How to use whatsapp web in mobile browser


How to use WhatsApp Web

WhatsApp, the messaging service owned by Facebook, is one of the most popular online international communication services on the planet. WhatsApp Web is a browser version of the WhatsApp Messenger chat and video/voice calling app from iOS and Android. Desktop WhatsApp comes in two flavors — a downloadable system app for Mac and Windows or the ability to operate directly from the browser.

Contents

  • How to use WhatsApp Web for iOS 15
  • How to use WhatsApp for Android 12
  • WhatsApp Web features
  • Sending messages
  • Install WhatsApp on your system
  • Desktop video calling on the horizon

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

15 minutes

What You Need

WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop function as extensions of your mobile WhatsApp account, and all messages are synced between your phone and your computer, so you can view conversations on any device regardless of where they are initiated. Here, we’ll walk you through how to use the WhatsApp browser app.

The process and interface are identical in iOS 14 and iOS 15. Similarly, the Android 12 interface is the same as the previous version.

How to use WhatsApp Web for iOS 15

Using WhatsApp for iOS 15 is easy, just follow these steps.

Step 1: To launch WhatsApp Web, just click on its URL in Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari, or Edge and scan the QR code on the page with the WhatsApp mobile app from your phone. WhatsApp Web automatically launches in the browser and remains active until you log out on your computer or phone.

Step 2: Go to the WhatsApp website to link WhatsApp Web with your mobile phone app.

Step 3: Launch WhatsApp on your iPhone or Android mobile phone.

Step 4: Scan the QR code that appears on the site with your phone open to WhatsApp.

Step 5: On the iPhone, select Settings > WhatsApp Web/Desktop.

Step 6: Choose Scan QR code and hold your phone up to the code to pair it.

How to use WhatsApp for Android 12

For Android 12, here are the steps to follow after opening the WhatsApp website on your computer:

Step 1: On Android phones, launch WhatsApp and select the three dots at the upper right from the Chat pane.

Step 2: Select Linked devices and then select Link a device.

Step 3: Hold your phone up to the QR code on your computer to pair it.

Step 4: Your smartphone account is now linked to the web version of the app.

Step 5: From there you can send and receive messages from your computer’s desktop browser.

WhatsApp Web features

After scanning the QR code, you can view your WhatsApp chat list directly on the web page. On the left, you can see your chats by clicking a contact to open the chat and your message history, if you saved it.

On the top left of the Web page, three icons are available: Status, New chat, and Menu, which offers a list of nested options. The Status option reveals all statuses posted by your contacts along with the ability to respond from the reply area at the bottom of the pane. Clicking New chat opens the contacts list on the left side of the page. From here, you can create a new group or begin a conversation.

The three-dot drop-down menu lets you create a new group, change information in your profile, search archived chats, view starred messages, change settings like notifications and chat wallpaper, or log out.

Sending messages

WhatsApp Web is as easy to use as the mobile app, and the interface will look familiar.

Step 1: To send a message from your desktop, click on an existing chat or click on the New chat icon and select the contact you wish to interact with. Here, you can see previous chats, if they are saved, or alternately you see the message bar at the bottom.

Step 2: Click on the Type a message bar and start chatting.

Step 3: When you’re done with your message, click the Enter key on your keyboard to transmit — or just click on the Send icon.

Step 4: If you want to include documents, images, or recordings, just attach the files from your desktop and send them as you would any other message by clicking on the paper clip Attach icon at the bottom of the current chat.

Install WhatsApp on your system

Additionally, WhatsApp gives users the option to have a Windows or Mac desktop client that you can download directly from the app’s website.

Step 1: Follow the installer’s instruction prompts once you download the app (which is essentially just a replica of the web-based app) on Windows. If you’re using a Mac, you can launch WhatsApp once you drag the icon to your Applications folder.

Step 2: Launch it, and you’ll receive a message asking you to scan a QR code on both the web browser version and the web app. Remember that WhatsApp keeps you signed in until you manually sign out.

Step 3: When you’re ready to sign out, navigate to the WhatsApp menu on your cell phone and select Log out from all devices. If you’re on a computer, you can click the three-dot icon at the top of the message and select the Log out button.

