WhatsApp Web only mirrors the conversations and messages that they receive from their mobile device. None of the messages are actually transferred over to the computer. In the interest of security, everything still lives on the user’s phone. 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 PC, Mac, or other type of computer.
- To do this, click the “Menu” button from the top toolbar and then choose the “Log Out” option.
- These shortcuts can make it even quicker to create messages or perform other actions within WhatsApp.
- Therefore, a session on these platforms will expire after two weeks of phone inactivity.
- You’ll need to log in and synchronize WhatsApp Web with WhatsApp on your mobile device by scanning a QR code.
- Use a private window, make sure to log out, and keep in mind that software on the PC may be able to snoop on what you send and receive.
This can make typing out your messages a lot less frustrating, as you can use a full-size physical keyboard instead of the tiny virtual one on your phone. You can install a dedicated desktop app, or use WhatsApp in a browser with WhatsApp Web. If your smartphone camera fails to scan the QR code, you can also link your account to WhatsApp Web using your phone number. Simply click on Link with phone number, enter the phone number linked to your WhatsApp account, and click Next. You still need to log into WhatsApp on the computer using your WhatsApp mobile app. The biggest benefit of WhatsApp Web is that you can use your PC’s keyboard to type out messages.
There’s no need to switch between the PC and the phone every time a new message comes in. Your phone is essential for the initial setup of WhatsApp Web or Desktop apps, as it’s needed to scan the QR code for linking. Once the devices are linked, your phone doesn’t have to remain online for the Web or Desktop apps to function. However, if your phone remains offline or WhatsApp isn’t used on your phone for 14 days, you will be automatically logged out of WhatsApp Web or Desktop.
- ChatMate for WhatsApp ($2.99) is a great alternative for Mac users.
- You’ll need to follow the same steps as mentioned above to link devices.
- As with the WhatsApp mobile app, you can make a voice or video call through the WhatsApp desktop app.
- The big ones are features—the WhatsApp web interface doesn’t allow you to place audio or video calls.
Therefore, a session on these platforms will expire after two weeks of phone inactivity. The session will also end if you pin up bet manually log out from the linked device on WhatsApp. To use WhatsApp Web, open a browser and go to web.whatsapp.com. You’ll need to log in and synchronize WhatsApp Web with WhatsApp on your mobile device by scanning a QR code. Once the connection is made, any messages that appear on your WhatsApp mobile app will instantly appear on the browser version, and vice-versa.
The more you know about WhatsApp Web, the more you’ll be surprised by how much it can do. Even though third-party extensions can unlock extra features not available by default, you should avoid using them due to the security risks they pose. WhatsApp Web lets you do most of the things you can do on the mobile app, but there are a few differences. As soon as WhatsApp Web scans the QR code, it will connect your phone to your PC. You are now ready to use WhatsApp online through the computer. You need to bear in mind a security vulnerability when using the browser version.
WhatsApp Web doesn’t let you make voice and video calls to individual contacts like the mobile app does. However, it’s possible to make group video calls on the web version through the Messenger Rooms feature. Once you create a room, simply share the link with the people you want to invite to the group video chat.
Just click the screen share button at the bottom, then select the window you’d like to share. If you’re using the desktop app, logging out will unlink your account. You’ll need to link it again to use the desktop app in the future. As with the WhatsApp mobile app, you can make a voice or video call through the WhatsApp desktop app. It’s not currently possible to make a voice or video call on WhatsApp Web, however. Through WhatsApp Web, you can easily send contacts, photos, documents and other files.
Desktop
For years after its launch, WhatsApp Web required your phone and computer to both be connected to the internet to sync your account. No, like video chatting, audio calls are also unavailable on the browser version of the app. If you want a dedicated app, you can use the WhatsApp Desktop application for Windows and macOS. If you don’t want to use the link, you can always search “WhatsApp” in the Microsoft or Apple Stores. ChatMate for WhatsApp ($2.99) is a great alternative for Mac users.
How to use WhatsApp on iPad
This means that you can type considerably faster than you would on your phone’s keyboard. All of your conversations will now be immediately available in the browser. Communications remain end-to-end encrypted even when using WhatsApp Web online. The recipient never knows if you’re using WhatsApp Web or the mobile app.
How to access WhatsApp Web or the desktop app
This means you don’t need to be concerned about your phone calls and messages being collected or read by WhatsApp or Meta. Now, Meta has streamlined the process, making it easier to use WhatsApp from your browser. You only need to meet the setup requirements when linking your account. After setting it up, you can use WhatsApp Web when your phone is offline. The only downside to using WhatsApp on an iPad is that the notifications are pretty terrible.
In order to use WhatsApp Web or the WhatsApp desktop app, you’ll need to link to your WhatsApp account. This will allow you to use WhatsApp on desktop or mobile and have your messages sync seamlessly across all your devices. It acts as a bridge for users on different platforms, enabling them to chat, send files make voice and video calls for free.
The WhatsApp Web app requires authentication through a personal QR code. Users can find this QR code inside the WhatsApp app on their phone. Since the web interface is basically just mirroring the app, the handset must remain connected to the internet for WhatsApp Web to function. If your smartphone loses the internet connection, WhatsApp Web will no longer work until the connection resumes. However, you should follow the best security practices for WhatsApp to stay extra safe. Avoid leaving your laptop unattended with WhatsApp open, and if you use it in an office environment, always lock your account before leaving your desk.