What to Know
This article explains how to download and use WhatsApp on a computer. Instructions apply to WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop available for Mac OS X 10.9 and up, and Windows 8 and newer. Show
How to Use WhatsApp From a ComputerThere's a free web client that makes it possible to access WhatsApp on a computer from a web browser. There's also a standalone WhatsApp desktop client for Windows and Mac. If you don't have the mobile app, 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. In the desktop version, select the download link that corresponds with your computer operating system (Windows or Mac). Once opened, the process for setting up the WhatsApp desktop program and web client interface is the same:
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 data charges. WhatsApp Web Vs. WhatsApp DesktopWhatsApp 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. Your messages instantly appear no matter which computer you use, 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. WhatsApp can accommodate up to 8 users. If you need to include more people, look at Zoom can handle up to 1,000 participants at a time.Skypehas a 50-person limit,Google Hangoutsallows up to 10 (or 25 if you're a paid business user), andFacebook Roomsallows 50 people at a time. None of these competitors, however, offer end-to-end encryption like WhatsApp does. WhatsApp Desktop and Web FeaturesThe 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 in chat. Select the paperclip in the upper-right corner 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 in the lower-right corner of the interface. Limitations of WhatsApp Desktop and WebA few WhatsApp features that are available on a mobile device are not available on a computer. For example, the desktop version doesn't have the option to invite people from your address book to join WhatsApp. In addition, you cant 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 that's not currently in use. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Thank you for signing up! Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit What to Know
This article explains how to download and use WhatsApp on a computer. Instructions apply to WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop available for Mac OS X 10.9 and up, and Windows 8 and newer. How to Use WhatsApp From a ComputerThere's a free web client that makes it possible to access WhatsApp on a computer from a web browser. There's also a standalone WhatsApp desktop client for Windows and Mac. If you don't have the mobile app, 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. In the desktop version, select the download link that corresponds with your computer operating system (Windows or Mac). Once opened, the process for setting up the WhatsApp desktop program and web client interface is the same:
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 data charges. WhatsApp Web Vs. WhatsApp DesktopWhatsApp 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. Your messages instantly appear no matter which computer you use, 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. WhatsApp can accommodate up to 8 users. If you need to include more people, look at Zoom can handle up to 1,000 participants at a time.Skypehas a 50-person limit,Google Hangoutsallows up to 10 (or 25 if you're a paid business user), andFacebook Roomsallows 50 people at a time. None of these competitors, however, offer end-to-end encryption like WhatsApp does. WhatsApp Desktop and Web FeaturesThe 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 in chat. Select the paperclip in the upper-right corner 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 in the lower-right corner of the interface. Limitations of WhatsApp Desktop and WebA few WhatsApp features that are available on a mobile device are not available on a computer. For example, the desktop version doesn't have the option to invite people from your address book to join WhatsApp. In addition, you cant 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 that's not currently in use. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Thank you for signing up! Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit |