Key Takeaways
- You can use WhatsApp on a desktop computer either through a dedicated app or WhatsApp Web.
- Most features are the same on desktop and mobile, allowing for a seamless transition between devices.
- The desktop app allows for voice and video calls, a feature not available on WhatsApp Web.
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world. It's not hard to see why; it's free to use, packed with features, and uses end-to-end encryption. You can use it for chatting via text, but you can also make voice or video calls through WhatsApp, too.
Did you know that WhatsApp isn't limited to your phone? It's also possible to use WhatsApp on a desktop computer. 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. There are two ways to use WhatsApp on your computer. You can install a dedicated desktop app, or use WhatsApp in a browser with WhatsApp Web.
Related
Both the web version and the desktop app for macOS and Windows have most of the same features as the WhatsApp smartphone app, allowing for an effortless transition between devices. You'll likely find it straightforward to locate features and complete tasks as you move from the mobile app to desktop and browser platforms. Any messages you send via mobile or desktop will automatically sync to your other devices, too.
It's also really simple to start using WhatsApp on your computer. All you need to do is scan a QR code and your account is automatically linked. Here's all you need to know about how to use WhatsApp Web and the WhatsApp desktop app.
How to get started with WhatsApp Web
Choose to use WhatsApp in a browser or a dedicated desktop app
WhatsApp Web and the WhatsApp desktop app bring your phone's messaging to your computer. They show all your WhatsApp chats and messages, letting you read and respond to them on your PC or Mac using a bigger keyboard. This way, you can stay on top of your WhatsApp conversations while working on other tasks, like typing a Word document or answering emails, without having to pull out your phone. It's all about making your messaging experience more convenient and integrated with your workflow.
Whether you choose to use the desktop app or your browser, the majority of WhatsApp's main features are available.
- To use WhatsApp Web, go to WhatsApp on the web via your browser.
- To use the desktop app, download WhatsApp Desktop for Windows and Mac.
You don't necessarily have to choose between them, because you can actually use both at the same time, if that's your preference. Just make sure to follow both links and explore your options.
How to connect your account to WhatsApp Web
Link your WhatsApp account to use WhatsApp on your computer
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.
- Launch the WhatsAppapp on your desktop or load the WhatsApp Web website in your browser.
- You'll see a QR code on the screen.
- Open WhatsApp on your smartphone.
- Tap the Menu icon on Android or the Settings icon on iPhone.
- Select Linked Devices.
- Tap the Link Device button.
- Point your phone towards the computer screen and scan the QR code.
- Your account will be linked to WhatsApp Web or the desktop app, and you'll see all the same messages from your phone appear on the screen.
What you can do with WhatsApp Web
Most features are supported, but some are missing
Cam Bunton/Pocket-lint
Both WhatsApp Web and the WhatsApp desktop app offer similar capabilities. The vast majority of the features found in the WhatsApp mobile app are available on desktop. You can use WhatsApp web to:
- Read and reply to messages.
- Send stickers, GIFs, and emojis.
- Send voice messages (requires permission)
- View status updates and check out communities.
- View (but not edit) Privacy settings.
- Customize chat backgrounds.
- View archived chats.
- Access media, links, and documents sent to your contacts.
- Mute notifications from certain contacts or pick a specific notification tone.
- Start new chats or create groups.
There are some limitations with the WhatsApp desktop app and website, however. Some features that are available on mobile are not possible using WhatsApp Web or the desktop app.
Currently, it's not possible to use WhatsApp on desktop to:
- Share your location.
- Add unknown numbers to your contact list.
- Make voice or video calls on WhatsApp Web, but you can do this through the desktop app.
- View your entire message history.
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How to video call via WhatsApp's desktop app
You can make calls from the desktop app, but not WhatsApp Web
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.
It's not currently possible to make a voice or video call on WhatsApp Web.
If you're using the desktop app, you can make a video call by clicking the Call tab in the left-hand menu.
- Open the WhatsApp desktop app. This isn't possible using WhatsApp Web.
- Click the Call icon in the left-hand menu.
- At the top of the screen, click the New Call icon.
- Select the contact or contacts you want to call.
- Click the Voice or Video buttons to select the type of call you want to make.
- Alternatively, you can open a specific chat and tap the Video Call or Voice Call icons at the top of the chat window.
- You'll need to allow the WhatsApp desktop app access to your microphone and webcam in order to make voice and video calls.
How to unlink from WhatsApp Web
Disconnect your account to keep WhatsApp secure
Should you decide you no longer want to access WhatsApp on your computer, you should take a few steps to unlink your account. This will ensure that your WhatsApp messages are only accessible on your phone again. You can log out from WhatsApp Web or the desktop app directly from your computer, or you can disconnect any linked devices through the WhatsApp mobile app.
