Do you want to chat with friends and family via WhatsApp, but don't want to always be on your cell phone? You can use the BlueStacks Android emulator program to install BlueStacks on your home or work computer. This program acts as an Android device, and allows you to install and use WhatsApp.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Install BlueStacks
Step 1. Download and install BlueStacks App Player
BlueStacks is an Android emulator for Windows and OSX. You can use it to run Android applications without having to use an Android device. BlueStacks is available for free from the BlueStacks website.
- If you are using Windows, download the BlueStacks installer for Windows. If you are using a Mac, be sure to download the Mac version.
- While installing BlueStacks, make sure "App Store access" is checked.
Step 2. Launch BlueStacks for the first time
BlueStacks will take a few minutes to install the included applications. Once launched, you will be guided through a quick tour of the interface. After the tour, the App Store will be initialized.
Step 3. Sign in with your Google account
To access the App Store you must have a Google account. This is because BlueStacks is an Android emulator, which requires a Google account to download applications. You can use an existing Google account or create a new one.
Part 2 of 3: Install WhatsApp
Step 1. Open the Google Play Store
Click on the magnifying glass icon in the upper left corner of the BlueStacks window. The Google Play Store will open. If this is your first time using it, you will be asked to accept the terms and conditions.
Step 2. Search for WhatsApp
Click the magnifying glass icon in the top right corner of the Google Play Store window. Type "WhatsApp" in the search field and select it from the list of results.
You can usually find WhatsApp in the first line of applications when you open the Google Play Store
Step 3. Download and install the application
Click the "Install" button at the top of the WhatsApp application page. You'll see a list of permissions that you need to accept in order to continue. When you click "I agree", the application will be downloaded and installed. You will be notified when it is ready to use.
Step 4. Alternatively, install WhatsApp using an APK file
If you prefer to avoid using the Play Store, you can download an APK file of the WhatsApp application. An APK file is the file format for Android application installers. Once the APK has been downloaded, it will automatically install in BlueStacks when you double click on the file.
You can get the WhatsApp APK from the WhatsApp site, or from a variety of Android community websites
Part 3 of 3: Login and Chat
Step 1. Launch the application
If you are still in the App Store, you can start WhatsApp by clicking the "Open" button on the application page. If you are on the main BlueStacks screen, click on the WhatsApp icon in the top row of your applications.
Step 2. Verify WhatsApp with your mobile phone
When starting WhatsApp for the first time, you have to accept the terms and conditions. After accepting, enter your phone number. WhatsApp will send you an SMS message containing a code to verify your account.
Since BlueStacks is on your computer, but the SMS is sent to your mobile, the initial verification will fail. You will need to try verification a second time and have WhatsApp call you. You will receive a call with an automatic message with the code to enter
Step 3. Create your account
After completing the verification process, you will be asked to create your profile if you are creating a new account. Click "Next" when done.
If you don't have a paid account, you can use WhatsApp for free for ten months before you have to pay
Step 4. Add contacts
If you are connecting for the first time, your contacts will be scanned to find other WhatsApp users. You can choose to invite your friends at this point.
Step 5. Start using WhatsApp
You are ready to start chatting at this point. WhatsApp works just like on a mobile device, with the mouse acting as a finger. Select a contact or conversation, and use your computer keyboard to type your messages. Check out this guide for more details on using WhatsApp.