How to Use WhatsApp Web? Your 2024 How to Guide

You’re probably on this article because you have queries such as "What is WhatsApp Web?", "Is it possible to connect WhatsApp to WhatsApp Web?", or "How do I use WhatsApp Web on my desktop?". To help you navigate these questions, we've explored WhatsApp Web ourselves and compiled this first-hand guide that will answer all your queries. In this article, we'll not only answer your questions but also discuss the benefits of using WhatsApp Web and explain how it works on a browser and a desktop app.

So, without further ado, let's begin with understanding "What is WhatsApp Web"?

What is WhatsApp Web?

If your work involves extensive use of WhatsApp for communication with colleagues or customers, managing conversations directly on your phone can be challenging, particularly when you need to share various files throughout the day. In such scenarios, opting for WhatsApp Web (or WhatsApp Desktop) can be more convenient and efficient.

WhatsApp Web is essentially the web-based version of WhatsApp, enabling users to send and receive messages through their computer's web browser. To access WhatsApp Web, it's necessary to have the WhatsApp mobile app installed on your phone and to be logged into your account. Once you're signed in, you can seamlessly use WhatsApp Web on your computer.

This platform is particularly useful for maintaining connectivity with your contacts while working on your computer. It allows you to send and receive messages, share photos and videos, and more. However, it's important to note that despite the similarities in features between WhatsApp Web and the mobile app, WhatsApp Web does not support voice and video calling capabilities.

Quick Fact

WhatsApp now lets you use a single WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business account on up to 5 devices (1 Smartphone + 4 PCs).

How to Use WhatsApp Web on Web Browser?

​Logging into the WhatsApp Web on various browsers is a fairly simple process, though the login method slightly varies depending on whether you are using an Android or iOS device. This service is compatible with a wide range of web browsers, including Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, ensuring you can connect to your WhatsApp account regardless of your preferred browser. Continue reading to discover the specific steps for logging into WhatsApp Web on different devices and across various browser platforms, presented in a clear and concise manner.

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Login to WhatsApp Web from an Android Device

To connect to WhatsApp Web, QR code authentication is mandatory. Make sure you are logged into your WhatsApp account on your Android device. When prompted, scan the QR code displayed on your web browser's screen through your Android device to establish a successful connection.

Refer to the below steps to log in to your WhatsApp Web account through your Android device:

Step 1: On your browser go to https://web.whatsapp.com/. A Web QR code will be displayed on your screen

Step 2: Open WhatsApp on your phone and tap on "More options" (Triple dots on the top right corner)

Step 3: Tap on "Linked Devices" and further click on "LINK A DEVICE"

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions on your device for any authentication and now use your phone to scan the QR code displayed on your laptop or desktop screen

Step 5: If prompted, tap or select Done

Your account is now successfully connected to WhatsApp Web through your Android device. Start using and enjoy the experience.

Login to WhatsApp Web from an iPhone

The steps to log into WhatsApp Web with an iPhone are similar to those for Android. Make sure you are logged into WhatsApp on your iPhone to scan the QR code during the process.

Refer to the below steps to log in to your WhatsApp Web account through your iPhone:

Step 1: On your browser go to https://web.whatsapp.com/. A Web QR code will be displayed on your screen

Step 2: Open WhatsApp on your iPhone and go to WhatsApp Settings

Step 3: Tap on "Linked Devices" and further click on "LINK A DEVICE"

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions on your device for any authentication and now use your iPhone to scan the QR code displayed on your laptop or desktop screen

Step 5: If prompted, tap or select Done

You've now successfully Logged in to WhatsApp Web through your iPhone.

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How to Use WhatsApp on the Desktop App?

If you prefer having dedicated apps for different tasks, then the WhatsApp Desktop App is a good choice. It creates a separate icon on your taskbar, making it easier to access WhatsApp quickly.

WhatsApp Desktop App offers more features than WhatsApp Web on browsers, such as voice and video calls, and keyboard shortcuts to to perform some quick tasks such as edit and replying to messages.

Continue reading to learn how to install and set up the WhatsApp Business App on both MacBook and Windows laptops.

Login to WhatsApp Desktop App from a Windows Laptop

Logging into the WhatsApp Desktop App is similar to using WhatsApp Web. The main difference is that you need to download and install the app from the Microsoft Store.