Desktop video calling on the horizon

WhatsApp has announced exciting new plans to employ multi-party desktop videoconferencing in its web app. This endeavor will allow a maximum of 50 participants in each call. These plans will make WhatsApp an effective alternative to Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet, offering a fantastic convenience to WhatsApp users worldwide. Unfortunately, users can’t take advantage of this feature just yet since it’s still in the unreleased beta version. But if you have the app’s mobile version, you can set up a group video chat.

Editors' Recommendations
  • Does the Google Pixel Watch work with an iPhone?
  • Does the Google Pixel Watch have fall detection? Not yet, but it’s coming soon
  • Meta found over 400 mobile apps ‘designed to steal’ Facebook logins
  • Google Pixel Watch vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 5: which is the Wear OS champ?
  • How to use Personalized Spatial Audio for Apple AirPods

How to Use WhatsApp Web on Any Browser

Need to use WhatsApp from the web? Using WhatsApp Web offers a way to use WhatsApp chat on any device at all with a web browser, regardless of what it is or where it is .

WhatsApp is perhaps one of the most popular instant messaging platforms globally, and although it’s a messaging app designed for smartphones like iPhone and Android, it can be accessed on any device with a desktop-class web browser, thanks to WhatsApp web. This article will show you how to use WhatsApp Web for chatting in a web browser from any device.

Are you interested in setting up and using WhatsApp web on your computer, iPad, tablet, Chromebook, or other device with a web browser? Then you’re in the right place, as we’ll be discussing how you can use WhatsApp web on any web browser that’s currently out there.

Regardless of whether you’re using Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Microsoft Edge or any other web browser, the procedure remains the same. So, simply follow the steps below carefully to set up and use WhatsApp web without any issues.

  1. Open the desktop-class web browser that you normally use and head over to web.whatsapp.com.

  2. A QR code will be displayed on this page that needs be scanned using the smartphone app. So, open “WhatsApp” from the home screen of your iPhone or any other smartphone.

  3. You’ll be taken to the Chats section as soon as you open WhatsApp. Head over to the “Settings” in order to set up WhatsApp web.

  4. Now, simply tap on “Whatsapp Web/Desktop” as shown in the screenshot below.

  5. This will open up the QR Code scanner that’s baked into the app. Point your phone’s camera at the QR code that’s displayed on web.whatsapp.com and wait for a couple of seconds.

  6. The web browser will now refresh the page and display your recent chats.

And that’s it, you’re using WhatsApp on the web!

Make sure your phone stays connected to the internet to keep using the web client to sync messages or else you’d be disconnected and unable to view any new texts you may have received. This might be a deal-breaker to some people who were looking for a separate solution that didn’t require a smartphone, but that is not technically possible at the moment, perhaps down the road it will be a feature that is available.

WhatsApp Web comes in handy in many situations which you don’t normally expect, aside from simply chatting too. Let’s say you have some photos that you shot using your DSLR camera stored on your computer. You don’t need to transfer these photos to your phone before sending it to your friends on WhatsApp, as you can simply use the web client or desktop app to quickly share pictures within a matter of seconds.

Not too keen on using a web browser to access WhatsApp? Simply download WhatsApp Desktop that’s available for both Mac and Windows PCs. Setting up and using it is exactly the same as Whatsapp Web, but it eliminates the need to have your browser open. That being said, a dedicated application that doesn’t rely on a smartphone to sync messages has been one of the most requested features for the longest time now, but until then, this is as close as you could possibly get.

Also, if you use WhatsApp as your primary messaging platform, you might want to back up your chats to iCloud to make sure you don’t lose all your conversations due to uninstallation or a corrupted software update.

Introduced some years ago, the WhatsApp web client allows you to stay connected with your friends, family and colleagues even if your eyes aren’t glued to the phone. It’s extremely useful when you’re at work in front of the computer, because you don’t even have to grab the phone out of your pocket to respond to messages. Additionally, if you own an iPad or another tablet, you could access WhatsApp using the web browser too. It’s a really handy feature that you’re sure to get use out of if you’re a WhatsApp user.

We hope you managed to successfully set up WhatsApp Web on your computer or iPad. What do you think of this web-based solution that’s more like a companion app rather than a dedicated one? Do you see yourself using WhatsApp Web or Desktop regularly in the long run? Make sure you let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments section down below.

tricks and benefits from mobile device and computer

WhatsApp Web is the online version of WhatsApp that works through any browser. It offers its users several additional functions and features: which ones, and learning how to use them, is the goal of this guide.

