This article has been just updated: January 15, 2024
WhatsApp has around 500 million daily active users, and most of those who use this wildly popular instant messaging platform access it from their mobile devices. But there are also ways how to use WhatsApp on a computer, and, in this article, we are taking a look at seven of them.
1 WhatsApp Web
By far the easiest way how to use WhatsApp on a computer is WhatsApp Web, an official web-based client that was first announced by WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum in 2015. It works in all major web browsers, except for Internet Explorer, and it takes just three steps to get started with it:
- Open the WhatsApp app on your mobile device.
- Open the main Menu, go to Settings, and select WhatsApp Web.
- Open WhatsApp Web in your web browser of choice and scan the QR code.
The only major limitation of WhatsApp Web is that you must keep your mobile device connected to the internet for the browser client to work. Should you, for example, run out of battery power, WhatsApp web would instantly disconnect you, making it less than ideal for emergency situations.
2 WhatsApp Desktop App
Besides the official web-based client, WhatsApp now also has an official desktop client for macOS and Windows computers. The desktop client runs on Windows 8 or higher and macOS x 10.9 or higher.
It was launched in May of 2016, and it offers much of the same functionality as the mobile client, with a few notable exceptions. Perhaps the biggest limitation is that WhatsApp currently doesn’t allow users to make audio and video calls from desktop operating systems. To set up the desktop client:
- Download the version that corresponds with your operating system.
- Install it as you would any other application.
- Launch the desktop client and wait for it to display a QR code.
- Grab your mobile device, open WhatsApp, go to Settings, and select WhatsApp Web.
- Scan the QR code and enjoy WhatsApp on your Mac or Windows computer.
Just like with WhatsApp Web, you must keep your mobile device connected to the internet to use WhatsApp on your computer. To overcome this limitation, use the next method.
3 Bluestacks App Player
Bluestacks App Player is an Android emulator designed to enable Android apps and games to run on computers with Windows and macOS. The first version of Bluestacks App Player was launched in 2011, and it has since then become one of the most popular applications of this kind. According to its developers, Bluestacks App Player can run 96 percent of apps in the Google Play Store, including WhatsApp.
- Download Bluestacks App Player and install it on your Windows or Mac computer.
- Launch it and sign in with your Google Play account.
- Install WhatsApp in Bluestacks.
- Open WhatsApp in Bluestacks and enter your mobile phone number to verify it.
- After your number has been verified, you should be able to use WhatsApp in Bluestacks just like on your mobile device.
With the mobile WhatsApp client running in Bluestacks, you can use both the web-based WhatsApp client as well as the desktop client even with your mobile device disconnected from the internet as long as you keep your computer running.
4 Nox App Player
Nox App Player is another popular Android emulator. It promises a smoother experience than Bluestacks thanks to its cutting-edge engine that ensures compatibility with a wide range of Android apps and games, WhatsApp included. Nox App Player is compatible with Windows and macOS, and it has been translated into over 20 languages.
- Download Nox App Player from its official website and install it.
- Open it and sign in with your Google Play account.
- Download the official WhatsApp mobile client from Google Play Store.
- Open WhatsApp in Nox App Player and enter your mobile phone number to verify it.
- A verification message should arrive in a moment and allow you to use WhatsApp on your computer.
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5 MEmu
The last Android emulator we want to mention is MEmu. Launched as MEmu App Player in 2015, this reliable Android emulator aims to provide the best way how to run Android games and apps on PC. It has over 20 million users in 200 countries around the world, and it has been praised for its excellent compatibility with popular Android apps and games. Using MEmu to run WhatsApp on a Windows computer is simple:
- Download MEmu either from its official website or from the official Google Drive mirror.
- Install it and sing in with your Google Play account.
- Open Google Play Store and download WhatsApp.
- Launch WhatsApp in MEmu and complete the verification process just like with Bluestacks and Nox App Player.
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6 Vysor
Vysor is a remote desktop application that lets you wirelessly view and control your Android device from a computer. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and in the Chrome web browser. This means you can control the official WhatsApp mobile client using a full-sized keyboard to easily type over a hundred words per minute without your thumbs disintegrating in the process.
- Visit Google Play Store on your Android device and install Vysor.
- Enable USB debugging on your Android device.
- Install the Vysor desktop client.
- If you’re on Windows, make sure to install ADB drivers as well.
- Open Vysor on your computer and pair it with Vysor on your mobile device.
You need to purchase the premium version of Vysor to access all the features the app offers. You can pay $2.50 per month, $10 per year, or $40 per lifetime in the form of an in-app purchase.
7 DeskDock
DeskDock isn’t an Android emulator or a remote desktop solution. Instead, this handy app allows you to share your computer’s mouse and keyboard with your Android device. No root is required for the app to work, and it supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.
You can place your Android device in a dock and use DeskDock to control it as if it were a second screen. Once you experience how convenient it is to just be able to move your computer’s mouse cursor over the screen boundaries to use it with your Android device, you will refuse to use WhatsApp any other way.
- Install DeskDock from Google Play Store on your Android device.
- Install the DeskDock Server application on your computer.
- Connect your Android device to your computer via a USB cable.
- If you’re on Windows, make sure to install ADB drivers as well.
- Launch the DeskDock Server application on your computer and the DeskDock app on your Android device and pair the two together.
