’ll use BlueStacks. Here is what you need to do:
Khamosh Pathak is a freelance technology writer who specializes in tutorials. His work has also been published on iPhoneHacks, Zapier’s blog, MakeUseOf, and Guiding Tech. Khamosh has seven years of experience writing how-tos, features and technology guides on the internet. Read more.
Want to use WhatsApp from your computer? While there’s no standalone WhatsApp client, you can use WhatsApp’s web app and desktop client to send messages via your smartphone. Here’s how to use WhatsApp on your Windows 10 PC, Mac, or computer.
Using WhatsApp Web, you connect your smartphone to a computer or a browser. As long as both devices are close to one another, you can use your computer to send messages via WhatsApp on your phone.
You can use WhatsApp Web from any desktop browser (all major browsers like Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera are supported) or any platform. You’ll also get notifications for new messages.
If you want a dedicated app, you can use the WhatsApp Desktop application for Windows and macOS. For added features, you can even use third-party apps. ChatMate for WhatsApp ($2.99) is a great alternative for Mac users.
The process of connecting your iPhone or Android smartphone to WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop is the same. We’ll walk you through the process of using WhatsApp Web.
Open your favorite browser and go to web.whatsapp.com. Here, you’ll see a QR code on the right side of the screen.
Now, you’ll have to scan the QR code using your iPhone or Android smartphone.
If you’re using an Android smartphone, tap the “Menu” button from the toolbar in the top-right corner.
Next, select the “WhatsApp Web” option.
Now, point your smartphone’s camera at the QR code.
In a second, the QR code will be scanned, and you’ll be logged in to WhatsApp Web.
If you’re using an iPhone, go to the “Settings” tab.
Here, choose the “WhatsApp Web” option.
Now, point the iPhone camera at the QR code.
Once it’s scanned, WhatsApp Web will show all of your messages.
You can now click a message to open it and send messages to anyone as long as your iPhone or Android smartphone is nearby. It doesn’t have to be connected to the same network, but it does need to be online.
You can do almost everything on WhatsApp Web (except for making voice calls and video calls) that you can from your smartphone. You can send GIFs, photos, videos, documents, emojis, and more.
To allow message notifications in your browser, click the “Turn On Desktop Notifications” button.
Then confirm from the pop-up to allow notifications for WhatsApp Web. (This pop-up will depend on the browser that you’re using.)
Once you’re done using WhatsApp Web, make sure to log out. To do this, click the “Menu” button from the top toolbar and then choose the “Log Out” option.
Use WhatsApp constantly for both work and personal chat? Here’s how to secure your WhatsApp account.
Chat on your PC or Mac in the web and desktop versions of WhatsApp
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What to Know
- Download the WhatsApp mobile app. Next, visit WhatsApp Web, or download WhatsApp for Windows or Mac.
- Open the mobile app, and tap Chats. Then, tap the three vertical dots >WhatsApp Web.
- Next, scan the QR Code on the desktop or web client. When your messages appear on the computer, close the mobile app.
This article explains how to download and use WhatsApp on a computer. Instructions apply to WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop available for Mac OS X 10.9 and up, and Windows 8 and newer.
How to Use WhatsApp From a Computer
There’s a free web client that makes it possible to access WhatsApp on a computer from a web browser. There’s also a standalone WhatsApp desktop client for Windows and Mac.
If you don’t have the mobile app, download it on your phone before setting up WhatsApp on your computer. Once you’ve done that, visit WhatsApp Web, or download the desktop program from the WhatsApp download page. In the desktop version, select the download link that corresponds with your computer operating system (Windows or Mac).
Once opened, the process for setting up the WhatsApp desktop program and web client interface is the same:
Open WhatsApp on your phone.
Tap the Chats tab, then tap the three vertical dots to open a drop-down menu.
Tap WhatsApp Web.
Hold your phone up to the computer screen to scan the QR Code displayed on the desktop or web client.
The WhatsApp client opens immediately and shows the messages you have on your phone. Close WhatsApp on your phone and use it from your computer.
Your phone must remain connected to the internet while you use the WhatsApp web client. The application syncs directly with your mobile device, so a Wi-Fi connection is necessary to avoid data charges.
WhatsApp Web Vs. WhatsApp Desktop
WhatsApp Desktop is a robust program made for users accustomed to using WhatsApp. It supports keyboard shortcuts while chatting, and notifications can be sent directly to your desktop.
WhatsApp Web is easier if you’re new to the program. All you have to do is log in to the WhatsApp website from any browser. Your messages instantly appear no matter which computer you use, where it is, and whether it’s public or private. Both versions of WhatsApp let you send pictures and other types of files just like the mobile version.
