WhatsApp is a messaging app with over 1 billion active users. It’s one of the most popular messaging apps on both desktop and mobile devices. If you’re not familiar with WhatsApp, it’s a great app for staying in touch with friends and family. You can use WhatsApp on your computer or web browser. Here are some tips for using WhatsApp on your computer:
- Download the WhatsApp app. You can download it from the App Store or Google Play store.
- Open the WhatsApp app and sign in if you don’t already have an account. If you already have an account, click on the profile picture of one of your contacts to open their chat window. You’ll see a list of recent chats in the left column and a message box in the center column (see below).
- To start a new chat, type a message in the message box and press Enter (or click on the Send button). Your chat partner will see your message immediately (unless they’re offline). If they’re online, they’ll see your message when they next log into their chat window.
- To reply to someone else’s message, just type their name in the search bar at the top of their chat window (or click on their profile picture) and press Enter (or click on their reply button). They’ll see your reply immediately (unless they’re offline). ..
Using WhatsApp Web, you connect your smartphone to a computer or a browser. As long as both devices are close to one another, you can use your computer to send messages via WhatsApp on your phone.
You can use WhatsApp Web from any desktop browser (all major browsers like Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera are supported) or any platform. You’ll also get notifications for new messages.
If you want a dedicated app, you can use the WhatsApp Desktop application for Windows and macOS. For added features, you can even use third-party apps. ChatMate for WhatsApp ($2.99) is a great alternative for Mac users.
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. Here, you’ll see a QR code on the right side of the screen.
Now, you’ll have to scan the QR code using your iPhone or Android smartphone.
If you’re using an Android smartphone, tap the “Menu” button from the toolbar in the top-right corner.
Next, select the “WhatsApp Web” option.
Now, point your smartphone’s camera at the QR code.
In a second, the QR code will be scanned, and you’ll be logged in to WhatsApp Web.
If you’re using an iPhone, go to the “Settings” tab.
Here, choose the “WhatsApp Web” option.
Now, point the iPhone camera at the QR code.
Once it’s scanned, WhatsApp Web will show all of your messages.
You can now click a message to open it and send messages to anyone as long as your iPhone or Android smartphone is nearby. It doesn’t have to be connected to the same network, but it does need to be online.
You can do almost everything on WhatsApp Web (except for making voice calls and video calls) that you can from your smartphone. You can send GIFs, photos, videos, documents, emojis, and more.
RELATED: How to Make Group Voice and Video Calls on WhatsApp
To allow message notifications in your browser, click 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 Web, make sure to log out. To do this, click the “Menu” button from the top toolbar and then choose the “Log Out” option.
Use WhatsApp constantly for both work and personal chat? Here’s how to secure your WhatsApp account.
RELATED: How to Secure Your WhatsApp Account