Summary
- WhatsApp Web is the messaging app's web client that works on any browser.
- It can be used to send and receive messages and media directly on your desktop.
- To use WhatsApp Webyou need to link your browser to WhatsApp by scanning the QR code.
Before the introduction of Desktop applicationsWhatsApp web was the only way to use WhatsApp on a computer. After the arrival of Desktop appsWhatsApp web still kept improvingand is used by millions around the worldmaking cross-device communication easier. If you've never used it beforehere's how to use WhatsApp Web to get the most out of it.
What is WhatsApp Web?
Like apps that have their own web versionsWhatsApp has one tooand it's called WhatsApp Web. As the name suggestsWhatsApp Web lets users send or receive messages from their computers directly from the browser after linking their WhatsApp accounts via their primary devices.
This facilitates seamless and effortless cross-platform communication. It also saves you a lot of time by helping you message someone or reply to messages directly from the browser. The platform could also be great for those running computers with fewer resources and no space to accommodate the desktop app.
How to sign in to WhatsApp Web
Logging into the WhatsApp Web app is pretty easyconsidering you haven't exhausted your WhatsApp-linked devices limitwhich is currently limited to five devices. Here's how to go about it:
- Head over to WhatsApp Web on your browserand you should see a QR code.
- Nowon your phoneopen WhatsApptap on the 3-dots icon at the top right and then choose Linked devices.
- Then hit Link a device and scan the WhatsApp Web QR code on the WhatsApp Web app on your computer.
- Once linkedWhatsApp will sync all the messagesand the WhatsApp Web interface will be ready to use in no time.
- If you're having trouble linking via QR codeyou can link with a phone number by clicking on the Link with phone number instead option on WhatsApp Web.
- Enter your phone number linked to WhatsApp and click on Next.
- WhatsApp Web will now show you an eight-digit code.
- Launch WhatsApp on your phone and go to Settings > Linked devices.
- Tap on Link a device and select Link with phone number instead.
- Enter the eight-digit code (from step 7)and WhatsApp Web should log in and link the browser as one of the devices.
How to use WhatsApp Web
Navigating around the WhatsApp Web interface is a straightforward affair. All the UI elements are well laid outmaking them easier to understand and not requiring much time to get used to.
Starting with the overall user interfaceyou'll find your chats on the leftwith the chat page appearing on the right when you click on a chat. The left-most sidebar houses different tabsincluding statuseschannels and WhatsApp communities
There's a cogwheel icon at the bottom left that takes you to the Settings screenwhile the adjacent Profile button redirects to your user profile where you can change your profile picturename and "About" section.
In the chats sectionyou will find a search bar at the top to search chatsalongside filter tabs like AllUnread and Groups for quick access. Archived WhatsApp chats will appear right belowfollowed by all your chats
At the topbeside the WhatsApp textyou get the option to create a new chatand a 3-dots icon which houses options like Create a new group, Starred messages and Select chats. Lastlyyou also get a Log out option to sign out of the current session.
In the chats panel at the rightyou can tap on the user's profile to view their detailsthe media you share with thema few settings and the groups you both are a part of.
The magnifying glass option can be used to search for chatswhereas the vertical 3-dots icon hosts options like Disappearing messagesClose chatReportBlockClear chat and Delete chat.
The messages are synced between your phone and WhatsApp Webso you can go through the recent messages with ease. At the bottomyou get a text box to type the messageaccompanied by a + icon to send various mediaincluding DocumentsPhotos and videosAudioContactsEventsPolls and Stickers.
Clicking on the Sticker icon reveals emojiGIF and sticker tabs to send them to the contact. Lastlythe microphone icon on the right can be used to record and send voice notes to the contact.
How to sign out of WhatsApp Web
Once you're done using WhatsApp on your desktopyou can log out of the session to make sure no one else can access your messages. There are two ways to log out of WhatsApp Web – one using the Log out option on the desktop you're currently using or by unlinking the browser session from your phone. Here's how to do it:
- On WhatsApp Webclick on the cogwheel icon at the bottom left to bring up more options.
- Now select Log out and then click on Log out in the pop-up prompt.
- Alternativelyyou can also launch WhatsApp on your phone and head over to the Linked devices section.
- Hereselect the browser where you're signed in to and then tap on Log out.
How is WhatsApp Web different from its desktop app?
WhatsApp Web has a slightly different user interface compared to the Desktop client. Otherwisebesides lacking video and voice calling featuresWhatsApp Web is not all that different from the Desktop version.
At the time of writingvoice and video calling are absent on the web client. Howeverthey're expected to arrive soonwhich should minimise the gap between the web and desktop clients. BesidesWhatsApp is expected to ditch the native Desktop version for a progressive web app clientwhich is currently in beta. Since it's a web appthe UI could be completely similar to WhatsApp Weband so will be the features.
And that's everything you need to know about how to use WhatsApp Web. From logging in to WhatsApp Web to navigating around the web clientthis guide might have given a fair idea of how to use the platform on a web browser. New features keep rolling out to WhatsApp and with the upcoming shift to a Web-based clientthe texting experience should become more seamless across devices.
