How to Use WhatsApp Web?

TL;DR WhatsApp Web allows you to use WhatsApp on your computer through a browser by linking it with your phone. Ensure your phone is connected to the internet, and follow the instructions to link your device.

Setting Up WhatsApp Web

To use WhatsApp Web, open web.whatsapp.com in your browser. You will see a QR code that you need to scan using the WhatsApp app on your phone. Open WhatsApp on your phone, go to the settings menu, select "Linked Devices," and then tap "Link a Device." Scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen [3]. This process links your phone's WhatsApp account to the web version, allowing you to send and receive messages from your computer.

Browser Compatibility and Troubleshooting

Some users have reported issues accessing WhatsApp Web due to browser compatibility or backend system problems [3:1][3:2]. If you're experiencing difficulties, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, updating your browser, or using a different browser. Firefox users have noted issues, so switching to Chrome or another browser might resolve access problems [3:3].

Using WhatsApp Web on Tablets

While WhatsApp Web can be accessed via tablets, some users have found creative ways to optimize their experience. By adding WhatsApp Web as a shortcut to the home screen on Safari, users can mimic an app-like experience without ads [4:4]. This method involves using the "Add to Home Screen" feature in Safari, which creates a full-screen PWA (Progressive Web App) appearance [4:1].

Background Notifications and Alternatives

For those wanting WhatsApp Web to run in the background on a computer, options are limited. Using pinned tabs or shortcuts can help keep the web version accessible without cluttering the taskbar [5:5]. Alternatively, Microsoft's Your Phone app allows seamless notification management but doesn't support sending new messages [5:4]. Some users prefer separate windows for messaging apps, which can be achieved by minimizing the WhatsApp Web tab separately from the browser [5:2].

Considerations Beyond the Discussions

If you frequently use WhatsApp Web, consider downloading the official desktop app for more integrated functionality. However, note that some users find the app lacking compared to the web version [5:9]. Always ensure your phone remains connected to the internet, as WhatsApp Web relies on your phone's connection to sync messages.

See less

Helpful

Not helpful

Get Reddit opinions on Amazon.

Don't trust Amazon reviews? We've got you. Get Reddit's take on any Amazon item in just one click—simply add our extension to your browser.

Add to Chrome

Source Threads

POST SUMMARY • [1]

Summarize

What's happening to my WhatsApp web?

Posted by Responsible_Let4543 · in r/whatsapp · 2 months ago

3 upvotes on reddit

4 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

View Source

4 replies

[deleted] · 2 months ago

https://preview.redd.it/m6oqc8pkj17f1.jpeg?width=2250&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=28106367fcc9e50c871bb2665bdcc6bb4cb22835

Hi, mine shows this. So on my side is working. I just need to link my Phone now. Just linked my Phone & all is working on my side.

1 upvotes on reddit

Emergency_Plate3956 · 2 months ago

Which device you trying to use that on?

1 upvotes on reddit

Responsible_Let4543 · OP · 2 months ago

tablet

1 upvotes on reddit

Emergency_Plate3956 · 2 months ago

Why not use the app? Also you do need a browser to use the web version.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 4 replies

r/web • [2]

Summarize

Does WhatsApp use the web?

Posted by 607_Reddit · in r/web · 3 years ago

Currently, everyone I know (except those under a certain age, around 6 maybe) regularly uses the world wide web. However, most don't know what exactly the web is, and it is regularly used synonymously with internet. To check whether my understanding of it is alright, I would have liked to check whether the famous phone application WhatsApp does not use the web. I could not find the answer to my question, however, perhaps because I kept finding things about WhatsApp Web, which obviously does use the web.

Could you answer the question confidently: does WhatsApp use the web?

03 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

View Source

3 replies

Duathdaert · 3 years ago

Yes it does. Whilst you verify and create your account with a phone number, you don't actually send receive SMS through WhatsApp.

It's why you can't send messages to people whose phone numbers you have that don't have WhatsApp.

You can look at their API documentation:

https://www.gupshup.io/developer/docs/bot-platform/guide/whatsapp-api-documentation

https://www.whatsapp.com/business/api

1 upvotes on reddit

607_Reddit · OP · 3 years ago

I know they don't use SMS. I am using WhatsApp without a SIM card. That says nothing about whether they use the web though, does it? Presumably, WhatsApp communicates via Internet, but of course that too says nothing about whether they use the web—which is why I asked this question.

