How to use WhatsApp's website and desktop app: Tips & tricks

Publié le 1 août 2024
Rédigé par 
AOXEN

There’s no need to switch between the PC and the phone every time a new message comes in. Your phone is essential for the initial setup of WhatsApp Web or Desktop apps, as it’s needed to scan the QR code for linking. Once the devices are linked, your phone doesn’t have to remain online for the Web or Desktop apps to function. However, if your phone remains offline or WhatsApp isn’t used on your phone for 14 days, you will be automatically logged out of WhatsApp Web or Desktop.

The WhatsApp Web app requires authentication through a personal QR code. Users can find this QR code inside the WhatsApp app on their phone. Since the web interface is basically just mirroring the app, the handset must remain connected to the internet for WhatsApp Web to function. If your smartphone loses the internet connection, WhatsApp Web will no longer work until the connection resumes. However, you should follow the best security practices for WhatsApp to stay extra safe. Avoid leaving your laptop unattended with WhatsApp open, and if you use it in an office environment, always lock your account before leaving your desk.

It enables them to access their conversations through a web browser. Next, open the WhatsApp app on your phone and tap on the three dots for Android or the gear icon for iPhone. From there, select Linked devices, then choose Link a device. Instead of scanning the QR code, tap Link with phone number instead, enter the code provided, and your account will be successfully linked.

Choose to use WhatsApp in a browser or a dedicated desktop app

The differences between the web version and the mobile app are the same as the desktop app. The mobile app gives you the full WhatsApp experience with all the bells and whistles. The browser version misses things like calling, video calls, and status updates. However, unlike desktop and mobile apps, it doesn’t allow you to make telephone and video calls. So there are a few shortcomings with the browser version — but nothing that would be a deal-breaker.

  • And you can easily log into more than one WhatsApp account at the same time just by opening them in different WhatsApp Web browser windows.
  • Here, you’ll see a QR code on the right side of the screen.
  • The major advantage you get from accessing WhatsApp through your browser is convenience.
  • In the interest of security, everything still lives on the user’s phone.
  • This makes it very easy to keep on top of your conversations from your computer.

And you can easily log into more than one WhatsApp account at the same time just by opening them in different WhatsApp Web browser windows. You can easily access your WhatsApp messages on a computer by using WhatsApp Web or the desktop client. You’ll just need to connect your account by scanning a QR code with your phone. All messages will be synced, so you can seamlessly continue conversations from your mobile device on your computer.

The desktop app and the web interface are very similar, but there are a few critical differences. The big ones are features—the WhatsApp web interface doesn’t allow you to place audio or video calls. Given that limitation, we’d generally recommend that you use the desktop client whenever you can. An additional benefit is the ability to use keyboard shortcuts for common actions.

WhatsApp Web is the online browser version of the mobile app. You can receive message notifications from your browser if you have them enabled in the browser settings. You can unlink devices at any time directly from the mobile app. WhatsApp has become the most popular messaging app in the world, but it has also leaped off mobile devices and onto our browsers. Here’s everything you need to know about WhatsApp Web and how to get started using it. There are some significant pin up bet advantages to using WhatsApp Web or the desktop app.

You’re relying on the browser to deliver the notifications, not WhatsApp. So unless you don’t need to reply to messages immediately, you would need to keep the browser open and the iPad window awake to see incoming new messages. If you’re using WhatsApp in your browser, you can sign out of your account which will unlink it.

WhatsApp desktop shortcuts

When you close the browser tab — or the browser completely — it doesn’t log you out of your WhatsApp account. If you’re worried about your privacy, it’s essential to sign out of your WhatsApp account before closing the browser. Once you’ve opened the webpage or installed and run the desktop app, you should see a QR code on your computer. To do this, click the « Menu » button from the top toolbar and then choose the « Log Out » option. You can do almost everything on WhatsApp Web that you can from your smartphone.

Here, you’ll see a QR code on the right side of the screen. If you are using WhatsApp Web on your own computer, you can stay logged in even when you are done. If you’re using an iPhone, go to the « Settings » tab, then tap « Linked Devices. » In the next window, tap « Link Device. » The process of connecting your iPhone or Android smartphone to WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop is the same.

Therefore, a session on these platforms will expire after two weeks of phone inactivity. The session will also end if you manually log out from the linked device on WhatsApp. To use WhatsApp Web, open a browser and go to web.whatsapp.com. You’ll need to log in and synchronize WhatsApp Web with WhatsApp on your mobile device by scanning a QR code. Once the connection is made, any messages that appear on your WhatsApp mobile app will instantly appear on the browser version, and vice-versa.

  • If you want a dedicated app, you can use the WhatsApp Desktop application for Windows and macOS.
  • This means you don’t need to be concerned about your phone calls and messages being collected or read by WhatsApp or Meta.
  • WhatsApp features end-to-end encryption for all of its messages, including those on WhatsApp Web.
  • Now, you’ll have to scan the QR code using your iPhone or Android smartphone.

Use a private window, make sure to log out, and keep in mind that software on the PC may be able to snoop on what you send and receive. Click the phone or video camera icon in the upper right corner to start a voice or video call respectively. Once you’re in a video call, you can even share your screen if you want.

Screensavers Were Actually Ahead of Their Time

You’ll need to link your account again if you want to use WhatsApp Web in the future. By closely monitoring the apps running in your Android device, you can easily avoid speed performance issues and improve battery health. You don’t necessarily have to choose between them, because you can actually use both at the same time, if that’s your preference. Just make sure to follow both links and explore your options.

For years after its launch, WhatsApp Web required your phone and computer to both be connected to the internet to sync your account. No, like video chatting, audio calls are also unavailable on the browser version of the app. If you want a dedicated app, you can use the WhatsApp Desktop application for Windows and macOS. If you don’t want to use the link, you can always search « WhatsApp » in the Microsoft or Apple Stores. ChatMate for WhatsApp ($2.99) is a great alternative for Mac users.