How to use WhatsApp Web from your smartphone

One of the existing options is to use the web version on your mobile phone. Before you start using WhatsApp on the web from your mobile phone, there is one thing you should keep in mind: you cannot do it with the same account that you are already using on the WhatsApp app installed on the same mobile phone. That is, you will not be able to use the same account in the application and in the web version on the same phone, at least at the initial stage.

To synchronize your account on a computer, you need to scan the QR code in the application. Since it is not possible to point the device's camera at the device's screen, synchronization cannot be achieved. However, there are some tricks and shortcuts for this, which we will see below.

Pick up the phone on which you want to use WhatsApp Web, open your browser and go to web.whatsapp.com. The site will detect that you are using a mobile phone and will show you the corresponding version, the APK of which should be downloaded.

WhatsApp website

However, this does not interest us. If you're using Chrome, click the three vertical dots icon in the right corner of the browser. In any other browser, look for the same general options menu. Select View Desktop Site from the menu. Thanks to this option, we will be able to see the web version available in any PC browser.

Display WhatsApp website in desktop format

You will be taken to the next screen where a QR code will be displayed.

QR code to scan

Now take a smartphone with WhatsApp configured, open the app and click the three dots icon in the top right corner.

Enter the WhatsApp application menu

From the options menu, select WhatsApp Web .

Select WhatsApp Web

You should see this screen as a tutorial explaining what to do. Click the green button Ok .

Click Ok

The operating system will ask you to grant WhatsApp access to the camera and photos if you have not already done so. After that, scan the QR code that is displayed on the screen of your other smartphone.

Scan the QR code

If everything went well, the Internet will identify you and synchronize your chats on both devices.

WhatsApp Web on an Android smartphone

What if we want to do everything on one mobile phone? Turn on your ingenuity, take a screenshot of a QR code and quickly send it to another screen (PC or other smartphone) from which you can scan it. Confusing but effective. And by the way, hurry up, because the codes are limited, and if you don't do it in time, you will have to generate a new code.

How to use WhatsApp Web on a desktop PC

To use WhatsApp Web on a PC, first open a browser and visit the WhatsApp website. Once on this site, click on WhatsApp Web at the top of the site.

WhatsApp website

At this point, a QR code will appear on the screen.

Scan QR code to use WhatsApp Web on PC

Open the WhatsApp application and access the options menu by tapping the icon with three vertical dots in the upper right corner.

Enter the WhatsApp application menu

Select WhatsApp Web .

Select WhatsApp Web

This will open your device's camera and a square that acts as a scanner for what you point at. Point the device's camera at the QR code that appears on the PC screen.

Scan a QR code on a website using a smartphone

At this point the site will recognize your account and you will get all the chats on the screen.

Benefits of using WhatsApp Web

WhatsApp Web is a more limited version than the desktop client or smartphone version, but it has various benefits that many users can benefit from:

One account on two devices

Using WhatsApp Web is the only way use the same user account on two different devices. You can chat on your mobile phone and, for example, continue the conversation on your computer.

In any case, keep in mind that for proper operation, both devices must be turned on and close to each other, otherwise the synchronization will be interrupted.

Type faster

Using the web version, especially if you are typing from a computer or device with a physical keyboard, you can take advantage of the keyboard. The speed of typing on a physical keyboard is usually (sorry for tactile typing speeds) faster than on a virtual on-screen keyboard on a mobile device. There is more space, and this directly affects our typing speed.

Share everything much easier

Since it allows you to quickly share links from the clipboard or files located on your PC, it is very easy and quick to transfer them to any contact. In addition, the drag-and-drop function makes all these actions easier.

Save battery

It is true that both devices must be turned on, nearby, and connected to the network in order to be able to synchronize the application and the site, but after that the smartphone screen may remain off. This will save you a lot of battery life, and quite a lot, since WhatsApp is usually one of the most used applications and therefore consumes a lot of battery.

