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How to Use WhatsApp on Your Computer
Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
WhatsAppComputersMessagingCommunicationDevicesWindowsMacSettingsInstallationConnectivity
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WhatsApp is a popular messaging application used by many people around the world. Although it is primarily used on mobile phones, you can also use WhatsApp on your computer. Using WhatsApp on your computer can be convenient for a number of reasons, such as typing messages on a larger keyboard or easily sharing files from your computer. In this guide, we will show you how to use WhatsApp on your computer.
1. WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp Web is a web-based version of WhatsApp that lets you access your WhatsApp account through a web browser. To get started with WhatsApp Web, follow these steps:
A. Open WhatsApp Web in your browser
- Open your favorite web browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari) on your computer.
- Go to the WhatsApp Web website by typing
web.whatsapp.comin the browser's address bar and pressing Enter. - You will see a page with a QR code. This QR code is used to sync your WhatsApp account with WhatsApp Web.
B. Open WhatsApp on your phone
- Open the WhatsApp application on your mobile phone.
- If you're using an Android phone, tap the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner and select "Linked Devices." If you're using an iPhone, go to "Settings" in the bottom-right corner and tap "Linked Devices."
- Tap the "Link a Device" button. Your phone camera will activate, allowing you to scan the QR code displayed on the WhatsApp Web page on your computer.
C. Scan the QR code
- Use your phone camera to scan the QR code displayed on the computer screen. Place the QR code within the frame shown on your phone's screen.
- Once the QR code is successfully scanned, your WhatsApp account will be synced with WhatsApp Web, and your chat will appear on the computer screen.
You can now use WhatsApp on your computer just like you would on your mobile phone. All your messages and contacts will be available, and any messages you send or receive will be synced across both devices.
2. WhatsApp Desktop App
WhatsApp also offers a desktop application that you can download and install on your computer. The desktop app offers the same functionality as WhatsApp Web but it is a standalone application that does not require a web browser. To use the WhatsApp desktop app, follow these steps:
A. Download and install the WhatsApp desktop app
- Go to the WhatsApp download page by going to https://www.whatsapp.com/download in your web browser.
- Under the "WhatsApp Desktop" section, click the download button for your operating system (Windows or macOS).
- Once the download is complete, open the downloaded file to begin the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
B. Open the WhatsApp desktop app
- Once the installation is complete, open the WhatsApp desktop app by clicking its icon on your desktop or in your Applications folder.
- You will see a window with a QR code, similar to the one on the WhatsApp web page.
C. Link your phone to the desktop app
- Open the WhatsApp application on your mobile phone.
- Tap the three-dot menu icon (Android) or go to "Settings" (iPhone) and select "Linked Devices."
- Tap "Link Device" and scan the QR code displayed on the WhatsApp desktop app using your phone camera.
After scanning the QR code, your WhatsApp account will be linked to the desktop app and all your messages and contacts will be available on your computer.
3. Using WhatsApp on your computer
Once you've linked your WhatsApp account to WhatsApp Web or the WhatsApp Desktop app, you can start using WhatsApp on your computer. Here are some basic features and how to use them:
A. Sending a message
To send a message, follow these steps:
- Select an existing chat from the list on the left side of the screen, or click the "New Chat" icon to start a new conversation.
- Type your message in the text box at the bottom of the chat window.
- Press Enter on your keyboard or click the Send button (paper plane icon) to send the message.
B. Receiving a message
Whenever you receive a message, it will appear in the chat window. If notifications are enabled in your browser or desktop settings, you will also receive a notification on your computer.
C. Sending and receiving media files
You can easily send and receive media files like photos, videos, and documents on WhatsApp Web or the desktop app:
- To send a media file, click the attachment icon (paperclip) next to the text box.
- Choose the type of file you want to send (e.g., photo, video, document).
- Select the file from your computer and click "Open" to attach it to your message.
- Press Enter or click the Send button to send the file.
D. Managing chat settings
You can manage various chat settings in the WhatsApp Web or desktop app:
- Mute a chat: To mute notifications for a specific chat, open the chat, click the menu icon (three dots) in the top right corner, and select "Mute notifications."
- Pin a chat: To pin a chat to the top of your chat list, right-click the chat and select "Pin chat."
- Delete a chat: To delete a chat, right-click on the chat and select "Delete chat."
4. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I need an internet connection to use WhatsApp Web or the desktop app?
Answer: Yes, you need an active internet connection on both your computer and mobile phone to use WhatsApp Web or desktop app. Your phone must remain connected to the internet to sync sessions.
Q: Can I log out from WhatsApp Web or desktop app?
Answer: Yes, you can log out from the WhatsApp Web or desktop app. To log out, click the three-dot menu icon at the top of the chat list on the WhatsApp Web or desktop app and select "Log out."
Q: Can I use WhatsApp Web or desktop app on multiple computers?
Answer: You can use the WhatsApp Web or desktop app on multiple computers, but you can only be actively logged into one session at a time. If you log in on a new computer, you will be logged out of the previous session.
Q: Is it safe to use WhatsApp Web or desktop app on a public computer?
Answer: It is not recommended to use WhatsApp Web or desktop app on a public computer for security reasons. If you must use a public computer, make sure to log out of your WhatsApp account when you are done.
Q: How do I enable desktop notifications for WhatsApp Web?
Answer: To enable desktop notifications for WhatsApp Web, you need to allow notifications in your web browser when prompted. You can also manage notification settings in your browser settings.
5. Conclusion
Using WhatsApp on your computer can greatly improve your messaging experience by providing you with a larger screen and keyboard, making it easier to manage your chats and share files. Whether you choose to use WhatsApp Web or the WhatsApp desktop app, the process is simple and only requires a few steps to get started. By following the instructions in this guide, you can seamlessly sync your WhatsApp account across your mobile phone and computer, allowing you to stay connected wherever you are.
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