Key Takeaways
- Use WhatsApp’s web app or desktop client on your Windows PC, Mac, or other computer to send messages via your smartphone for convenience.
- The web interface doesn’t support audio or video calls, so it’s recommended to use the desktop client for those features.
- When using WhatsApp on a public computer, exercise caution by using a private window, logging out, and being aware that the PC software may be able to monitor your messages.
Want to use WhatsApp from your computer? While there’s no standalone WhatsApp client, you can use WhatsApp’s web app and desktop client to send messages via your smartphone. Here’s how to use WhatsApp on your Windows PC, Mac, or other type of computer.
Should You Use WhatsApp on the Web or Download the App?
The desktop app and the web interface are very similar, but 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 limitation, we’d generally recommend that you use the desktop client whenever you can.
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 Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera 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 window, make sure to log out, and 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 app, you can use the WhatsApp Desktop application for Windows and macOS. If you don’t want to use the link, you can always search “WhatsApp” in the Microsoft or Apple Stores. For added features, you 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 app, just 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. 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, then select the “Linked Devices” option.
Tap “Link Devices” again.
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, then tap “Linked Devices.”
Tap “Link a Device.”
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.
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.
