Want to use WhatsApp from your computer? While there's no standalone WhatsApp clientyou can use WhatsApp's web app and desktop client to send messages via your smartphone. Here's how to use WhatsApp on your Windows PCMacor other type of computer.
Should You Use WhatsApp on the Web or Download the App?
The desktop app and the web interface are very similarbut there are a few critical differences. The big ones are features—the WhatsApp web interface doesn't allow you to place audio or video calls. Given that limitationwe'd generally recommend that you use the desktop client whenever you can.
Click the phone or video camera icon in the upper right corner to start a voice or video call respectively. Once you're in a video callyou can even share your screen if you want. Just click the screen share button at the bottomthen select the window you'd like to share.
The major advantage you get from accessing WhatsApp through your browser is convenience. You can use WhatsApp Web from any desktop browser (all major browsers like SafariChromeFirefoxand Edge are supported) on any operating system. You'll also get notifications for new messages. You can even use it on PCs that you can't install apps on (like a public computer)but you should exercise caution if you do that. Use a private windowmake sure to log outand keep in mind that software on the PC may be able to snoop on what you send and receive.
Download the WhatsApp App on Your Windows PC or Mac
If you want a dedicated appyou can use the WhatsApp Desktop application for Windows and macOS. If you don't want to use the linkyou can always search "WhatsApp" in the Microsoft or Apple Stores. For added featuresyou can even use third-party apps. ChatMate for WhatsApp ($2.99) is a great alternative for Mac users.
If you don't want to use the appjust continue to the next section.
Connect Your WhatsApp Account to the Desktop App or the Browser
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. Hereyou'll see a QR code on the right side of the screen.
Nowyou'll have to scan the QR code using your iPhone or Android smartphone.
If you're using an Android smartphonetap the "Menu" button from the toolbar in the top-right cornerthen select the "Linked Devices" option. Select "Link a Device" in the next Window.
Nowpoint your smartphone's camera at the QR code.
In a secondthe QR code will be scannedand you'll be logged in to WhatsApp Web.
If you're using an iPhonego to the "Settings" tabthen tap "Linked Devices." In the next windowtap "Link Device."
Finallypoint the iPhone camera at the QR code.
Once it's scannedWhatsApp Web will show all of your messages.You can click a message to open it and send messages to anyone.
You can do almost everything on WhatsApp Web that you can from your smartphone. You can send GIFsphotosvideosdocumentsemojisand more.
To allow message notifications in your browserclick 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 Webmake sure to log out. To do thisclick the "Menu" button from the top toolbar and then choose the "Log Out" option.
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