WhatsApp for Windows and Mac are extensions of the WhatsApp account on your phone. The messages you send and receive are synced between your phone and computer, and you can see your messages across all devices.
Can I use WhatsApp on my computer and phone at the same time?
Yes. WhatsApp web and desktop applications are extensions of the WhatsApp account on your phone. The messages you send and receive are synced, and you can see your messages on all devices seamlessly. You can use up to four linked devices and one phone at a time.
What happens if my phone is offline?
You only need your phone to be online when you register WhatsApp for the first time or pair new devices. After signing up, your phone doesn't need to stay online to use WhatsApp on linked devices, but your linked devices will go offline if you don't use your phone for more than 14 days.
Can I make video calls using WhatsApp Desktop?
Yes, you can make free voice and video calls on WhatsApp desktop using your laptop/PC webcam.
Is WhatsApp secure?
WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption as a default for all private communication, this includes messages and calls, group and one-on-one chats as well as any photos or files you send.
However, WhatsApp is owned by Facebook which makes many wonder about privacy. More security-conscious users often prefer to use Signal or Telegram for sharing personal or sensitive information.
You can use up to four linked devices and one phone at a time. Each linked device connects to WhatsApp independently while maintaining the same level of privacy and security through end-to-end encryption.
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.
WhatsApp is available for Android and iPhone / iOS.
Features
Keep the Conversation Going
- With WhatsApp Desktop, you can seamlessly sync all of your chats to your computer so that you can chat on whatever device is most convenient for you.
Security by Default
- Some of your most personal moments are shared on WhatsApp, which is why we built end-to-end encryption into the latest versions of our app. When end-to-end encrypted, your messages and calls are secured so only you and the person you're communicating with can read or listen to them, and nobody in between, not even WhatsApp.
Desktop calling
- You can make free voice and video calls to your contacts on WhatsApp Desktop if you have the app installed on your computer.
What's New
Find, Message, and Buy on WhatsApp
Today we're sharing an update on what we're building to help people find, message, and buy something from a business on WhatsApp. Our team is in Brazil today where we're discussing our vision for bringing the entire shopping experience directly to a WhatsApp chat.
Find a business
People want a convenient way to quickly get assistance from the millions of small businesses and tens of thousands of brands already on WhatsApp. Today we're launching the ability to find a business right on WhatsApp so people can now browse businesses by category – such as travel or banking – or search by the business name. This will save people from having to find phone numbers off websites or type a number into their contacts.
We've built business search in a way that preserves people's privacy. What you search for is processed in a way that cannot be linked back to your account. To start, we're bringing the ability to search for a business to Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Mexico, and the UK where people can find companies using our WhatsApp Business Platform. In Brazil, search will help people find small businesses as well.
Message
As more businesses use WhatsApp, our first principle remains keeping people in control of their conversations. Getting this right is important for WhatsApp just as much as for the people and businesses that rely on us. Some of the recent businesses that have joined WhatsApp are helping people open a bank account, purchase their metro ticket and order groceries.
Buy
Ultimately we want people to be able to make a secure payment right from a chat with their credit or debit card. We recently launched this experience in India and we're excited to now be testing this in Brazil with multiple payment partners. This seamless checkout experience will be a game-changer for people and businesses looking to buy and sell on WhatsApp without having to go to a website, open another app or pay in person.
These new experiences are part of making WhatsApp the best way for people to connect with their favorite businesses. We look forward to your feedback.
Previous release notes
Advantages of native apps:
- Increased reliability and speed
- Designed and optimized for your desktop operating system
- Continue to receive notifications and messages even when your phone is offline
Mac users
- WhatsApp desktop app native to Mac operating systems is currently in development.
- For early access and to help us with testing, you can download the beta program here.
- As a Mac user, you can use WhatsApp Web in your browser or download the web-based WhatsApp Desktop app.
Read more about the WhatsApp desktop app for Windows here.
