WhatsApp is a multi-faceted application that allows you to send messages to your loved ones, make voice or video calls, send documents and media from your smartphone or desktop computer. WhatsApp’s linked device support lets you use the service on up to four devices without connecting your primary phone. It works on WhatsApp for Web, Windows, Mac and Android to use the same WhatsApp accounts on two phones.
WhatsApp can also be used on your favorite Chromebook. However, apart from using WhatsApp Web, you can use the WhatsApp desktop app or the web version to stay in touch with your friends and family. Let’s see how you can use WhatsApp from your desktop or laptop.
Getting started with WhatsApp desktop
WhatsApp has been gradually improving the desktop app with new features. You can download the WhatsApp app for Mac or Windows. WhatsApp has a clean interface and also comes with calling features, just like the smartphone app. Additionally, Meta launched the macOS app in August, after testing it in public beta for some time.
Whether you download WhatsApp from the Microsoft Store or the Mac App Store, the setup process generally remains the same.
Set up WhatsApp desktop using your Android phone
1. Open WhatsApp on your desktop or Mac running macOS.
2. On your Android phone, open WhatsAppthen go to the three point menu (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Linked devices.
3. Press the Pair a device button, authenticate your identity and point your phone at the QR code on your desktop or laptop screen.
4. Once done, and after a few loads, your WhatsApp messages appear on your computer.
5. You can repeat the process on four other devices, allowing you to send text messages on all of them simultaneously.
Set up WhatsApp desktop using your iPhone
Since WhatsApp for iOS uses a different interface, the steps for changing a QR code vary.
1. Open the WhatsApp mobile application on your iPhone and navigate to Settings.
2. Select Linked devices.
3. Press Pair a device.
4. Authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID and scan the QR code using the default camera.
Use WhatsAppWeb
WhatsApp works through your web browser, such as Google Chrome, and does not need to be installed. This is handy if you’re using a work computer and your administrator doesn’t allow you to install apps. It’s also perfect if you’re using a Chromebook or Linux-based system.
Here’s how to set up WhatsApp on the web.
1. Visit web.whatsapp.com on your favorite desktop browser.
2. Open the Linked devices menu on your Android or iPhone (check the steps above).
3. Capture the QR code displayed on the screen.
4. Enable notification permission for WhatsApp. Click it lock icon in the address bar and open Site Settings.
5. Expand Notifications and select Allow.
You can use the same trick to use WhatsApp on an iPad or Android tablet.
WhatsApp for desktop features
WhatsApp for desktop is not an afterthought on the company’s part. It’s packed with useful features.
- Make voice calls with up to 32 people and video calls with up to 8 people simultaneously.
- Excellent keyboard shortcut support to navigate the app like a pro.
- Pin up to three important discussions to the top.
- Check communities and view status updates.
- Support for stickers, GIFs and voice messages.
- Access all privacy options (not available on new WhatsApp apps).
- Support for rich themes.
- View your entire WhatsApp call history.
- Join the group call once it has started.
- Receive notifications even if your phone is offline.
- Share media and documents with simple drag and drop into a chat.
WhatsApp for desktop limitations
WhatsApp for desktop has some limitations.
- It doesn’t show all your past messages. You may need to use your phone to check chat history. However, it shows more message history than WhatsApp web.
- You cannot export WhatsApp chat to desktop.
- You cannot share your location from the desktop app.
- You cannot add an unknown number to contacts.
WhatsApp Web vs. WhatsApp Desktop
If you want a mobile experience on Windows or Mac, opt for desktop apps. They work well with system notifications and you can launch WhatsApp when the device boots. If you have a low-end Windows laptop or MacBook, we recommend going for the web version as it consumes less CPU power on the device. They both cover the basics of text messaging and media sharing.
How to unlink WhatsApp Web or Desktop
If you need to unlink a device from your WhatsApp account, revoke access to your phone, which is useful if your computer is stolen or you forget to lock it. Here’s how to do it:
Unlink WhatsApp on Android
1. Open WhatsApp on your mobile device.
2. Press the three point menu (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Linked devices.
3. Tap the device you want to unpair.
4. Confirm your selection by pressing Sign out.
Unlink WhatsApp on iPhone
iPhone users can follow the steps below to remove access to the device.
1. Open Linked devices in iPhone settings (check steps above).
2. Select your linked device.
3. Check the platform and the last active date and time. Tap on it and select Sign out.
Enjoy SMS from your computer
The desktop and web apps offer the same WhatsApp chat features you know. However, the PC version allows you to attach and send files from your PC. Plus, typing on a desktop keyboard is easier than on a smartphone. You can also keep other tabs open next to WhatsApp on the screen and copy and paste information into your chat messages. Desktop apps also support WhatsApp’s core privacy features to keep prying eyes out of your account.