1 upvotes on reddit

Duathdaert · 3 years ago

WhatsApp does use XMPP which is a protocol for instant messaging. Per their website, XMPP is used across the Web.

Whether that answers your question or not I don't know. What are you actually trying to understand?

https://xmpp.org/about

1 upvotes on reddit

See 3 replies

r/whatsapp • [3]

Summarize

Can't access or download WhatsApp Web

Posted by nicoatha · in r/whatsapp · 5 years ago

Hey everyone, for a few days now (closing in to a week) I can't enter web.whatsapp.com or Download the Desktop App. When I try to enter the site it simply doesn't enter, the browser doesn't load the page at all and when I enter the download part of the page and I click the Download Button it doesn't do anything, it seems to be trying to start (when the Page Mini Icon in the Tab switches to the load icon) but nothing ever happens. I'm using FireFox with the latest update and I've used WhatsAppWeb for years now, so what gives?

4 upvotes on reddit

3 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

View Source

3 replies

PMMEPICSOFJUHASIPILA · 5 years ago

Same problem as of today. Cleared the websites cookies too.

1 upvotes on reddit

nicoatha · OP · 5 years ago

Yeah, did that too. Cookies cache, logged out of my cellphone, updated everything I can in my PC, Firefox too...it's annoying

1 upvotes on reddit

SingleIdea · 5 years ago

I am having similar problem for now, it was working earlier today for me.

Tried to log out WhatsApp web sessions from my phone and different browsers and still the same problem for WhatsApp Web, for me Windows App store seems to work (installed it just now).

Probably some issue on their back-end systems, perhaps too many users...?

1 upvotes on reddit

See 3 replies

r/ipad • [4]

Summarize

I think I just found a pretty good and easy way to use WhatsApp Web on iPad

Posted by MikeDysonn · in r/ipad · 3 years ago

v.redd.it

413 upvotes on reddit

12 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

View Source

12 replies

MikeDysonn · OP · 3 years ago

So it's not absolutely revolutionary, but it's a good way to avoid using the WhatsApp Web clients from the App Store, as they have been totally contaminated with ads lately. And it's a good alternative to the WhatsApp Webpage because you can't run it in full-screen automatically.

So you just have to follow the tutorial on this site to create the app: https://ios.gadgethacks.com/how-to/turn-any-website-into-full-screen-app-your-iphone-0384426/

As name, you use "WhatsApp"

When it asks for the URL, you just put in: https://web.whatsapp.com

As app icon, you can use the one from Google Play Store: https://play-lh.googleusercontent.com/bYtqbOcTYOlgc6gqZ2rwb8lptHuwlNE75zYJu6Bn076-hTmvd96HH-6v7S0YUAAJXoJN

After you have installed the configuration profile, you have to open https://web.whatsapp.com in the Safari App (not in the one you just installed), tap on the AA on the left side of the search bar and say "Request Desktop Website". The page should reload and should show you the QR-code for login. Then you tap on AA again, go to "Website Settings" and turn on the slider for "Request Desktop Website". Make sure the heading really says "WHILE VIEWING WEB.WHATSAPP.COM" because it will not work if you turn it on for Whatsapp.com. After that, you can open the WhatsApp you have installed with the profile (maybe you have to restart it), and it should show you the login screen in full-screen mode. So just log in and enjoy.

I hope this works out for you, I just found this trick an hour ago, and haven't tested it very often. And also sorry for my bad English like you may have seen I come from Germany.

62 upvotes on reddit

MikeDysonn · OP · 3 years ago

Edit: You can download the configuration profile here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B4_gpZE6oMc-mTTY9xC25vTv6rFVt0uu/view?usp=sharing (check the code by opening it on your computer if you want). If you have installed the profile, you can skip to step 5.

So you just have to follow the tutorial on this site to create the app: https://ios.gadgethacks.com/how-to/turn-any-website-into-full-screen-app-your-iphone-0384426/
As name, you use "WhatsApp"
When it asks for the URL, you just put in: https://web.whatsapp.com
As app icon, you can use the one from Google Play Store: https://play-lh.googleusercontent.com/bYtqbOcTYOlgc6gqZ2rwb8lptHuwlNE75zYJu6Bn076-hTmvd96HH-6v7S0YUAAJXoJN
After you have installed the configuration profile, you have to open https://web.whatsapp.com in the Safari App (not in the one you just installed), tap on the AA on the left side of the search bar and say "Request Desktop Website". The page should reload and should show you the QR-code for login. Then you tap on AA again, go to "Website Settings" and turn on the slider for "Request Desktop Website". Make sure the heading really says "WHILE VIEWING WEB.WHATSAPP.COM" because it will not work if you turn it on for Whatsapp.com. After that, you can open the WhatsApp you have installed with the profile (maybe you have to restart it), and it should show you the login screen in full-screen mode. So just log in and enjoy.