WhatsApp can accomodate up to 8 users. If you need to include more people, look at Zoom can handle up to 1,000 participants at a time. Skype has a 50-person limit, Google Hangouts allows up to 10 (or 25 if you’re a paid business user), and Facebook Rooms allows 50 people at a time. None of these competitors, however, offer end-to-end encryption like WhatsApp does.
WhatsApp Desktop and Web Features
The web and desktop versions of WhatsApp allow you to browse your hard drive for photos, videos, and documents that you can send through the chat interface. If your computer has a webcam, you can access it directly in the interface to take a photo that you can send in chat. Select the paperclip in the upper-right corner of the chat window to reveal a drop-down menu.
Another feature unique to WhatsApp Desktop is voice messages. Start a recording by selecting the microphone in the lower-right corner of the interface.
Limitations of WhatsApp Desktop and Web
A few WhatsApp features that are available on a mobile device are not available on a computer. For example, the desktop version doesn’t have the option to invite people from your address book to join WhatsApp. In addition, you can’t share your location or a map.
Also, you can have either WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop open at any given time, but having both open automatically shuts down the program that’s not currently in use.
WhatsApp Web: Here’s a simple and step-by-step guide on how to use WhatsApp on your laptop.
WhatsApp is widely used around the world for personal and professional communication. It is undoubtedly the most popular messaging app. WhatsApp is primarily for mobile with its Android and iOS apps for smartphones, and KaiOS app for smart feature phones. The other platform where you can use WhatsApp is on the web through WhatsApp Web, and also through its desktop apps. WhatsApp Web launched back in 2015, and it has since been updated with useful features to keep it at par with the mobile versions.
How to use WhatsApp Web
First, visit web.whatsapp.com on your laptop.
On your phone, tap on the three dotted menu and select WhatsApp Web.
It will ask you to scan the QR code on your laptop.
Once it’s scanned, your WhatsApp account will be connected to your laptop.
You can then check your chats, send and receive messages, and make calls.
Once you’re connected to WhatsApp Web you won’t need to log in again.
There are some things to note about WhatsApp Web. This is only a web client of WhatsApp, and it still requires the main device to remain connected to the internet. If your phone is at a distance from your laptop, your WhatsApp Web will be disconnected. Also, if there’s any interruption to your mobile internet connection, then WhatsApp Web will not work. This is one issue WhatsApp is working to fix, and it will surely be very helpful. WhatsApp also displays a constant notification on your phone indicating that WhatsApp Web is active.
This article will teach you How to use WhatsApp using a PC and laptop. Here 3 ways to using WhatsApp on your desktop. Read the full article below.
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps on the globe right now. The Facebook-owned company in 2017 released a feature that allows lets user’s text, chat, and share media, including voice messages and video, with individuals or groups.
If you use WhatsApp on a phone but you want to use it on your own personal computer or laptop, you can do it easily. If you don’t know how to use WhatsApp on a PC or laptop, here are 3 ways to use WhatsApp on a desktop.
How to use WhatsApp on Computer and Laptop
Normally everyone uses WhatsApp to use the WhatsApp web of the WhatsApp app, but here is another unique method besides, so read the full article to know it. Computer users and Laptop users apply the same method to use WhatsApp.
- WhatsApp Web: A browser-based application of WhatsApp.
- WhatsApp Desktop: An application you can download to your computer.
- Bluestack: Bluestack is a android emulator for windowns and mac. This application you can download to your computer to use WhatsApp.
How to use WhatsApp using web browser
WhatsApp Web and Desktop are computer-based extensions of the WhatsApp account on your phone. The messages you send and receive are synced between your phone and computer, and you can see your messages on both devices.
How to Install WhatsApp web on a computer
How to use WhatsApp without scanning QR
If you want to use WhatsApp on your computer without scanning the QR code with your phone, then you need to download an application called Bluestacks. You can easily use WhatsApp with it. Read below what to do after installing Bluestacks. (Download link)
- After Installing, Open the Bluestacks application on your computer.
- In the Bluestacks app, you will see the play store app, open it.
- Then, sign into your Google account in the play store.
- Search WhatsApp in the Play Store after signing in.
- Then, tap install.
- After the install is finished open the WhatsApp app.
- Once it is opened, WhatsApp will prompt you to enter your phone number so that you can receive a verification code from WhatsApp. Please enter your phone number as requested. Then Enter the verification code to get your phone number verified.
That’s it! You’ve completed all the steps, now you can easily chat with your friends from your computer.
Any Question?
So this was a complete guide on How to use WhatsApp on Computer and Laptop. Did you find this article useful? If so, share it with other people.
Do you have any questions about using WhatsApp on a Desktop? Put them in the comments and I’ll help you out.
This article will teach you How to use WhatsApp using a PC and laptop. Here 3 ways to using WhatsApp on your desktop. Read the full article below.
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps on the globe right now. The Facebook-owned company in 2017 released a feature that allows lets user’s text, chat, and share media, including voice messages and video, with individuals or groups.