Previous release notes:
WhatsApp has just now extended the time you have to delete your messages from your chats after you hit send to 2 days 12 hours. The have also improved privacy by adding more options to hide your online status, block screenshots for view once messages and now you can quietly leave groups without other participants knowing.
Previous release notes
- Updates to messages reactions including the ability to react with any emoji plus additional improvements and fixes.
- Increased the group participant limit to 512
- Increased max file size limit to 2GB
- On group calls, you can mute others or message them by long pressing on their tile
Reactions, 2GB File Sharing, 512 Groups
As we announced last month with our vision for Communities on WhatsApp, we're now building for organizations, businesses, and other close-knit groups to communicate securely and get things done on WhatsApp. The feedback we've received so far has been very positive and we can't wait to get many new features into people's hands.
We're excited to share that emoji reactions are now available on the latest version of the app. Reactions are fun, fast, and they reduce overload in groups too. We'll continue improving them by adding an even broader range of expressions in the future.
In addition, you can now send files within WhatsApp up to 2GB in size at a time, protected by end-to-end encryption. This is an increase from the previous limit of 100MB and we think will be helpful for collaboration among small businesses and school groups. We recommend using WiFi for larger files and we'll display a counter while uploading or downloading to let you know how long your transfer will take.
One of the top requests we've consistently received is the option to add more people to a chat, so now we're slowly rolling out the ability to add up to 512 people to a group. Building private, safe, and secure communities takes work and we think this series of improvements will help people and groups stay close to one another.
We hope people enjoy these updates and look forward to sharing more throughout the year.
WhatsApp desktop app no longer requires your phone to be online
We're excited to announce that private and secure one-to-one voice and video calls are now available on WhatsApp's desktop app.
Throughout the last year we've seen significant increases in people calling one another on WhatsApp, often for long conversations. Last New Year's Eve, we broke the record for the most calls ever made in a single day with 1.4 billion voice and video calls. With so many people still apart from their loved ones, and adjusting to new ways of working, we want conversations on WhatsApp to feel as close to in-person as possible, regardless of where you are in the world or the tech you're using.
Answering on a bigger screen makes it easier to work with colleagues, see your family more clearly on a bigger canvas, or free up your hands to move around a room while talking. To make desktop calling more useful, we made sure it works seamlessly for both portrait and landscape orientation, appears in a resizable standalone window on your computer screen, and is set to be always on top so you never lose your video chats in a browser tab or stack of open windows.
Voice and video calls on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted, so WhatsApp can't hear or see them, whether you call from your phone or your computer. We're starting with one-to-one calls on the WhatsApp desktop app so we make sure we can give you a reliable and high-quality experience. We will be expanding this feature to include group voice and video calls in the future.
You can make free voice and video calls to your contacts on WhatsApp Desktop if you have the app installed on your computer.
Desktop calling is supported on:
- Windows 10 64-bit version 1903 and newer
- macOS 10.13 and newer
To make or receive calls on WhatsApp Desktop, you'll need:
- An audio output device and microphone for voice and video calls.
- A camera for video calls.
- An active internet connection on your computer and phone. The call won't go through your phone, but it needs to be online to establish the call.
- To grant WhatsApp permission to access your computer's microphone and camera. WhatsApp needs access to your computer's microphone for calls and camera for video calls.
Note: Group calls aren't supported on WhatsApp Desktop at this time.
Previous release notes:
We've heard from so many people how much confusion there is around our recent update. There's been a lot of misinformation causing concern and we want to help everyone understand our principles and the facts.
WhatsApp was built on a simple idea: what you share with your friends and family stays between you. This means we will always protect your personal conversations with end-to-end encryption, so that neither WhatsApp nor Facebook can see these private messages. It's why we don't keep logs of who everyone's messaging or calling. We also can't see your shared location and we don't share your contacts with Facebook.
With these updates, none of that is changing. Instead, the update includes new options people will have to message a business on WhatsApp, and provides further transparency about how we collect and use data. While not everyone shops with a business on WhatsApp today, we think that more people will choose to do so in the future and it's important people are aware of these services. This update does not expand our ability to share data with Facebook.
