Started in 2009 by Jan Koum and Brian Acton, WhatsApp has taken the world by storm. A widely popular instant messaging service, it boasted over 400 million users by the time Facebook acquired it in 2014 for 19 billion dollars — the highest price paid for any startup up until then.
Today, WhatsApp has over 1.5 billion users and is the most popular messaging app in the world. It supports text messages, images, calls, video, voice notes, group conversations, and much more. The key to WhatsApp's popularity is its ubiquitous availability on any device, whether it's iPhone, Android, Windows, web, and even Nokia.
For a long time, however, people have been confused whether there's a WhatsApp Mac app or not. Read on as we clarify this issue below alongside some tips and tricks for making the most out of your WhatsApp-heavy day.
Is There A WhatsApp Desktop Mac App?
Yes, of course, there is. Facebook released the official WhatsApp Mac app back in 2016 when the service was already hugely popular worldwide. Perhaps it's the app's absence from macOS between 2009 and 2016 that has contributed to the widespread conviction of not being able to download WhatsApp for Mac.
Anyway, to install WhatsApp on your Mac right now:
- Go to WhatsApp official website
- Navigate to the Download tab
- Click download WhatsApp for Mac
- Open the file from the Downloads folder and move the icon into Applications
- Follow the instructions to read the QR code with your smartphone
- You're in!
WhatsApp Desktop Mac app is also available through the official App Store, with all the installation steps being largely the same.
Another way to use WhatsApp on Mac is through the browser. To do that, just navigate to the WhatsApp Web tab on the official WhatsApp website and repeat the steps above once again. WhatsApp for MacBook and web are very similar in their functionality and allow you to send messages, post Statuses, and share attachments. Sadly both versions are somewhat limited, so WhatsApp video call on Mac and web aren't possible as of early 2019.
Another major drawback of WhatsApp for Mac is its inability to add new contacts. As the WhatsApp desktop Mac version is designed to be just simply complementary to your smartphone, and the main user ID is your phone number, you need to have all your contacts saved in your phone before you can start conversations on the WhatsApp Mac app.
Try a better WhatsApp for Mac client
Overall, the default WhatsApp desktop Mac client is not great and feels rather unfinished compared to its full-featured iOS counterpart. The good news is you don't have to use the official WhatsApp Mac app, as the company allows any third-party developer to build their own ideal version.
ChatMate for WhatsApp is a brilliant alternative to the default WhatsApp for MacBook. Similarly constrained in terms of adding new users, it manages to compensate beautifully with forward-thinking features, such as Stealth Mode, that respect your privacy.
Briefly, Stealth Mode turns on a transparency layer and makes the app increasingly see-through, which hides your messages from prying eyes. You can also set your messages to only be shown upon a cursor hover. And on top of that, ChatMate for WhatsApp supports Touch ID and can automatically lock the app after a certain time interval.
To turn on Stealth Mode:
- Launch ChatMate for WhatsApp
- Navigate to Preferences and then Privacy
- Toggle Stealth Mode to On and adjust transparency to the desired level
- Optionally check "Show chat content only on mouse over"
In addition to valuing your privacy, ChatMate for WhatsApp includes a Do Not Disturb mode that mutes notifications when turned on as well as a Dark Mode to ease eye strain, especially if you find yourself using the app a lot at night.
So if you're really keen to use WhatsApp for Mac, ChatMate is a much better choice. Unless WhatsApp is just one of many instant messaging services you're logged into. Then, a messaging aggregator might do the trick.
Consolidate all messaging services into one
Using WhatsApp Mac app wouldn't really be a problem if it would be the only messaging app you needed. But in the time when you're getting constantly pinged from the likes of Slack, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and Twitter, maintaining separate applications for each service can become a serious drag.
That's exactly where using IM+ can make your life so much more sane. IM+ is a messaging aggregator, letting you combine 18 different messaging services — some even more than once — into a single intuitive app. Through IM+ all services still retain their full functionality, with support for messages, images, and videos.
One of the best differentiating IM+ features is the ability to tag services or accounts as Work or Home, and then easily switch between them so that even with all the messaging services in one you can still maintain your work-life balance.
Be more productive by limiting social media use
When seemingly every app makes constant demands for our attention, it can be hard to concentrate on what actually pays the bills. A five-minute chat with a friend on Facebook, a quick Skype call with mom, a funny GIF on Slack — they all add up to hours of wasted time every day. It's likely that you don't even notice how much time you spend on social media. Because if you'd track it, you'd be horrified.