If you use WhatsApp on a phone but you want to use it on your own personal computer or laptop, you can do it easily. If you don’t know how to use WhatsApp on a PC or laptop, here are 3 ways to use WhatsApp on a desktop.
How to use WhatsApp on Computer and Laptop
Normally everyone uses WhatsApp to use the WhatsApp web of the WhatsApp app, but here is another unique method besides, so read the full article to know it. Computer users and Laptop users apply the same method to use WhatsApp.
- WhatsApp Web: A browser-based application of WhatsApp.
- WhatsApp Desktop: An application you can download to your computer.
- Bluestack: Bluestack is a android emulator for windowns and mac. This application you can download to your computer to use WhatsApp.
How to use WhatsApp using web browser
WhatsApp Web and Desktop are computer-based extensions of the WhatsApp account on your phone. The messages you send and receive are synced between your phone and computer, and you can see your messages on both devices.
How to Install WhatsApp web on a computer
How to use WhatsApp without scanning QR
If you want to use WhatsApp on your computer without scanning the QR code with your phone, then you need to download an application called Bluestacks. You can easily use WhatsApp with it. Read below what to do after installing Bluestacks. (Download link)
- After Installing, Open the Bluestacks application on your computer.
- In the Bluestacks app, you will see the play store app, open it.
- Then, sign into your Google account in the play store.
- Search WhatsApp in the Play Store after signing in.
- Then, tap install.
- After the install is finished open the WhatsApp app.
- Once it is opened, WhatsApp will prompt you to enter your phone number so that you can receive a verification code from WhatsApp. Please enter your phone number as requested. Then Enter the verification code to get your phone number verified.
That’s it! You’ve completed all the steps, now you can easily chat with your friends from your computer.
Any Question?
So this was a complete guide on How to use WhatsApp on Computer and Laptop. Did you find this article useful? If so, share it with other people.
Do you have any questions about using WhatsApp on a Desktop? Put them in the comments and I’ll help you out.
Story by
Napier Lopez
Story by
Napier Lopez
Napier Lopez is a writer based in New York City. He’s interested in all things tech, science, and photography related, and likes to yo-yo in (show all) Napier Lopez is a writer based in New York City. He’s interested in all things tech, science, and photography related, and likes to yo-yo in his free time. Follow him on Twitter.
Welcome to TNW Basics , a collection of tips, guides, and advice on how to easily get the most out of your gadgets, apps, and other stuff.
So you’re chatting with your friend on WhatsApp, but you’ve also got to get work done on your PC. Sure, you should probably just put away your phone and finish that article erm, client report, but we all know you aren’t going to do that. Worse, constantly switching between your phone and computer is a pain, and only makes you more distracted. Here’s how to compromise and get WhatsApp on your computer instead.
WhatsApp first launched its web app for desktops way back in 2015, but I still often find people aren’t aware of the feature – perhaps because it’s somewhat tucked away and WhatsApp doesn’t particularly promote it. Thankfully, it only takes a few seconds to get the ball rolling.
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The steps are as follows:
- Go to web.whatsapp.com
- Open WhatsApp on your phone, and go to your chat list.
- Tap the menu button, and select WhatsApp web.
- Point your phone at the QR code on the website. It should take just a second or so to scan.
- You’re in!
Alternatively, if you expect to use WhatsApp on your PC often, you can get the Mac or PC app, which are essentially just downloadable variants of the Web app anyway. Once logged in, you can access most of the same features you can on your phone, including status updates (WhatsApp’s version of Stories), voice clips, and sending photos and documents. It’s surprisingly robust for a web app.
The caveat to this is that all your messages are routed through your phone. your phone needs to be on and connected to the web for this feature to work – you won’t be able to continue a conversation if your phone runs out of battery. WhatsApp also limits the number of devices you can be logged into.
This is done to keep your messages secure, as other than backups, they are only stored on the devices of the people in the conversation. There are rumors WhatsApp is going to change this and is working on a proper desktop app that operates independently of your phone, but there’s no official word yet. For now, the web app is your best tool.
This article discloses how to use WhatsApp web . Guidelines apply to WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop accessible for Mac OS X 10.9 and up, and Windows 8 and fresher.
Table of Contents
Step by step instructions to Use WhatsApp From a Computer
There’s a free web customer that makes it conceivable to get to Whatsapp web download for on a PC from an internet browser. There’s likewise an independent WhatsApp work area customer for Windows and Mac.
On the off chance that you don’t have the portable application, download it on your telephone prior to setting up WhatsApp on your PC. Whenever you’ve done that, visit WhatsApp Web, or download the work area program from the WhatsApp web download page. In the work area adaptation, select the download interface that compares with your PC working framework (Windows or Mac).
When opened, the cycle for setting up the WhatsApp work area program and web customer interface is something similar:
- Open WhatsApp on your telephone .
