The WhatsApp desktop application is available for computers with Windows or Mac operating systems. By connecting via your mobile device, you can send and receive messages from your computer. The mobile device will need to be turned on and connected to the internet for the desktop application to work.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: macOS
Step 1. Visit whatsapp.com/download/ using a browser
You can use Safari or any other browser you have installed.
- WhatsApp is not available for OS X 10.8 or earlier.
- The application must be installed and verified on your phone before you can use the desktop version.
Step 2. Click the "Download for Mac OS X" button
Step 3. Double click on the "WhatsApp.dmg" file
You will find it in the "Download" section of your browser or in the "Downloads" folder.
Step 4. Drag WhatsApp to the "Applications" folder
The program will then be installed.
Step 5. Close the WhatsApp installer
You can drag it from the desktop to the trash to free up space.
Step 6. Open the "Applications" folder
Step 7. Double click on "WhatsApp" to start the application
Step 8. Click on "Open" to confirm that you want to start it
This you will only have to do the first time.
Step 9. Open WhatsApp on your mobile device
To connect WhatsApp Desktop to your account, you will need to scan a QR code from your Mac using the WhatsApp application on your mobile device.
Step 10. Prepare the WhatsApp application to scan the QR code
The procedure varies slightly depending on the operating system (Android or iOS):
- On iOS, click on the "Settings" tab in the bottom right corner of WhatsApp, then click on "WhatsApp Web / Desktop", finally authorize the camera if you are asked to do so;
- On Android, tap on the "Chat" tab on WhatsApp, then tap on ⋮ in the top right corner, then select "WhatsApp Web".
Step 11. Scan the QR code with the WhatsApp application
Point the QR code that appears on the Mac screen in the viewfinder of your camera. Usually, the scanning process is done almost immediately.
Step 12. Start using WhatsApp Desktop to chat
Once you are logged in, you will have access to all your messages and conversations. Click on a chat to select it and then type the messages you want to send. The messages will also be synced with your mobile device.
The WhatsApp Desktop application allows you to send and receive messages through your mobile device, so the latter must be turned on and connected to the internet for you to use the desktop program
Method 2 of 2: Windows
Step 1. Visit whatsapp.com/download/ using a browser
You can use any browser you have installed on your computer.
- WhatsApp is not available for Windows 7 or earlier.
- The WhatsApp application must already have been installed and verified on a phone.
Step 2. Click the "Download for Windows" button
Step 3. Click on the WhatsAppSetup.exe file to start it
This file usually appears at the bottom of the browser window. If you have closed it, you can find it in the "Downloads" folder.
The installation process is immediate and you will be redirected directly to the login screen. A shortcut to WhatsApp will also be added to the desktop
Step 4. Open WhatsApp on your mobile device
You will need to use the application to log into the computer.
Step 5. Prepare to scan the QR code on your device
The process varies slightly depending on the operating system (Android or iOS):
- On iOS, click on the "Settings" tab in the lower left corner of the WhatsApp screen, then click on "WhatsApp Web / Desktop", finally authorize access to your camera if requested;
- On Android, click on the "Chat" tab, then hit the ⋮ button in the top right corner and select "WhatsApp Web".
Step 6. Align the QR code that appears on the computer screen with the frame of the mobile phone
You may need to click to reload the QR code in the WhatsApp program on your computer. Frame it in your phone's viewfinder and the scan should happen almost immediately.
Step 7. Use the desktop application to chat
From the program you will be able to access all your chats, send and receive messages. The application will send and receive messages through the mobile device, so the mobile device must also be turned on and connected to the internet.