Timing is an automatic time and productivity tracker. It works mostly in the background by observing which apps you use and how much time you spend in them. Timing then prepares daily reports that provide a clear reflection on your day and even gives you a productivity score.
You can use Timing for your work too, by creating projects and manually adding tasks to them. That can be done in several ways:
- After running Timing in the background for a day, take a look at the Applications and Projects & Tasks panes, and see whether your tasks have been assigned properly so far
- If you want to create a new project, simply toggle the Project List by clicking an icon in the top-left corner and press the plus icon
- Give it a name and Save Project
- To re-assign any task to the correct project simply drag and drop it onto the appropriate name on the list
You can fine-tune Timing even further in Preferences. For example, specify what time the day starts and ends, and whether to track productivity on weekends. In addition, you have the option to integrate your calendar right into Timing, so that you see all the upcoming events right in the app's timeline.
In the end, if you need to use WhatsApp on Mac as your primary communication tool, download a more flexible ChatMate client to make your experience better. Although neither of them offer WhatsApp desktop video calls, so you have to choose another messaging service for that. And if you find yourself constantly switching between different messengers, unite them all under IM+ to avoid mental fatigue. Finally, keep yourself on a productive track by monitoring how much time you spend on all the social apps through Timing and make sure to course-correct when things get out of hand.
Best of all, the apps mentioned above are available to you on a free trial through Setapp, a platform of over 150 useful apps and utilities that strive to improve your Mac experience. Become a Setapp Member and get unlimited access to them all. Now, that's productivity worth mentioning!
FAQs
How can I use WhatsApp on my Mac computer? ›
- Open a browser on your Mac and navigate to the WhatsApp Web website. ...
- Launch WhatsApp on your iPhone.
- Tap Settings.
- Select WhatsApp Web/Desktop.
- Tap the big blue Link a Device button.
Only with ChatMate for WhatsApp you can send and receive voice messages, photos, videos, documents and Emojis. It is the must have App for any WhatsApp user with a Mac!
Is WhatsApp app Safe for Mac? ›WhatsApp is a solid messaging service that provides end-to-end encryption. Owned by Facebook, it's probably more popular than all other secure messaging apps put together. You can use WhatsApp not only on your mobile phone but Windows and Mac as well.
What is the best way to use WhatsApp on PC? ›- Use the web app. Go to web.whatsapp.com in a web browser.
- Use the desktop app. Install the WhatsApp desktop app on your Mac or Windows computer from the WhatsApp download page.
- Step 1: Download WhatsApp for Windows or macOS from here.
- Step 2: Once the download is complete, a .exe file will be downloaded for Windows. ...
- Step3: Open the file and complete the installation process.
The latest versions of WhatsApp for Mac and Windows allow you to use WhatsApp on the computer without having a phone that is connected to the internet.
What is the difference between WhatsApp and WhatsApp desktop? ›The main difference between WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop is the format or form of the platform. WhatsApp Web is WhatsApp built with a Web-based format. "While WhatsApp Desktop, WhatsApp has a format based on an application program for computers.
Is WhatsApp optimized for m1 Mac? ›⚠️ Yes (beta)
Can you call on WhatsApp desktop? ›Video calling lets you call your contacts using WhatsApp Desktop for free, even if they're in another country. Video calling uses your internet connection. Desktop calling is supported on Windows 10 64-bit version 1903 and newer and macOS 10.13 and newer. Group calls aren't supported on WhatsApp Desktop at this time.
Can Police Track WhatsApp messages? ›If the police have a warrant, they can request your messages from social media companies like Snapchat and WhatsApp, but generally the police will only be able to see your unread messages.
What are the disadvantages of using WhatsApp? ›
From its growing list of security breaches, weak data protection, poor web interface, and slow response to consumer needs, the disadvantages of WhatsApp grow stronger by the day.
What Mark Zuckerberg said about WhatsApp? ›In a message, Zuckerberg wrote, “WhatsApp is far more private and secure than iMessage, with end-to-end encryption that works across both iPhones and Android, including group chats.” He also pointed out that WhatsApp supports the ability to let all new chats disappear and it also comes with “end-to-end encrypted ...
Which emulator is best for using WhatsApp? ›BlueStacks app player is the best platform (emulator) to run this Android app on your PC or Mac for an immersive user experience! Run WhatsApp Messenger on PC and enjoy this free communication app from the large and gorgeous display on your PC!
