How to Use WhatsApp on Your Apple Watch

There's no official version, but you can still enjoy WhatsApp functionality

by
Michael Archambault
Michael Archambault
Writer
Michael Archambault is a technology writer and digital media specialist. His work has appeared in Mobile Nations, Amazon’s Digital Photography Review, PetaPixel, and other outlets.
our editorial process
Michael Archambault
Updated on August 07, 2020
reviewed by
Ryan Perian headshot
Ryan Perian
Lifewire Tech Review Board Member
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
our review board
Article reviewed on Feb 17, 2020
Ryan Perian

The WhatsApp messaging platform doesn't offer an Apple Watch version. With an iPhone, however, WhatsApp notifications push to your Apple Watch. For additional WhatsApp functionality, use middleware applications to access and send WhatsApp messages on your Apple Watch.

Instructions in this article apply to WhatsApp for iPhones with iOS 9 and later.

Person exercising while WhatsApp notifications come into their Apple Watch
Theresa Chiechi / Lifewire

WhatsApp Limited Apple Watch Functionality

WhatsApp doesn't include an official app for Apple Watch. You're limited, therefore, to the basics—receiving message notifications on your Apple Watch and responding by choosing from a list of simple, quick replies.

Here's how to receive WhatsApp Messenger notifications on your Apple Watch.

  1. On your iPhone, open Settings.

  2. Go to Notifications.

  3. Scroll down and select WhatsApp.

    WhatsApp Notification settings on iPhone

  4. Turn on the Allow Notifications toggle switch.

  5. Select Show in Notification Center and Show on Lock Screen.

    Notification settings for WhatsApp on an iPhone

If you like, also enable Sounds, Badges, and Banners.

Now that these settings are enabled, configure your Apple Watch to mirror notification alerts from WhatsApp:

  1. On your iPhone, open the Watch app.

  2. Go to Notifications.

  3. Scroll down to WhatsApp and activate the Notification button.

    Notification settings in the iOS Watch app

  4. You'll now receive WhatsApp notifications on your Apple Watch.

The functionality is limited. You can't start a new message, use voice messaging, or type a reply. You can choose from a list of simple reply options, such as, Hello, What's up, OK, or On my way.

Chatify for WhatsApp on Apple Watch

Chatify puts WhatsApp on your wrist. Use it to send and receive WhatsApp messages, view chat images, listen to voice messages, view emojis and stickers, and see when contacts are writing back.

Chatify for WhatsApp is not an official WhatsApp application created by Facebook. As with all third-party applications, use caution when sharing your information.

Chatify serves as a messaging wrapper for the Apple Watch. Dozens of applications in the App Store perform the same function. If you're not satisfied with Chatify, or you're scared off by user reviews, pick an alternative application. All use the same set of APIs to work behind the scenes on your iOS device. WatchChat is a $2.99 app with excellent reviews. WatchUp supports voice messages, images, and emojis. Search the App Store to find one that best works for you.

To set up Chatify on your Apple Watch, ensure that your Apple Watch is paired with your iPhone correctly and updated to the latest version. Log in to WhatsApp on your iPhone.

  1. Download Chatify for WhatsApp from the App Store on your iPhone.

  2. Open Chatify on your Apple Watch. You'll be presented with a QR code to scan using WhatsApp.

  3. Open WhatsApp on your iPhone and select Settings > WhatsApp Web/Desktop > Scan QR Code.

  4. With your iPhone camera, scan the QR code that displays on your Apple Watch.

  5. WhatsApp messages now appear on your Apple Watch. You can also reply directly from your wrist.

    WhatsApp messages on an Apple Watch via Chatify

Chatify offers a $4.99 upgrade to Chatify Premium. The upgrade unlocks additional features, such as faster download speeds and expanded search capabilities.