Tech Made Simple

Hot Topics: How to Fix Bluetooth Pairing Problems | Complete Guide to Facebook Privacy | How to Block Spam Calls | Snapchat Symbol Meaning

author photo

How to Use WhatsApp on Your Computer

by on May 10, 2021
in Tips & How-Tos, Computers and Software, Internet & Networking :: 0 comments

Techlicious editors independently review products. To help support our mission, we may earn affiliate commissions from links contained on this page.

WhatsApp is a service that is designed to be used primarily on your smartphone. However, WhatsApp is also easy to use on your computer using the WhatsApp Desktop app for Windows PC or Mac. Here’s how.

1. Make sure you have a WhatsApp account on your phone and you are logged in. If you don’t have a WhatsApp account, you can download WhatsApp for iOS or Android and create an account.

2. Download and install WhatsApp for Windows 10 (WhatsApp for Windows 8 and Windows 10 32-bit is also available) or WhatsApp for Max OS X 10.10 and higher. You'll see a QR code that you will need in step 7 below.

3. Open WhatsApp on your phone.

4. In WhatsApp, go to Menu for Android phone (triple dots) or Settings for iPhones (cog icon).

WhatsApp Android app with the triple dots for the menu pointed out and the WhatsApp iOS app with the cog for Settings pointed out.

5. Select WhatsApp Web for Android or WhatsApp Web/Desktop for iPhone.

6.Select Link a Device

7. Use your phone’s camera to view the QR code in the WhatsApp Desktop app from step 2 above.. The QR code automatically links your phone’s WhatsApp account to WhatsApp Desktop.

WhatsApp Desktop screenshot showing QR code for pairing with a smartphone

8. Now, you should see your WhatsApp conversations in the Desktop app on your computer.

WhatsApp Desktop list of chats and message to keep your phone connected to receive messages.

WhatsApp Desktop uses your phone to sync messages, so will only receive messages on your computer when your phone is on and logged into WhatsApp. Also, you can only be logged in to the WhatsApp Desktop app on one computer.

[Image credit: rose gold laptop with WhatsApp icon via BigStockPhoto, screenshots via Techlicious]

For the past 20+ years, Suzanne Kantra has been exploring and writing about the world’s most exciting and important science and technology issues. Ten years ago, she founded Techlicious, which serves the role of that tech-savvy friend you can count on to share tips and tricks to get the most out of technology; whether that’s saving time in our hectic schedules, discovering new ways to enjoy our personal interests, or keeping up with the latest technology trends and styles. Before that, Suzanne was the Technology Editor for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, where she hosted the radio show “Living with Technology." Previously, she served as Technology Editor for Popular Science Magazine. She has been featured on CNN, CBS, and NBC.


Discussion loading

Our Latest Reviews

New Articles on Techlicious

Love getting helpful tech tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter!

Home | About | Meet the Team | Contact Us
Media Kit | Newsletter Sponsorships
Accessibility Statement
Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookie Policy

Techlicious participates in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which provide a small commission from some, but not all, of the "click-thru to buy" links contained in our articles. These click-thru links are determined after the article has been written, based on price and product availability — the commissions do not impact our choice of recommended product, nor the price you pay. When you use these links, you help support our ongoing editorial mission to provide you with the best product recommendations.

© Techlicious LLC.