I hope this works out for you, I just found this trick an hour ago, and haven't tested it very often. And also sorry for my bad English like you may have seen I come from Germany.

56 upvotes on reddit

PsMoeLester · 3 years ago

Thank you so much!!!!

As someone who does a lot of their business/communications through WhatsApp, I was considering changing to a MacBook simply because I just need that proper iPad support.

Now I could survive with just my iPad, again thank you so much, especially the request desktop site thing. Never thought of that at all!

6 upvotes on reddit

tommi023 · 3 years ago

Thank you! But my keyboard doesn't appear.. How can I make it works?

1 upvotes on reddit

Warpalas · 3 years ago

It is probably WhatsApp web on safari added to home page by using ‘Add to Home Screen’ feature on safari. —The third option from start in the Safari app share menu—

97 upvotes on reddit

Which_Yesterday · 3 years ago

Thing is you don't see the Safari url bar or any other UI element aside from WhatsApp

14 upvotes on reddit

RJ-Badger · 3 years ago

Yep, and the same can be done with Instagram.

1 upvotes on reddit

tooSAVERAGE · 3 years ago

Nope. That will launch Safari with web.whatsapp.com open. Full adress bar and tool box will be visible.

What OP decided to show off and don’t further explain is definitely WhatsApp Web but working as a PWA, as PWAs can be configured to look and behave like apps. Also the app icon looks different if you try it.

You’d be right with the process tho. Share sheet and add to Home Screen would be the way if the website would support it.

Either there’s a special URL of WhatsApp Web that’ll enable PWA behavior or OP managed to somehow wrap web.WhatsApp.com in some PWA framework, maybe even self hosted.

Guessing here tho.

Edit: Could also be some Shortcuts voodoo. Found one that’ll create a profile on the iPad in order to show a website like an app. The one I’ve found will still have an address bar. Maybe with some of the right attributes and tweaks the result could be what we’re seeing here.

62 upvotes on reddit

chococat_cowboy · 3 years ago

I'm hoping since WhatsApp is pushing the multi device features, they will release an iPad app soon, even if its just a wrapper for the web app. There's a Mac OS version of WhatsApp and I use it all the time, would be great to see it released on the iPad soon.

10 upvotes on reddit

deamon59 · 3 years ago

My bigger annoyance is for an app so big as WA it should just be there and be good on ipad. I won't hear any excuses, it just annoys me

34 upvotes on reddit

stayfi · 3 years ago

Just..telegram. uninstalled wa years ago

-20 upvotes on reddit

deamon59 · 3 years ago

the problem is when so much of the world uses WA its hard to tell all the other people on there that you talk to: please use this other app because WA doesn't have an app on tablet...

16 upvotes on reddit

See 12 replies

r/chrome • [5]

Summarize

How Can I Run Web.Whatsapp In The Background So That I Can Continue To Get Notifications Via Chrome Even If I'm Not On Web.Whatsapp?

Posted by TonalDrump · in r/chrome · 5 years ago

27 upvotes on reddit

9 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

View Source

9 replies

[deleted] · 5 years ago

I add web.whatsapp as a shortcut (under more tools in settings). Then I can just minimise it separately from the browser.

3 upvotes on reddit

Saigot · 5 years ago

check out What's chrome or use the official app. Why specifically do you want to use the web version.

8 upvotes on reddit

TonalDrump · OP · 5 years ago

I want to use the whatsapp app on my computer but want to have it run in the background instead of appearing in the taskbar.

1 upvotes on reddit

OmegaMalkior · 5 years ago

Official app is garbage for what you asked for so don't bother, unless you get a minimize to icon tray which can help it seem as if it were running into the background. Don't know a free alternative that works tho.

-2 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 5 years ago

Microsoft's Your Phone app is pretty good for this purpose. You can seamlessly receive and reply to whatsapp notification/chats however sending new messages via whatsapp is not possible.

1 upvotes on reddit

Sethu_Senthil · 5 years ago

Use the pinned tab feature, it's the closest u can get without downloading the native app.