How can I stay connected to WhatsApp Web without phone? ›All you need to do is opt for the multi-device feature and scan the QR code. Until you logout of that PC yourself, your WhatsApp account will be reflected on the browser. It works even better with the WhatsApp for Desktop app on Windows 10, Windows 11, and macOS Monterey.
How can I use WhatsApp on PC without linking? ›You can use emulators like Andy or BlueStacks to use WhatsApp on your computer. Go to Andy Android Emulator's website and click on 'Download'. Now, click on the downloaded file to install the emulator.
How can I use WhatsApp Web without sending Mac? ›You can configure whether tapping enter sends a message or not. Open WhatsApp. Go to More options > Settings > Chats . Turn Enter is send on or off.
How can I log into WhatsApp without OTP? ›- 1 Creating a New Phone Number.
- 2 Activating WhatsApp on iOS or Android.
- 3 Activating WhatsApp on a Windows Computer.
- 4 Activating WhatsApp Web on a Computer.
Use WhatsApp With Your Number But Without SIM Card
Install WhatsApp on another phone. Then, enter the phone number. Note down the verification code which you receive on your phone which has the SIM. Validate it on the phone which has WhatsApp installed.
Make Sure Your Mobile and WhatsApp Are on Same Wi-Fi
You need to have the phone running with an active internet connection with the same Wi-Fi network as your Mac. If your phone is connected to another Wi-Fi network, you will continue to receive connection errors upon opening the app.
WhatsApp says that your phone doesn't need to stay online to use WhatsApp on other linked devices like laptop, but your linked devices will be logged out if you don't use your phone for over 14 days.
Can desktop WhatsApp work without phone? ›
The interesting thing is that users can use WhatsApp on four linked devices simultaneously without being online on the phone. In simple terms, this means that even if you are busy on your phone or have turned off your mobile, you can still use the web version of WhatsApp on your PC.
Does WhatsApp desktop work without phone nearby? ›This additional WhatsApp feature brings some relief, as you don't need to depend on your phone anymore to chat with people via WhatsApp web or the desktop app.
Why M1 Mac is so fast? ›Apple's M1 Chip Explained
Before Apple silicon, Macs used multiple chips for CPU, I/O, and security, but Apple's effort to integrate these chips is the reason why the M1 is so much faster and more efficient than prior Intel chips.
What's new in version 2.2245. 9. Bug fixes and performance improvements.
Why is Apple M1 CPU so fast? ›Apple uses memory, which is designed to serve both large chunks of data and do it very quickly. It is called 'low latency and high throughput'. This removes the need to have two different types of memory and all the copying of data between them, making the M1 faster.
Why desktop WhatsApp Cannot call? ›Please try to enable it by going to Settings > Privacy. On the left panel, look and select for Camera and Microphone. On the right side, find WhatsApp and make sure that camera and microphone are both toggled enable and allow for the app.
How do I turn my camera on for WhatsApp desktop? ›- Go to the Settings App from your Home Screen.
- Find and tap Applications.
- Find and tap Application Manager.
- Find and tap on the WhatsApp icon.
- Make sure the camera and microphone permissions are enabled.
Simply put, there is no way to check your call history from WhatsApp Web, despite whether you access it from your browser or Mac/Windows app. However, you can make video and audio calls from the Mac and Windows apps of WhatsApp (WhatsApp desktop app).
Can deleted WhatsApp messages be recovered? ›How to retrieve deleted WhatsApp messages: Simply uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp. When you reinstall the app, you will be prompted to restore your message history from the backup file. Select Restore and everything from the latest backup will be restored.
How private is WhatsApp? ›We've built WhatsApp with industry-leading end-to-end encryption so your personal messages are protected by default, and stay between you and those you send them to. No one else, not even WhatsApp, can read or listen to them. What you share, and with whom you share it, is fully under your control.
Is it better to text or WhatsApp? ›
Each message sent through WhatsApp Business API is a fraction of the cost of sending a text message. You can easily form groups, share files or even receive files from your customers. WhatsApp is much safer as it has end-to-end encryption, making it more secure.
Is WhatsApp safer than texting? ›The privacy playbook. WhatsApp has long touted its use of end-to-end encryption, which means only the sender and recipient of a message can see its contents. While several other competitors including iMessage and Signal also offer end-to-end encryption, WhatsApp is by far the biggest in terms of user base.