We're now moving back the date on which people will be asked to review and accept the terms. No one will have their account suspended or deleted on February 8. We're also going to do a lot more to clear up the misinformation around how privacy and security works on WhatsApp. We'll then go to people gradually to review the policy at their own pace before new business options are available on May 15.
WhatsApp helped bring end-to-end encryption to people across the world and we are committed to defending this security technology now and in the future. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us and to so many who have helped spread facts and stop rumors. We will continue to put everything we have into making WhatsApp the best way to communicate privately.
FAQs
Is WhatsApp available for Windows PC and Mac? ›
If you want to use the web app, either because your administrator doesn't allow you to install apps or you prefer to use a web browser, WhatsApp web is the solution for you, especially if you use one of the best Chromebooks. Otherwise, you can download the WhatsApp app for Mac or Windows.
Is WhatsApp for Mac good? ›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.
Why WhatsApp is not responding in PC? ›Another possible reason for WhatsApp web not working on your laptop is that your internet browser is not up to date. In this case, update your browser to the latest version. If you use Google Chrome, then head to the Settings by tapping on the three-dots at the top right corner of the screen.
How can I use WhatsApp on Mac without phone number? ›Open the app and you'll see a QR code. Open WhatsApp on your phone, tap Settings or Menu, and choose WhatsApp Web. Scan the code and you'll be able to use your WhatsApp account on macOS.
Is Apple or Windows better? ›With the number of different systems and the number of users, PCs have better backwards compatibility, that is, you can run older versions of software or operating systems on new hardware. It's certainly possible to run games on a Mac, but PCs are generally considered better for hard-core gaming.
What is the difference between WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp for Windows? ›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.
Will Apple no longer support WhatsApp? ›WhatsApp will stop its service for select iPhone models from October 2022. iPhone users using older models are advised to update or change to newer iPhones. WhatsApp has already stopped its support for Android models with 4.0 version and older.
Can I answer WhatsApp call on Mac? ›You must have the most recent WhatsApp app version on your Mac. Your Mac must be running macOS 10.13 High Sierra or newer. You'll need to have an audio output device, microphone, and camera connected to your Mac for calls. Video calling isn't supported on devices without a camera.
Which WhatsApp is best for laptop? ›WhatsApp on the web is not the only way to experience WhatsApp on your computer. You also can try alternative methods. One of the best alternatives is the WhatsApp desktop app. It's specially built for both Windows 10, Windows 11, and macOS.
Why WhatsApp desktop is too slow? ›We often experience WhatsApp slowing down on devices with insufficient storage and free RAM, which sometimes makes the whole experience sluggish. The reason being, WhatsApp consumes specific hardware resources like your phone's RAM and storage to function properly.
Which browser is best for WhatsApp web? ›
- Opera – With integrated messenger feature. ...
- Google Chrome – Effective tab management. ...
- Mozilla Firefox – Popular choice. ...
- Brave – Privacy-focused browser. ...
- Microsoft Edge – Fast and lightweight. ...
- Vivaldi – Comes with unique features. ...
- Tor browser – Privacy-focused browser.
There are several Android emulators available that allow you to install Android apps on your computer. 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'.
Is WhatsApp free on Mac? ›WhatsApp offers its own free WhatsApp Desktop app available on the Mac App Store, where you'll find other third-party WhatsApp clients also available, such as FreeChat and ChatMate.
How can I use WhatsApp on Mac without QR code? ›- Step 1: To avoid using WhatsApp Web by scanning QR code, you can download WhatsApp Native App, which can be accessed on Windows and macOS. ...
- Step 2: Download WhatsApp on your Windows or Mac using this link.
You can only verify a phone number you own. You must be able to receive phone calls and SMS to the phone number you are trying to verify. You must have any call-blocking settings, apps or task killers disabled. You must have a working internet connection through mobile data or Wi-Fi.