2 upvotes on reddit

TonalDrump · OP · 5 years ago

Even with the native app it's not working though.

1 upvotes on reddit

bacon_cake · 5 years ago

I keep the tab pinned.

1 upvotes on reddit

TonalDrump · OP · 5 years ago

That's an option but I like having a separate window for messaging apps.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 9 replies

r/whatsapp • [6]

Summarize

Can't connect to WhatsApp Web

Posted by aSystemOverload · in r/whatsapp · 5 years ago

WhatsApp Web says "Check your connection", but every other website/app works just fine

37 upvotes on reddit

9 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

View Source

9 replies

_Final_Phoenix_ · 5 years ago

Some saying it's back but I still can't log in. QR code isn't activating when scanned. (Canada, Version 2.20.196.2)

1 upvotes on reddit

LinkifyBot · 5 years ago

I found links in your comment that were not hyperlinked:

2.20.196.2

I did the honors for you.

^delete ^| ^information ^| ^<3

0 upvotes on reddit

aSystemOverload · OP · 5 years ago

Back up for me, web and Android OK.

1 upvotes on reddit

Masylun · 5 years ago

I just got the same issue. And the QR code is just spinning instead of giving me something to scan with my phone.

5 upvotes on reddit

nerf-IS6 · 5 years ago

Same exact problem here.

1 upvotes on reddit

ssherkat · 5 years ago

And WhatsApp MacOS app too

1 upvotes on reddit

thewookieeman · 5 years ago

exact same here

1 upvotes on reddit

eyanikoglu · 5 years ago

Last night I have the same qr code issue as spinning qr code didn't show up, plus qr code didn't work for a while.

1 upvotes on reddit

projetof · 5 years ago

Its ok now

1 upvotes on reddit

See 9 replies

r/whatsapp • [7]

Summarize

how does the updated whatsApp web work without the phone being online?

Posted by CommanderpKeen · in r/whatsapp · 3 years ago

Anyone know the security and privacy changes they made for this update and how it works in general? I've searched the internet and can't find anything, but their website still says "Messages are stored on your device."

3 upvotes on reddit

4 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

View Source

4 replies

TheWarlock05 · 3 years ago

Earlier messages were stored only in your phone. Now they keep it in browser as well as phone. and also in their server (That was the whole forcefully accept privacy policy thing was about)

If you login in web with MD (Multi device beta), First thing it will do after connecting is download messages. It will show up as process in your browser.

1 upvotes on reddit

CommanderpKeen · OP · 3 years ago

So now they're storing all messages on their servers? Do you know how long they'll keep them for?

1 upvotes on reddit

kempuEdit · 3 years ago

Pretty Simple... They removed all important features and offered this one which is more annoying due to performance issues.

2 upvotes on reddit

CommanderpKeen · OP · 3 years ago

Seems to be the trend these days.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 4 replies

r/whatsapp • [8]

Summarize

What happened to whatsapp web?

Posted by phreakingout_ · in r/whatsapp · 5 months ago

[deleted]

3 upvotes on reddit

4 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

View Source

4 replies

Gloomy-Estate1673 · 5 months ago

Whatsapp is being worst now a days. There are lots of bugs in whatapp app and windows version too. I'm tired otf that shit. Telegram is far better than whatsapp.

1 upvotes on reddit

phreakingout_ · OP · 5 months ago

True. I'm doing file sharing things from telegram now.

1 upvotes on reddit

Gloomy-Estate1673 · 5 months ago

Ya, file sharing in telegram is very easy and convenient. Main thing is there is no headache for backup - restore.

1 upvotes on reddit

No-Goat-9911 · 5 months ago

I switched to Google Messages from WhatsApp; it is far better than WhatsApp. And call through my carrier ROGERS even international

1 upvotes on reddit

See 4 replies

r/whatsapp • [9]

Summarize

Whatsapp web appearance

Posted by Personal_Lab_1200 · in r/whatsapp · 7 months ago

2 upvotes on reddit

4 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

View Source

4 replies

Personal_Lab_1200 · OP · 7 months ago

The appearance of WhatsApp on chrome is showing these thick fonts. I want normal readable fonts. Can someone please guide me

1 upvotes on reddit

joep-b · 7 months ago

That must be some custom configuration on you side. It is not supposed to look like that.