No installation required

WhatsApp Web does not require installation. Thanks to the web version, you don't have to install anything on your computer and therefore won't take up its memory. This also makes it useful no matter what operating system or device you are using: with a browser, you can use WhatsApp Web even on tablets. If the computer is not yours, you can use WhatsApp Web without making changes to the bowels of the system.

Notifications

Because the app and site data are synchronized, each new message or call creates a web notification that you can see right away. You can easily take your eyes off the screen as the website itself offers you notifications.

WhatsApp Web Best Tricks or Tricks

Here are a few tricks to get the most out of WhatsApp Web and get the most out of it:

Keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are an easy way to make using WhatsApp Web easier. With practice, you will master them, and with this you will be able to increase the speed of moving between chats, replying to messages, or using any other supported features. Here is a list of keyboard commands applicable to WhatsApp Web:

  • Ctrl + N : create a new chat.
  • Ctrl + Shift + ] : Go to the next chat in the left menu.
  • Ctrl + Shift + [ : Return to the chat list.
  • Ctrl + E : Use this command to archive a chat.
  • Ctrl + Shift + M : Mute the chat so you don't receive sound notifications.
  • Ctrl + Backspace : Use this keyboard shortcut to completely delete a conversation.
  • Ctrl + Shift + U : Mark messages as unread.
  • Ctrl + Shift + N : create a new chat group.
  • Ctrl + P : Access your user profile.
  • Alt + F4 : close the chat window.

Attach files

One of the biggest benefits you'll get when using WhatsApp Web is the ease it offers for sharing files. True, when using the web version, some functions, such as sending audio files or locations, disappear, but for everything else, it's a piece of cake. In this sense, you will use Windows Explorer and your knowledge of organizing files and folders on a computer, where there is obviously a lot more space and you store a lot more things, not to mention the number of possibilities that open up through external hard drives.

Clicking the paperclip icon in the upper right corner will display a list of file types that you can share, such as images from the gallery, photos taken at the exact moment, documents, or contacts.

File attachment menu

The best part is, if the file is supported, you can skip this step and drag files directly into the conversation to share them.

You can drag and drop attachments

Read messages without showing double blue checkmark

Perhaps this is one of the most useful tricks, although it is more the result of chance than a function intended by the creators. When you receive a new message, instead of clicking on a conversation in the chat list to enter it, hover your mouse over the message for a few seconds: you will be able to see a preview of the text without entering the chat, preventing read receipts from being displayed.

Message preview not showing double blue checkmark

Multiple accounts in multiple browsers

If you have more than one WhatsApp account with different numbers, there is nothing to stop you from opening them all at the same time. Take advantage of the incognito window or open another browser to configure and access additional WhatsApp accounts.

Transfer files between mobile phone and PC: single group

Above we mentioned the simplicity of WhatsApp Web about file sharing. Following this example, it can be the perfect ally for transferring files between mobile phone and PC. To do this as discreetly as possible, create a WhatsApp group with someone and remove it from the chat after creation. You will have an all-you group that can serve as a cross-device file sharing box.

Group with you as the only member

Smartphone direct access

For those who use the web version on mobile devices, the solution to the problem of constantly opening the messenger website is to create a shortcut on the home screen. Open the web version, and then the options menu of your browser. In this example, we are using Chrome.

Go to browser menu

Select Add to Home screen .

Select Add to Home Screen

There are two ways to do this: if you click an icon and drag it, you can move it to the home screen and place it manually. If you click Add Automatically , the system will do it for you.

Choose how to add an icon to the home screen

As a last step, you can also enter a label name.

Name the label

From now on, you will get a shortcut to the web version on the screen, which you can easily distinguish from normal direct access to the application.

Dark Mode

The advent of WhatsApp Dark Mode has kept WhatsApp Web from falling behind, so you can continue to enjoy it. Open the WhatsApp Web options menu by tapping the three vertical dots icon at the top of your chat list. Once there, click on Settings .

Open the options menu and go to Settings

From all the options displayed, select Theme .

Select Theme

You can switch between two modes: light and normal, or dark with black background and light font. Choose what you need from the drop down menu.

Select the desired topic

Changes will be instantly applied to the interface.

WhatsApp Web with dark mode

Video calls

Video calls can also be made from WhatsApp Web, although this is done through a different platform from Facebook, Facebook Messenger chats. Open the website, click the paperclip icon in the upper right corner, which is usually used to attach files, and tap the video camera icon.

