WhatsApp is an instant messaging service used by over 2 billion users worldwide. Mostly found on smartphones, it is also available on computers. Whether you’re using a Mac or a PC, it’s possible to send a message without taking your smartphone out of your pocket. This is useful in certain situations, such as during your work day.
Let’s take a look at two ways to access WhatsApp on a computer. The first one, for a temporary and exceptional use, uses the web and only requires a browser like Chrome, Safari, Opera, Firefox, Edge, etc…). The second one uses the official WhatsApp
application for computers. Perhaps more convenient for regular use. Follow the guide!
The advantages of WhatsApp on computers
Like many Internet users, I use different messaging applications to contact my family, friends and colleagues. These include iMessages, WhatsApp, Signal and Messenger.
WhatsApp is certainly the most used application and for good reason: it is possible to keep your phone in your pocket and join a WhatsApp conversation on your computer. Ideal to avoid wasting time and stay focused during work for example.
Signal, one of WhatsApp’s competitors that advocates better privacy for its users, has been slow to come up with its own solution for computers. This is quickly noticeable when you are used to using your messaging from a laptop (whether it’s a Mac or a PC).
All the features of WhatsApp are available on the computer. It is also very convenient to use a computer for video calls with friends and family or for a business meeting.
WhatsApp Web Tutorial
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a procedure to use WhatsApp for the web
:
- Open a browser
- Go to the WhatsApp Website
- Open the mobile app for your smartphone
- Scan the QR code from the WhatsApp Web portal
- WhatsApp is now available on your computer
This first procedure uses only the browser without going through an application. The advantage is that you can quickly use the service without necessarily downloading any software. As you can see, it is mandatory to have your smartphone nearby.
For more clarity, here are the steps in more detail and in pictures of the tutorial to use WhatsApp Web.
Step 1
Go to
the WhatsApp Web site from a browser.
Step 2
Open the mobile application on your smartphone. Go to the settings and click on “Connected Devices”.
<img src=”https://www.presse-citron.net/app/uploads/2021/07/WhatsApp-computer-connect.jpg 1400w, https://www.presse-citron.net/app/uploads/2021/07/WhatsApp-ordinateur-connecter-504×336.jpg 504w, https://www.presse-citron.net/app/uploads/2021/07/WhatsApp-ordinateur-connecter-1024×682.jpg 1024w, https://www.presse-citron.net/app/uploads/2021/07/WhatsApp-ordinateur-connecter-50×33.jpg 50w” alt=”WhatsApp computer-connect” width=”1400″ height=”933″ />©
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Step 3
You are now ready to scan the QR code displayed on your computer with your smartphone, to confirm that it is you and link your account to the computer.
© Presse-citron
Step 4
On the computer, WhatsApp opens and you’re ready to resume your conversations, write messages and make calls.
© Presse-citron
One of the only drawbacks of this browser-based method is that you’ll have to log in again every time you close your browser tab. You will have to scan the QR code again.
To be able to use WhatsApp messaging without having to take out your smartphone every time, we recommend you to download the computer application. It is 100% free.
WhatsApp app for computer
This second method of accessing WhatsApp on a computer may not be as fast, but once you download the free WhatsApp app for PC or Mac, you won’t have to log in or pull out your smartphone to pair your account
.
Here is the method to use the WhatsApp app for computer
:
- Go to the “Download” section of the WhatsApp website
- Click on “Mac or Windows PC
- Select the application for your machine
- Download and install the WhatsApp application for computer
- Login by scanning the QR code with your smartphone
- You can now use WhatsApp for PC
The method is similar to the first procedure, but you will need to download the app first.
Even if you close it, WhatsApp will not ask you to log in again each time, unless you indicate at the end of each session that you want to log out. 
