How to Use WhatsApp on Your Computer

Chat on your PC or Mac in the web and desktop versions of WhatsApp

By
Christina Michelle Bailey
Christina Michelle Bailey
Freelance Contributor
Former Lifewire writer Christina Michelle Bailey is a consultant and speaker on the topic of digital media who focuses on digital business models and content distribution.
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Christina Michelle Bailey
Updated December 26, 2019

WhatsApp is available for a wide variety of mobile devices including iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Nokia, and Windows phones, Apple Watch, but there's also a free web client that makes it possible to access the WhatsApp interface on a computer from a web browser. There's also a standalone WhatsApp desktop client for Windows and Mac.

Instructions in this article apply to WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop available for Mac OS X 10.9 and up and Windows 8 and newer.

WhatsApp Web Vs. WhatsApp Desktop

WhatsApp Desktop is a robust program made for users accustomed to using WhatsApp. It supports keyboard shortcuts while chatting, and notifications can be sent directly to your desktop.

WhatsApp Web is easier if you're new to the program. All you have to do is log in to the WhatsApp website from any browser. All of your messages instantly appear no matter which computer you're using, where it is, and whether it's public or private. Both versions of WhatsApp let you send pictures and other types of files just like the mobile version.

How to Use WhatsApp From a Computer

If you don't have the mobile app, you'll need to download it on your phone before setting up WhatsApp on your computer. Once you've done that, visit WhatsApp Web, or download the desktop program from the WhatsApp download page. If you're using the desktop version, select the download link that corresponds with your computer's operating system (Windows or Mac).

Download the WhatsApp desktop program for PC or Mac from the WhatsApp download page.

Once opened, the process for setting up the WhatsApp desktop program and web client interface is the same:

  1. Open WhatsApp on your phone.

  2. Tap the Chats tab, then tap the three vertical dots to open a drop-down menu.

  3. Tap WhatsApp Web.

    Tap the Chats tab, tap the three vertical dots, then tap WhatsApp Web.

  4. Hold your phone up to the computer screen to scan the QR Code displayed on the desktop/web client.

    Hold your phone up to the computer screen to scan the QR Code displayed on the desktop/web client.

  5. The WhatsApp client will open immediately and show you any messages you already have on your phone. You can then close down WhatsApp on your phone and use it from your computer.

    The WhatsApp web client running in Chrome on Windows

Your phone must remain connected to the internet while you use the WhatsApp web client. The application syncs directly with your mobile device, so a Wi-Fi connection is necessary to avoid racking up data charges.

WhatsApp Desktop and Web Features

The web and desktop versions of WhatsApp allow you to browse your hard drive for photos, videos, and documents that you can send through the chat interface. If your computer has a webcam, you can access it directly in the interface to take a photo that you can send via chat. Select the paperclip in the top-right of the chat window to reveal a drop-down menu.

Another feature unique to WhatsApp Desktop is voice messages. Start a recording by selecting the microphone on the bottom-right of the interface.

Select the paperclip to take a picture or send files, and select the microphone to record a voice message.

Limitations of WhatsApp Desktop and Web

A few WhatsApp features available on your mobile device are not available on your computer. For example, you don’t have the option to invite people from your address book to join WhatsApp. You also can’t share your location or a map.

Also, you can have either WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop open at any given time, but having both open automatically shuts down the program not currently in use.