Conclusion
There are many ways how to use WhatsApp on a computer. Apart from the official web and desktop clients, you can also use an Android emulator to run the mobile WhatsApp client directly on any Windows, Mac, or Linux computer. If you own an Android device, you can access it remotely and control WhatsApp with a mouse and keyboard.
Whichever way how to use WhatsApp on a computer you choose, make sure to stick to the instructions and links in this article to avoid downloading malicious software of illegitimate websites.
FAQ
How can I install WhatsApp on my computer?
To get WhatsApp on your computer, you can download and install the WhatsApp Desktop app directly from the official website WhatsApp.com/download. Make sure you download the version that corresponds with your operating system, either Windows or Mac. After the installation, open the app and scan the QR code using your smartphone to sync your account.
Is it possible to use WhatsApp in a web browser without installing any software?
Yes, you can use WhatsApp Web, a browser-based version of the app. Simply visit web.whatsapp.com and scan the QR code displayed on the screen with your phone’s WhatsApp app to connect and start messaging directly from your web browser.
Can I use WhatsApp on my computer independently of my phone?
No, WhatsApp on your computer still requires your phone to be connected to the Internet. Whether you’re using WhatsApp Web or the desktop app, your phone acts as the primary device, with your computer mirroring the app’s contents from your phone.
What are the system requirements for running WhatsApp Desktop on a PC?
For WhatsApp Desktop to run efficiently, you should be using Windows 8.1 or newer, or if you’re on a Mac, OS X 10.10 or newer. Your computer should also have a stable internet connection to sync with your phone’s WhatsApp account.
Is it possible to receive WhatsApp notifications on my computer?
Yes, you can receive WhatsApp notifications on your computer. When you set up WhatsApp Web or the desktop app, you’ll be prompted to allow notifications. If you agree, you’ll get desktop alerts for new messages.
How can I scan the QR code to connect WhatsApp Web or Desktop with my phone?
Open WhatsApp on your phone, go to ‘Settings’ and select ‘WhatsApp Web/Desktop’. Then, point your phone’s camera at the QR code shown on your computer screen to link the two devices.
Can I make voice and video calls using WhatsApp on my computer?
Yes, with the WhatsApp Desktop app, you can make voice and video calls. Ensure your computer has a microphone and a webcam. These features might not be available in the web version, so if you need to make calls, the desktop application is the best choice.
How do I log out from WhatsApp on my computer?
To sign out of WhatsApp Web or the desktop app, go to the menu (three dots icon or WhatsApp menu on Mac), and select ‘Log Out’. Remember to log out, especially if you’re using a shared computer, to keep your messages secure.
Can I send files and media through WhatsApp on my computer?
You can exchange files and media via WhatsApp on your computer. Click the paperclip icon in a chat to attach documents, photos, videos, or use the camera icon to take a new photo or video. There’s a file size limit, so larger files may need another transfer method.
Is it possible to create and manage WhatsApp groups on the computer?
Yes, WhatsApp Web and Desktop allow you to create and manage groups just like on your smartphone. You can add or remove members, change the group subject, and manage group settings directly from your computer.
Are my messages secured when using WhatsApp on a computer?
Your messages are end-to-end encrypted, even when using WhatsApp on a computer. This means that only you and the person you’re communicating with can read the messages, ensuring your conversations remain private.
How can I connect multiple computers to my WhatsApp account?
You can access WhatsApp Web or Desktop on multiple computers by scanning the QR code provided by each instance with your phone’s WhatsApp app. Remember to log out from devices you’re not actively using for security purposes.
Will my messages be in sync between my phone and computer?
Yes, your messages will be in sync between your phone and computer when using WhatsApp Web or Desktop. Since it mirrors your phone’s app, any message you send or read on one device will reflect on the other.
Can I edit my WhatsApp profile and settings on my computer?
While using WhatsApp Desktop or Web, you can edit your profile such as changing your name, profile picture, and status. However, more advanced account settings may still need to be handled directly through your phone.
Is it necessary to keep my phone online to use WhatsApp on my computer?
Your phone needs to be online in order to use WhatsApp on your computer. If your phone loses its internet connection, the service on your computer will be interrupted until your phone reconnects to the internet.
How do I change notification settings for WhatsApp on my computer?
In WhatsApp Web or the desktop app, click the three dots icon or the WhatsApp menu on Mac, select ‘Settings’, and then click ‘Notifications’. Here you can toggle on or off sounds, desktop alerts, and show previews.
Can I use two different WhatsApp accounts on the same computer?
It’s not possible to use two WhatsApp accounts simultaneously on the same computer through the official WhatsApp Web or Desktop app. You would need two separate devices, each with different WhatsApp accounts linked to them.
How do I fix connectivity issues when using WhatsApp on my computer?
If you are experiencing connectivity problems, ensure that your internet connection is stable on both your computer and smartphone. If issues persist, try refreshing the WhatsApp Web page, restart the Desktop app, or reconnect your phone.
Can I use keyboard shortcuts in WhatsApp Web or Desktop?
Yes, WhatsApp Web and Desktop support keyboard shortcuts. These can increase your efficiency by allowing you to quickly mute conversations, start a new chat, and more. Check the settings or help section for a list of available shortcuts.
What happens if I clear my browser’s cache, will it affect WhatsApp Web?
Clearing your browser’s cache may sign you out of WhatsApp Web. You’ll need to reconnect your phone and computer by scanning the QR code again next time you wish to use the service.