Who pays for a WhatsApp call? ›Unlike regular calls, the receiver does not incur charges to receive the call. But for WhatsApp, both parties pay data charges to call and receive a call. It is important to know which network you're using for the WhatsApp call so that you won't be overwhelmed when you see the bill.
Is WhatsApp changing in 2022? ›Taking a cue from this, the messaging app launched new features in March 2022 to improve the WhatsApp voice message experience. These include: Out of chat playback: It helps you hear a voice message outside the chat, while you read and respond to other messages or multitask on your smartphone.
Is WhatsApp safer than iMessage? ›“WhatsApp is far more private and secure than iMessage, with end-to-end encryption that works across both iPhones and Android, including group chats. With WhatsApp you can also set all new chats to disappear with the tap of a button. And last year we introduced end-to-end encrypted backups too.
Who owns FB WhatsApp? ›Facebook purchased WhatsApp in 2014. Facebook's bid price was astronomical, even for Silicon Valley, with a bid at $16 billion. WhatsApp does not use wireless networks. WhatsApp has over 2 billion users worldwide.
Which is the No 1 emulator? ›#1) LDPlayer
The emulator allows you to use custom controls while gaming, which basically means you can easily use the mouse and keyboard of your windows device to play Android games. A feature that I like the most is the “Multi-Instance”, which allows you to open multiple games simultaneously on your computer screen.
In terms of memory, Leapdroid is among the lightest Android emulators. It is one of the most promising lightweight android emulators worth a look. The lightweight Android emulator features many tweaks and optimizations.
Is there an app better than BlueStacks? ›If you're looking for a BlueStacks alternative, the Nox player won't be a bad option. Its brilliant Android emulator makes it simple to download and play Android games on your PC and Mac. Since NoxPlayer is lightweight, it doesn't affect the functioning of your PC.
How do I keep WhatsApp Web logged in forever? ›You will be automatically logged out of WhatsApp Web after 30 minutes of inactivity. When you sign into WhatsApp Web, you can check a box under the QR code which says keep me signed in. Then you will stay connected as long as WhatsApp is connected on your phone.
How long does WhatsApp desktop stay connected? ›
Your phone doesn't need to stay online to use WhatsApp on linked devices, but your linked devices will be logged out if you don't use your phone for over 14 days.
Is there any other way to connect to WhatsApp Web? ›There are two ways you can use WhatsApp on your computer: WhatsApp Web: A browser-based application of WhatsApp. WhatsApp Desktop: An application you can download to your computer. WhatsApp Web and Desktop are computer-based extensions of the WhatsApp account on your phone.
Can I use WhatsApp on laptop without scanning QR code? ›Look for WhatsApp and download the application on the BlueStacks App Player. When you first open the WhatsApp application on your BlueStacks app player you will have to complete the signup. Enter your mobile number and complete the registration to get access to WhatsApp without a QR Code.
Which WhatsApp is best version? ›WhatsApp Plus
One of the strong features which make it the best alternative to WA is the 'No-Ban Feature'. The name as it suggests has some Plus features along with traditional WA. Basically, the developer had made some changes in the UI and added some extra functionalities.
From October 24, 2022, WhatsApp is to drop support for two versions of iOS, specifically iOS 10 and iOS 11.
Is WhatsApp desktop safe? ›“WhatsApp is safe in that it uses the same secure encryption as Signal but is owned by Facebook – a company which has historically monetised personal information (principally for advertising).
Can you WhatsApp video call on Mac? ›Launch the updated WhatsApp app on Mac. Make sure you are logged in. Click a contact to open their conversation. Click the camcorder or phone icon to make a video or audio call.
How do I keep WhatsApp Web online all the time? ›You will be automatically logged out of WhatsApp Web after 30 minutes of inactivity. When you sign into WhatsApp Web, you can check a box under the QR code which says keep me signed in. Then you will stay connected as long as WhatsApp is connected on your phone.
Which GB is good for WhatsApp? ›10.0is the latest GB Whatsapp version.
Can I have 3 WhatsApp accounts on one phone? ›Officially, you aren't allowed to have two WhatsApp accounts on one phone. But, since most phones now come with dual-SIM technology its not uncommon for users to want to set up both numbers with WhatsApp even though they only have one device.
Which WhatsApp is better than GB? ›
In FM WhatsApp vs GB WhatsApp, regular WhatsApp, when you copy more than one message from chat, your name and time will also be copied with it, but in GB Whatsapp, you have the ability to hide that. You can also hide your last seen for only a specific list of WhatsApp contacts.