Do Macs or Windows last longer? ›Lifespan and configuration
According to a 2018 Microsoft study, the optimal age of PCs is no more than four years old. Macs meanwhile average between 5 and 7 years of service, with some lasting longer.
In general, Macs are known for their user-friendliness and approachability. They are considered to be more intuitive than Windows. While the way your iPad/iPhone and MacBook work may differ slightly, they are very similar, so it would be easy to adjust to the computer.
Is Windows Safer Than Mac? ›“Macs are generally more secure than Windows machines to start, and because of that people are often encouraged to be complacent around installing security software and other monitoring, and there is less competition from other criminals,” warned Aurora.
What are the disadvantages of using WhatsApp web? ›Not compatible with all browsers except Google chrome browser. On the WhatsApp web client, only text messages can be send not multimedia messages. You can neither edit your profile nor delete the conversation from desktop app as you do with mobile WhatsApp.
Is WhatsApp for Windows Good? ›In terms of functionality, WhatsApp Desktop trumps WhatsApp Web. For the latter, keyboard shortcuts are limited and not supported. Only users of the WhatsApp Desktop app will be able to utilize WhatsApp keyboard shortcuts to change message read status, mute chats, move between chats, and lot more.
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.
Video: Watch Everything Announced at Apple's WWDC 2022 Event
This means any phones introduced in 2016 or earlier, including the iPhone 6S, iPhone SE and iPhone 7, won't be getting Apple software updates anymore. It's not an unexpected move, given that the company regularly retires software support on older devices.
As per WhatsApp supported devices page, the support of the app is also getting dropped on all Android devices running Android 4.1 or older. Users can either update the OS on their phones, which seems a little unrealistic in the real-world scenario today, or they can get a new smartphone altogether.
Which iPhone will stop using WhatsApp 2022? ›From October 24 2022 iOS 10 and iOS 11 will not be supported anymore by WhatsApp. And that affects the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5C as these devices can't upgrade to iOS 12.
Can I answer a phone call on my Mac? ›When you want to make or receive a phone call, you don't have to reach for your iPhone—you can use your Mac. When someone calls you, a notification appears on your Mac and you can take the call—and even use Real-Time Text (RTT) for your phone calls, if your carrier supports it. See FaceTime phone call requirements.
Why cant I answer calls on my Mac? ›Requirements for Mac phone calls
Then confirm that the following are in place: You're signed into iCloud and FaceTime on both devices with the same Apple ID. You have Wi-Fi enabled on both devices. Your devices are connected to the same network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
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.
Is there an official WhatsApp for PC? ›It's available for both Android and iPhone, and you can also download WhatsApp's desktop app or access WhatsApp from your browser.
Is there PC version of WhatsApp? ›WhatsApp Desktop is a version of WhatsApp Messenger for Windows. With this tool, you can chat with your contacts on your PC. The functions are the same as on Android, and the chats sync in real time.
How long can I use WhatsApp desktop without phone? ›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.
What are the advantages of WhatsApp desktop? ›
- Simple to write a message with the keyboard.
- Sending files is more convenient.
- Copy and paste links faster.
- Use WhatsApp comfortably while the mobile is charging.
- Save battery of mobile.
- Boost your productivity while doing work because you don't have to open a mobile every time.
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.
This is because as WhatsApp Web is a web app it also relies on users to not install anything malicious through browser extensions or other downloads, making it a less secure way to access this.
Can you use WhatsApp without downloading the app? ›WhatsApp can be accessed on your phone without the need for the app.
Is it safe to use WhatsApp web on PC? ›When you go to web.whasapp.com, it checks that the code has not been altered in any way and confirms this so you know it's safe to use. This extra layer of protection means WhatsApp offers the highest level of security (when using the web app) of any end-to-end encrypted messaging service.
Does WhatsApp Web work when phone is far away? ›Moreover, you don't even need the phone nearby for WhatsApp Web to work. This means that the phone and the device on which WhatsApp Web is active can be miles apart from each other, but they will still continue to work.
What is the best WhatsApp for Mac? ›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!
