How to using WhatsApp on a computer (Mac or Windows PC)
WhatsApp may be configured on your computer so that you can exchange texts, images, videos, and even phone calls while using it on the large screen. In this quick guide, we’ll go through how to use WhatsApp on a Mac or Windows computer, as well as what to do if it doesn’t function.
The most widely used instant messaging app for iOS, Android, and KaiOS is WhatsApp. You may also get it to function on your iPad by following a few simple steps.
You can set up WhatsApp on the large screen and send or react to messages directly from your desktop, though, if you’re like me and spend the most of your time in front of a computer. As a result, you won’t need to grab your phone every time WhatsApp notifies you of a new notification.
On a Mac or PC, follow these instructions to install and use WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business.
OS versions supported
When using WhatsApp on a computer, you have two choices.
1) You can use the WhatsApp desktop app on:
- macOS 10.11 or newer
- Windows 10.1 or newer
2) And you can use WhatsApp Web even if your computer doesn’t fit the above app requirement.
Before you start
You cannot register for a WhatsApp account on your computer, therefore make sure WhatsApp is activated on your iPhone or Android phone using your phone number.
Per WhatsApp:
“You don’t have to keep your primary phone connected to use WhatsApp on up to four connected devices at once. To maintain linked devices connected to your WhatsApp account, log in to your primary phone every 14 days.
Install the desktop version of WhatsApp on your Mac or PC.
1) Download the WhatsApp desktop app:
- Mac: From the Apple App Store or directly from the official website. You can also try out the native WhatsApp app that’s currently in beta.
- Windows: Get it from the Microsoft Store.
2) Open the WhatsApp desktop app, and you’ll see a QR code. You have to scan this QR code later (Step 6).
3) Now, open WhatsApp on your iPhone and tap Settings. On an Android phone, tap the three dots menu button from the top right of the WhatsApp Chats screen.
4) Tap Linked Devices.
5) Tap Link a Device and authenticate using Face ID, fingerprint, or device passcode. It will open WhatsApp’s built-in scanner.
6) Point your phone to the QR code on your computer, and it will automatically scan it. Now wait for it to load your chats on the big screen.
7) Once your chats are loaded, select one from the left sidebar on your computer. Now you can send new messages, audio notes, photos, videos, documents, contact, stickers, and also create a poll.
8) You can also click the audio or video call buttons to talk to your friend or family members via WhatsApp from your desktop.
Use WhatsApp using a browser
You can use WhatsApp on your PC through its app as well as in a number of well-known web browsers, including Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera, Firefox, and Safari. The processes are the same as those for the app method that we previously described. This is a brief summary:
1) Visit web.whatsapp.com in a web browser on your computer, and you’ll see a QR code.
2) Go to Linked Devices section of the WhatsApp app on your smartphone and scan the QR code you see in your computer browser.
- You can make audio & video calls from WhatsApp’s desktop app, but you can’t do that from WhatsApp Web accessed in a web browser.
- You cannot send your current or live location from either WhatsApp desktop or WhatsApp Web.
On your computer, log out of WhatsApp
Using WhatsApp on a computer can be stopped through the desktop application, web browser, or your main smartphone. This is how:
From the computer app or web browser
- In the WhatsApp desktop app, click the arrow icon on the top left side of the app. On WhatsApp Web, click the three dots icon.
- Choose Log out.
From your phone
- Open WhatsApp on your phone and go to the Linked Devices section.
- Tap the computer or browser name under Linked Devices.
- Tap Log Out. After this, when you try to use WhatsApp in that desktop app or web browser, it will ask you to log in again.
WhatsApp not working on a computer?
If WhatsApp isn’t working in your web browser or desktop app, try these steps:
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