Access to video calls

A new window will open where you can start setting up your Facebook Messenger chat rooms.

Setting up Facebook Messenger for video calls

Emoticon labels

Emoticons have become an integral part of messages in messaging apps, and WhatsApp makes it easy to add them to text without opening a menu thanks to keyboard shortcuts.

Keyboard shortcuts for adding emoticons

When you're typing and want to add an emoji, all you have to do is type the characters ":" followed by the word that best defines the emoji you want: there are usually several results, including the emoji you looking for. For example, type ":sad" to quickly see the icon in sentences and add it to your text.

The most common WhatsApp Web problems and how to solve them

Sometimes you may encounter various problems using the messenger that you want to solve. We will tell you all about the most common problems and, most importantly, what you can do in each case to try to solve them.

Site won't load

If you're trying to visit a site and can't, check the most obvious thing: whether you have an Internet connection. To do this quickly, try signing into Google. If you can't do that, a quick fix might be to reboot your router, or in the worst case, contact your ISP.

You should also check that you have entered the correct web address. The WhatsApp website address is www.whatsapp.com, but if you want to go directly to WhatsApp Web, visit web.whatsapp.com.

Unsupported browser

Not all browsers are supported. To use WhatsApp Web, you must be using Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Edge, or Safari (assuming any Chromium-based browser is also compatible with this version). If one of them doesn't work, try another.

Browsers compatible with WhatsApp Web

If you're using any of these browsers and still can't access, the issue may also be with your browser version. Make sure you have the latest version available by using the settings menu or by visiting the appropriate website.

QR code does not appear

To configure WhatsApp Web, you need to generate a QR code and scan it with your mobile phone. If this code is not generated when accessing the site, it means that the Internet connection was interrupted. Reload the page to check... And proceed to the usual actions in case of failure; wait a few seconds, restart your router, and contact your ISP if none of the above work.

Not receiving notifications

The first time you use WhatsApp Web in a browser, it will ask you for permission to display notifications. If you do not grant these permissions, you will not receive any notification and will not be aware of new messages.

To check the status of permissions, look for the padlock icon next to the web address at the top and click it.

Touch the lock icon

In the popup menu you can check if you have granted permissions, in this example you can see the permission to send notifications is blocked. Click on “x”...

Notification authorization blocked

The website itself will now warn you with a message at the top of your chat list that notifications are blocked a. When you click it, WhatsApp Web will again ask for permission to send notifications.

Click Allow Notifications

If you click on the padlock again to check the situation, you will see that permission to send notifications is now enabled in the browser.

Notifications included

Restricted Wi-Fi networks

If you're using public Wi-Fi and you can't sign in to WhatsApp, it's likely that the organization in charge of the network has blocked access to the page. In this case, request access permissions from your network administrator to be able to use the web version without problems on such networks.

Cache files

Browsers store the sites we visit to display information faster in the future. However, these files can become corrupted and cause web pages to not display or function correctly. If you think that your problems with WhatsApp Web may be related to this, check the security and privacy settings of the browser you are using and look for the cache section. Try to erase all data from memory (all browsers support this feature) and try to connect to the service via the Internet again.

Phone or computer without internet

For WhatsApp Web to work, an internet connection is required. Otherwise, you won't be able to send or receive messages through the web version, no matter where you run it, when it doesn't, the site itself will notify you via a message.

Notification that phone is not connected

Make sure your smartphone is turned on and connected to the Internet. If problems persist, please sign in to the app, it can sometimes get disconnected from the servers when you exit it or when your phone is locked, and this is necessary to sync your data.

The same happens with a PC: without an Internet connection, it is impossible to view messages and reply to them. The site also warns you if there are problems connecting your computer to the Internet.

Notification that the computer is not connected

WhatsApp is open in another browser

A WhatsApp account can only work on a mobile phone and a browser at the same time. If you try to access the site and get the following message, it means that there is another computer running an account in a different browser, and until you close the session in the first one, you will not be able to start it in the second one. When you sign in to an account in one browser, you sign out of an account in another.

WhatsApp Web is already in use in another browser

Click Log Out to log out, or Use Here to start using WhatsApp on this computer and log out on another.