How can I use WhatsApp on two devices with same number? ›Click on the 'Link a Device' option in companion mode to get a QR code. Open WhatsApp on your secondary device and go to Linked Devices. Scan the QR code being shown on the primary device. Your WhatsApp account will now be linked on both devices once the chats are synced.
Can I login to WhatsApp Web with phone number? ›To log in to WhatsApp on WhatsApp Web, WhatsApp Desktop, or Portal, you need to use your phone to scan the QR code.
How can I use WhatsApp without SIM verification? ›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.
Can I have 2 WhatsApp accounts on one phone? ›
Third-party apps such as App Cloner or App Twin are used to create multiple WhatsApp accounts on a single phone. However, if you just want to use the WhatsApp app and WhatsApp Business, they're not necessary, as you can install WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business simultaneously on the same iPhone or Android phone.
Can I have two WhatsApp accounts? ›Dual WhatsApp accounts can be used on a single Android smartphone. WhatsApp can be used with two different accounts on the same phone. The instant messaging app is among the most popular apps in the world.
How can I use WhatsApp with Gmail? ›How do I send an email to WhatsApp? To send an email to WhatsApp, first open your Gmail account and select the messages you want to forward. Then tap the icon in the lower right corner. Select WhatsApp from the available options and share.
Is there WhatsApp for Windows PC? ›What is WhatsApp Desktop? WhatsApp Desktop is a version of WhatsApp Messenger for Windows. With this tool, you can chat with your contacts on your PC. The functions are the same as on Android, and the chats sync in real time.
Can WhatsApp be used on Windows PC? ›To run WhatsApp on your Windows computer, follow the steps below: Go to the official web app login page, and you'll be taken to a QR code on the screen. Open the WhatsApp QR scanner on your phone and scan the QR code on your PC.
Is there any WhatsApp for PC? ›You can use WhatsApp Web from your computer's browser by linking your account through a QR code from the WhatsApp mobile app. You can also use WhatsApp from your computer by installing the WhatsApp desktop application.
Is WhatsApp available for Windows? ›Mac or Windows PC
WhatsApp must be installed on your phone. By clicking the Download button, you agree to our Terms & Privacy Policy.
Once you click on the option 'Link a Device,' a scanner will open, point your phone's scanner towards the WhatsApp QR Code on your PC. WhatsApp is now linked to your PC and you can use it without your phone anytime, except you do not log out.
Which WhatsApp is best for PC? ›- Windows.
- chat app for windows.
- chat app for windows 7.
- instant messaging for windows 10.
- messaging app.
- messaging app for windows 10.
Step 1: Type WhatsApp Web on your browser if you don't want to download the desktop version of the app. Step 2: You will now get WhatsApp Web link on the top, just click on it and a QR code will appear.
Can I use WhatsApp without a phone? ›
WhatsApp can now be used without a phone number from your second phone. However, this option only works when set up via the browser. The app itself cannot be used on two devices. However, you also have the alternative option of installing WhatsApp on PC or WhatsApp for Mac.
How do I install WhatsApp on my Mac or PC? ›- 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.
- To begin, use a browser and go to WhatsApp's download page.
- Now, click on 'Download for Windows (64-bit).
- Now, click on the WhatsApp.exe file and install it.
- Launch the WhatsApp app on your laptop and scan the QR code from your smartphone to login.
Here's how to view WhatsApp in a web browser:
Open your PC, laptop or tablet browser and head to web.whatsapp.com. On an Android phone open WhatsApp, tap the three dots at the top right and choose WhatsApp web. On an iPhone start WhatsApp, tap the settings icon at the bottom left and choose WhatsApp web/desktop.
The new native app, WhatsApp says, will offer 'increased reliability and speed'. It is designed and optimized for your desktop operating system, it adds. The app will allow users to receive notifications and messages even when their phone is offline.
Can Windows 10 support WhatsApp? ›The WhatsApp Beta app is now available for download for Windows 10 (version 18632.0 or higher) and 11 users.