1 upvotes on reddit

Personal_Lab_1200 · OP · 7 months ago

I am not able to figure it out myself as to how to change the configuration

1 upvotes on reddit

_l33ter_ · 7 months ago

what do you wanna say?

1 upvotes on reddit

See 4 replies

r/whatsapp • [10]

Summarize

Can't post links anymore using Whatsapp Web?

Posted by DILDO-ARMED_DRONE · in r/whatsapp · 2 years ago

Hey all, I'm using the web desktop version of Whatsapp quite a lot, and since yesterday I noticed that I can no longer send people links. I can still do that though the phone if it's really needed, but that's a bit of a hassle.

Has anyone else encountered this and is there any way to fix it?

58 upvotes on reddit

12 replies

Helpful

Not helpful

View Source

12 replies

PozPanero · 2 years ago

But is not just links, isn't? Yesterday I received a message about a new version, refreshed and since then I can't paste anything in Whatsapp web, not even plain text.

I don't understand how can they publish something with a such a basic feature broken.

7 upvotes on reddit

OzorMox · 2 years ago

Same thing I've just noticed here. Looks like someone has found a workaround but WhatsApp have clearly broken it so I expect a proper fix will be coming.

https://superuser.com/questions/1804661/firefox-doesnt-allow-to-paste-into-whatsapp-web-anymore

1 upvotes on reddit

lazyyJ · 2 years ago

I have the same issue. Started yesteday. I can't paste text outside of the Whatsapp tab. Pasting pictures work however.
Win 10 Version 10.0.19045 Build 19045
Firefox 116.0.3 (32-bit)
Newest version of Whatsapp web. Version 2.2334.12

I use Autohotkey, so I use this script as a temporary workaround:

#IfWinActive WhatsApp
^v::SendRaw %clipboard%
#IfWinActive

2 upvotes on reddit

sooibot · 2 years ago

Please help upvote, i htink!

1 upvotes on reddit

224109a · 2 years ago

Me 3.

Just tested chrome, it's working there now. Yesterday it wasn't the case though.

1 upvotes on reddit

Lobo_Marino · 2 years ago

Thank you!!!! It was frustrating to temporarily go back to Chrome

1 upvotes on reddit

val890 · 2 years ago

Hi, having the same problem, started today around 4pm while working on desktop even though it was working fine all morning. No solutions though :/

2 upvotes on reddit

Acrobatic-Economy-22 · 2 years ago

Worked (Firefox / Kubuntu)

1 upvotes on reddit

sir-harlekin · 2 years ago

Same. Its on Firefox for me. On Edge its working.

1 upvotes on reddit

matkelubi · 2 years ago

thanks worked for me

1 upvotes on reddit

Humble-Carpenter730 · 2 years ago

it is still not working lmao, just using the shitty desktop app for now. GOD how hard is fixing an issue like that

2 upvotes on reddit

No bio available

1299

Karma

Posts

Comments

View Profile

Chat w/ Profile AI

Saigot

No bio available

64799

Karma

Posts

4736

Comments

View Profile

Chat w/ Profile AI

Gloomy-Estate1673

No bio available

118

Karma

Posts

285

Comments

View Profile

Chat w/ Profile AI

AI Answer

🤖

how to use whatsapp web

Here’s a quick guide on how to use WhatsApp Web:

Open WhatsApp Web:
- Go to web.whatsapp.com on your computer's web browser.
Link Your Phone:
- Open WhatsApp on your mobile device.
- Tap on the three dots (Android) or Settings (iPhone) in the top right corner.
- Select "Linked Devices" or "WhatsApp Web/Desktop."
- Tap on "Link a Device" and scan the QR code displayed on your computer screen.
Start Using WhatsApp Web:
- Once linked, your chats will appear on the web interface.
- You can send messages, view media, and manage chats just like on your mobile app.
Notifications:
- Enable desktop notifications to receive alerts for new messages while using WhatsApp Web.
Log Out:
- To log out, click on the three dots in the top left corner of the WhatsApp Web interface and select "Log out."

Tips:

Ensure your phone stays connected to the internet while using WhatsApp Web, as it relies on your phone for syncing messages.
For privacy, remember to log out from public or shared computers after use.

Using WhatsApp Web can enhance your messaging experience by allowing you to type on a full keyboard and manage chats more efficiently!

Still looking for a better answer?

Get more comprehensive results summarized by our most cutting edge AI model. Plus deep Youtube search.

Try Gigabrain Pro for Free

Add to Chrome