If, despite this, the problem is still present, then log out of the account on all computers and restart the configuration. To do this, open the mobile application, enter the options menu and press WhatsApp Web .

Open the WhatsApp Web option from the application menu

A list will appear with all the devices you have connected from. Click Log out from all devices .

Click Log Out from all devices

Confirm the process and you will close all open sessions, allowing you to reconfigure the web client wherever you are.

Confirm that you want to exit

Media content disappeared

WhatsApp Web shows the same content as your mobile app. If you are trying to access a file and you see a message like this, then that content is no longer on your mobile phone. In this case, you must ask the person who sent it to resend it.

Attachments too large

When sharing files, you may encounter an error or an obstacle. Keep in mind that there are limits on both the type of file you can send (WhatsApp is compatible with several widely used formats) and the size of those files. If you exceed the limit, the website will notify you via an on-screen message that it is unable to share the corresponding file. In these cases, you need to find a way to reduce the file size or just use another method to share it.

Audio file exceeds supported size

Anti-Virus and Firewall

Anti-Virus and Firewall may be the culprit for platform malfunction. Make sure that your antivirus is not restricting access to the page and that the appropriate ports in your firewall are open or properly configured so that WhatsApp Web can send and receive messages.

WhatsApp crashed

Just like any online platform, WhatsApp has its downtime too. Sometimes technical issues can affect the operation of the platform and prevent the web client from working properly. If you suspect that this is the cause of the crash, use any of the existing online services to check if a website or service, such as Downdetector, has gone down. There, you can check the current status of the service.

Downdetector WhatsApp status analysis

Update WhatsApp

Another possible solution to problems while using WhatsApp Web may be the version of the application you are using. Do you have the latest version installed? This is the only way to make sure you have the most stable, secure and feature-rich version available. We have already explained to you how to update WhatsApp for Android. Please check if your version is up to date to make sure that the error related to connecting to the messaging application did not appear for this reason.

How WhatsApp Web works, or How to use WhatsApp on a computer

Despite the popularity of WhatsApp, this is a very non-universal messenger. Unlike Telegram, WhatsApp cannot work simultaneously on several devices. Or rather, maybe, but with a number of significant reservations. The reason for this, as it turned out, was a problem in the message synchronization mechanism. That is, WhatsApp is not able to track progress from one device to another if they are both offline at that time. In short, game. Nevertheless, the messenger has a web version, but it works far from being as obvious as it might seem.

WhatsApp Web can be run in a browser on any computer

WhatsApp told how to understand that you have been blocked

browser power and is intended exclusively for desktop devices. In other words, for computers. Because running it on a smartphone in normal mode will not work. You can read more about this in this article.

How to transfer WhatsApp to a computer

Since WhatsApp is able to work on several devices at once, it is rather conditional, in order to connect to WhatsApp Web , you will need a smartphone. Even though the developers claim that they have canceled the binding of the web version to the mobile one, technically it is still there. True, now the device is needed not to maintain the messenger on the computer, but for authorization. But what does it change?

  • Go to web.whatsapp.com from your computer;

You can only connect to WhatsApp Web using your smartphone

  • Open WhatsApp on your Android or iOS phone;
  • Press "Menu" or "Settings" and open the QR code scanner;

You still won't be able to connect without a smartphone

  • Point your phone at the screen and read the QR code;
  • Confirm linking the device to your account and scan the QR code on the PC screen again if required.

You definitely believed it! Collected the 10 most popular myths about WhatsApp

If before it was necessary that the smartphone always remain in line of sight from the computer running WhatsApp Web , now it is in the past. WhatsApp from the phone is no longer relayed to the computer, but is needed simply for pairing. It became more convenient. But the authorization procedure will have to be performed every time after logging out of WhatsApp Web .

Since all messages in WhatsApp Web no longer pass through your smartphone, then the traffic will not be spent, regardless of the amount of data transmitted or received through the desktop version of the messenger. Therefore, it makes no difference how connects to WhatsApp Web : via LTE or Wi-Fi. But keep in mind that when using cellular networks, the load will fall on the mobile Internet, which for most users is not unlimited.

How to disable WhatsApp Web

If you don't want use whatsapp in browser , you can download whatsapp version for computer from this link. It installs like a normal application. But fundamentally, the experience of use will not change this.


Learn more