How to log out of WhatsApp Web
If you're using WhatsApp in your browser, you can sign out of your account which will unlink it. You'll need to link your account again if you want to use WhatsApp Web in the future.
- Open WhatsApp Web in your browser.
- Tap the Three Dots icon at the top of the screen.
- Select Log Out.
How to log out of the WhatsApp desktop app
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.
- Open the WhatsApp desktop app.
- Click the Settings icon in the left-hand menu.
- Select Log Out.
How to unlink devices in the WhatsApp mobile app
You can unlink devices at any time directly from the mobile app. Even if you don't have access to the desktop computers that are linked to your account, you can unlink them through the mobile app so that your WhatsApp messages can't be accessed on those devices.
- Open the WhatsApp app on your phone.
- Tap the Three Dots icon on Android or the Settings icon on iOS.
- Select Linked Devices.
- Tap on a linked device.
- Select Log Out.
- Repeat for any other linked devices.
The best WhatsApp Web and desktop keyboard shortcuts
Become a WhatsApp power user with these quick shortcuts
The biggest benefit of using WhatsApp Web or the Desktop app is the ability to use your keyboard to write messages, instead of the tiny keyboard on your phone screen. An additional benefit is the ability to use keyboard shortcuts for common actions. These shortcuts can make it even quicker to create messages or perform other actions within WhatsApp. The shortcuts are slightly different depending on whether you're using WhatsApp Web or the desktop app.
WhatsApp Web shortcuts
Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
Mark as Unread | Ctrl Alt Shift U | Cmd Ctrl Shift U |
Mute | Ctrl Alt Shift M | Cmd Ctrl Shift M |
Archive Chat | Ctrl Alt Shift E | Cmd Ctrl Shift E |
Delete Chat | Ctrl Alt Backspace | Cmd Ctrl Backspace |
Pin Chat | Ctrl Alt Shift P | Cmd Ctrl Shift P |
Search | Ctrl Alt / | Cmd Ctrl / |
Search Chat | Ctrl Alt Shift F | Cmd Ctrl Shift F |
New Chat | Ctrl Alt N | Cmd Ctrl N |
Next Chat | Ctrl Alt Tab | Cmd Ctrl Tab |
Previous Chat | Ctrl Alt Shift Tab | Cmd Ctrl Shift Tab |
Close Chat | Escape | Escape |
New Group | Ctrl Alt Shift N | Cmd Ctrl Shift N |
Profile and About | Ctrl Alt P | Cmd Ctrl P |
Settings | Ctrl Alt , | Cmd Ctrl , |
Emoji Panel | Ctrl Alt E | Cmd Ctrl E |
Gif Panel | Ctrl Alt G | Cmd Ctrl G |
Sticker Panel | Ctrl Alt S | Cmd Ctrl S |
Extended Search | Alt K | Cmd K |
WhatsApp desktop shortcuts
Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
Mark as Unread | Ctrl Shift U | Cmd Shift U |
Mute | Ctrl Shift M | Cmd Shift M |
Archive Chat | Ctrl Shift E | Cmd Shift E |
Delete Chat | Ctrl Shift D | Cmd Shift D |
Pin Chat | Ctrl Shift P | Cmd Shift P |
Search | Ctrl F | Cmd F |
Search Chat | Ctrl Shift F | Cmd Shift F |
New Chat | Ctrl N | Cmd N |
Next Chat | Ctrl Tab | Ctrl Tab |
Previous Chat | Ctrl Shift Tab | Ctrl Shift Tab |
Close Chat | Escape | Escape |
New Group | Ctrl Shift N | Cmd Shift N |
Profile and About | Ctrl P | Cmd P |
Settings | Ctrl , | Cmd , |
Emoji Panel | Ctrl E | Cmd E |
Gif Panel | Ctrl G | Cmd G |
Sticker Panel | Ctrl S | Cmd S |
Extended Search | Alt K | Cmd K |
FAQ
Q: Can the WhatsApp website or desktop app be used on multiple devices?
You can link up to four devices to your WhatsApp account to use WhatsApp Desktop or WhatsApp Web, whether that's a laptop, a tablet, or another phone, for example. You'll need to follow the same steps as mentioned above to link devices.
Q: Does WhatsApp Web work without a phone?
Partially, yes. 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. Therefore, a session on these platforms will expire after two weeks of phone inactivity. The session will also end if you manually log out from the linked device on WhatsApp.
Q: How secure is WhatsApp Web and the desktop app?
WhatsApp Web/Desktop maintains the same level of end-to-end encryption for messages as the mobile app, ensuring secure communication.
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