Most people probably use WhatsApp on their iPhone, Android or Windows phone, but did you know that it is also possible to use the popular chat app on your PC or laptop? Simply in the browser or via a special application. We explain how to get WhatsApp on your PC.
How do I use WhatsApp on my laptop?
- Go to this web.whatsapp.com or download WhatsApp for your laptop or computer
- On your phone go to WhatsApp / Menu / WhatsApp Web and scan the QR code
- You can now send messages to everyone in your contacts from your computer. Keep in mind that your phone must always be connected to the internet.
Why WhatsApp on your PC?
There are many reasons why you might want to use WhatsApp on your PC. This way you can easily type your messages on your keyboard, which undoubtedly works a lot better than via the screen of your smartphone. Especially with long messages.
In addition, you can switch between your conversations more easily and when you are at work you can just leave WhatsApp open on your computer.
Another advantage is that you have direct access to files on your PC. If you want to send photos or videos that are on your PC, you can do that directly via the desktop version of the chat app. And vice versa, the same applies: the videos and photos that you receive from others, you can immediately save on your PC.
Step 01: Pairing
In the first instance, check that you have the most recent version of WhatsApp on your phone and update it if necessary. Then open the browser on your computer and go to https://web.whatsapp.com. Note that only Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Opera are currently supported. To connect your computer and phone, WhatsApp generates a QR code. Use the green button Click to reload QR code to see the code. On your phone go to WhatsApp / Menu / WhatsApp Web and scan the code. You will then immediately see a list of the latest conversations on your computer.
Step 02: Send via computer
WhatsApp Web connects to your phone to sync messages. That is, your phone must be nearby anyway, left switched on and connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or a mobile network. Basically WhatsApp Web works just like the app. In the left column you can choose a conversation or start a new chat. You can just type or use emoji. By giving access to your computer's microphone, you can even record and send voice messages. To do this, click on the button with the microphone at the bottom right of the screen. With the button with the paperclip at the top you can send photos or start the webcam.
Step 03: Desktop Notifications
Thanks to WhatsApp Web, you can chat undisturbed (also at work!) without having to strum your phone all the time. If you also turn on desktop notifications, your smartphone can even stay in your bag or pocket. At the top left of the browser, choose Enable desktop notifications and in the pop-up window click OK understood. Then click To allow at the top of the bar to receive notifications. You can now just minimize the browser. As soon as there is a new message, you will receive a subtle notification on your desktop.
Bonus Tip: Multiple Accounts and Multiple PCs
You can also be logged in on multiple PCs at the same time with WhatsApp Web. On the PC you want to link, go to web.whatsapp.com and on your mobile, in the window with all your chats, press the Menu- or Settings button.Click on it now +-sign at the top right of your phone screen, choose WhatsApp Web and scan the QR code on your PC. You are now logged in on both PCs. Note: you can only actually use one of the two (or more) PCs at the same time.
The other way around is also possible: you can use two phone numbers in WhatsApp at the same time, but then you need two different browsers. Unfortunately, you can't use two versions of the desktop version, unless you install it on multiple accounts on your PC or Mac. Using the desktop version in addition to WhatsApp Web is possible. You can even app with yourself!
WhatsApp desktop or web.whatsapp.com?
WhatsApp on the PC can therefore be done in two different ways. Via the browser or an application. The operation of both variants is fairly similar. Which variant should you choose? It is best to install the WhatsApp application on your PC if you work on your own desktop or laptop. If you use a public PC or someone else's computer, choose the web version. Don't forget to log out when you're done. If you have forgotten that, you can also do so via the app on your smartphone. Press the three dots in the top right corner, choose WhatsApp Web and then Sign out on all devices.
WhatsApp on PC and Mac
WhatsApp is now also available as an official program for PCs (with Windows 8 or higher) and Macs. You can download the desktop version via whatsapp.com/download. Please note: in principle, the version on your PC works the same as the web version: you still have to connect your smartphone and you always need an internet connection on your phone.
You can find more useful WhatsApp tips in this article.