- Tap the Chats tab, then, at that point tap the three vertical specks to open a drop-down menu.
- Tap WhatsApp Web.
Hold your telephone up to the PC screen to check the QR Code shown on the work area or web customer.
The WhatsApp customer opens promptly and shows the messages you have on your telephone. Close WhatsApp on your telephone and use it from your PC.
WhatsApp Web Vs. WhatsApp Desktop
WhatsApp Desktop is a hearty program made for clients acquainted with utilizing WhatsApp. It upholds console alternate routes while visiting, and notices can be sent straightforwardly to your work area.
WhatsApp Web is simpler in case you’re new to the program. You should simply sign in to the WhatsApp site from any program. Your messages in a split second show up regardless of which PC you use, where it is, and whether it’s public or private. The two variants of WhatsApp let you send pictures and different kinds of documents very much like the portable rendition.
WhatsApp Desktop and Web Features
The web and work area variants of how to use Whatsapp on a laptop permits you to peruse your hard drive for photographs, recordings, and archives that you can send through the visit interface. On the off chance that your PC has a webcam, you can get to it straightforwardly in the interface to snap a picture that you can send in visit. Select the paperclip in the upper-right corner of the talk window to uncover a drop-down menu.
Another component one of a kind to WhatsApp Desktop is voice messages. Start a chronicle by choosing the amplifier in the lower-right corner of the interface.
Restrictions of WhatsApp Desktop and Web
A couple of WhatsApp highlights that are accessible on a cell phone are not accessible on a PC. For instance, the work area rendition doesn’t have the choice to welcome individuals from your location book to join WhatsApp. Likewise, you can’t share your area or a guide.
Additionally, you can have either WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop open at some random time, yet having both open naturally closes down the program that is not presently being used.
The most popular messaging app right now, WhatsApp Messenger, is one great app. It’s simple to use, thus, letting you easily send messages and files for free. Though it’s fun to use on phones, sometimes, you’d want to do the typing on an actual keyboard. With this, you’d need WhatsApp Web on a tablet, PC or laptop.
Using WhatsApp Web on a PC or laptop is slightly lesser fun as compared to using it on your smartphone. The advantage here is there is a physical keyboard so typing is really fast. And it is especially helpful if you’re chatting with many people at the same time.
By logging into WhatsApp on a computer, however, you can ensure you are always contactable, especially while you’re at work.
WhatsApp Web is a far more attractive solution for most users, ensuring you can not only read and respond to messages on any device but send and receive photos and videos too. The best part is it’s completely free to use and requires only a quick setup, after which you stay logged in until you actively log out.
Also, WhatsApp doesn’t have a version for tablets, so to use it on a tablet, you’d have to go for WhatsApp Web. Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
How to set up WhatsApp Web on Computer
Things Needed: Computer with internet access, your phone logged in WhatsApp.
- Go to WhatsApp’s web interface, web.whatsapp.com.
- There is a giant QR code there (the black and white squares pattern).
- Now open your WhatsApp on your phone.
- Tap “Settings” or “Menu” for iPhone or Android, respectively.
- Now hit “WhatsApp Web /Desktop”.
- Press the white + sign on the top right of the menu. This will open your camera so you can scan the QR code.
- Now point your camera to scan the QR code on the computer.
- If it works, your camera will close and WhatsApp Web will open on the computer. If it doesn’t refresh the webpage on the computer and try again.
WhatsApp Web will automatically launch in the browser and will remain active until you log out either on your computer or on your phone.
You can achieve this on your phone by returning to the WhatsApp Web menu and tapping ‘Log out from all devices’, or on your PC by tapping the three dots icon at the top of the conversation thread, then clicking ‘Log out’.
How to use WhatsApp Web on an iPad or Android tablet
Trying to use WhatsApp Web on your tablet can be a little tricky. When you try to log in to WhatsApp’s web interface, you’re prompted to download the app. When you go to the app stores too, you’ll be told the app isn’t available.
Fortunately, there is a way to circumvent this wall. You will request the desktop version of the site on your tablet’s browser. This will show you the webpage as if you’re browsing on a desktop.
How to request a desktop version on an iPad
- On the tablet, press and hold the refresh button at the right end of the address bar.
- A prompt will pop up with “Request Desktop Site” message.
- Tap on the message and the page will refresh and give you the desktop version.
How to request a desktop version on an Android tablet
- With Chrome browser on Android tablets, press the menu button on the browser (the three vertical dots at the right corner of the screen).
- A menu appears with “Desktop Site” with a box beside it.
- Tap the box to tick the option.
- The page will reload and give you the desktop version.
Now that our tablets and iPads are surfing as desktops, we follow the previous instructions for the WhatsApp Web for desktop. You can now use WhatsApp Web on your tablet.