Refer to the below steps to install and log in to your WhatsApp desktop app:

Step 1: Download the WhatsApp desktop App using this link https://www.whatsapp.com/download

Step 2: Open the app. A QR code similar to the WhatsApp Business Web login will appear

Step 3: Open WhatsApp on your phone

• Android: Tap More options (Triple dots on the top right corner)

• iPhone: Go to WhatsApp Settings

Tap Linked Devices

• Android: Tap LINK A DEVICE

• iPhone: Tap Link a Device

Step 4: Use your smartphone to scan the QR code displayed on the app screen

And DONE!

Once the account is successfully connected, the WhatsApp user interface will appear on your Windows laptop screen. Now you can start using WhatsApp on your Windows laptop or PC.

Login to WhatsApp Desktop App from a MacBook

The process to install and log into the WhatsApp Desktop App on a MacBook is almost similar to Windows devices.

​Refer to the below steps to install and log in to your WhatsApp desktop app on MacBook:

​Step 1: Download the WhatsApp desktop App using this link https://www.whatsapp.com/download

​Step 2: Open the app. A QR code similar to the WhatsApp Business Web login will appear

Step 3: Open WhatsApp on your phone

• Android: Tap More options (Triple dots on the top right corner)

• iPhone: Go to WhatsApp Settings

Tap Linked Devices

• Android: Tap LINK A DEVICE

• iPhone: Tap Link a Device

Step 4: Use your smartphone to scan the QR code displayed on the app screen

And Voila!

Your WhatsApp account is now successfully connected to the WhatsApp Desktop App on your MacBook.

How To Keep Logged In To WhatsApp Web Without Your iPhone and Android Smartphones

Now, you can use WhatsApp on your Windows PC or MacBook without needing your smartphone to be constantly connected or online. Thanks to WhatsApp's new multi-device feature, which allows you to access WhatsApp Web without relying on your phone being active. Before this update, users had to log in with their smartphones each time to log into WhatsApp Web on your PC or laptop.

There's no extra setup required to use this feature, as it's now a default part of WhatsApp on all devices.

Note:

Your WhatsApp account will keep working on the web (without your active smartphone) unless you log out from it yourself

​Your WhatsApp Web account will stay logged in for 14 days only. You will have to scan the QR code again post this duration.​

How to Logout of WhatsApp

Logging out of WhatsApp from a Web portal, desktop app or mobile device is a super easy job. Kindly refer to the below steps to log out from WhatsApp:

Log Out From Your PC or Laptop

Step 1: Open WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop App

Step 2: Click on the "Menu" (Triple dots or down arrow)

Step 3: From the drop-down option, tap Log out

Log Out From Your Phone

Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your phone

Step 2: Next,

• Android: Tap More options (three dots) > Linked Devices

• iPhone: Go to WhatsApp Settings > tap Linked Devices

Step 3: From the option, tap a device

Step 4: Finally tap LOG OUT

Benefits of WhatsApp Web

• Faster Typing: The use of a PC keyboard makes typing messages quicker, especially for longer messages.
• Multi-Device Login: You can log into a single WhatsApp account with 1 smartphone and up to 4 PCs, ideal for small business communication and customer support.
• PC User Convenience: It's great for those who prefer working on PCs, as it allows for easy communication while using other work-related tools on the same device.
• Independent Operation: Once logged in, you don’t need to keep your smartphone online to use WhatsApp Web.
• Easy File Sharing: WhatsApp Web facilitates the quick sharing of multiple files from your PC, including photos, videos, documents, and contacts.

• Group Video and Audio Calls on Desktop App: The new Messenger Rooms feature in WhatsApp allows you to create group video calls. You can share the room link with others, and they can join the call even if they don't have WhatsApp or Messenger.

What Are the Limitations of the WhatsApp Web?

WhatsApp Web, while effective for business use, has its limitations:

• Broadcast Limits: You can only broadcast messages to 256 recipients, which may not enough for businesses aiming for larger-scale promotions.
• Limited Message Scheduling: The business app allows scheduling only for away and greeting messages. It lacks the ability to schedule messages for specific conditions or events.
• Restricted Multi-Login: The service limits logins to just 4 devices, which can be restrictive for brands needing access on more devices for query handling.
• Chat Automation Limitations: Automation is limited to basic canned replies. It doesn't support integrating a chatbot for handling FAQs or sales and support queries.
• CRM and Third-Party App Integration: Integration with CRMs and chat automation apps is not possible with the WhatsApp Business app.

• No Interactive Messaging Feature: WhatsApp on the web doesn't support interactive features like list messages and reply buttons.

How to Overcome These Limitations?

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• Bulk broadcast your messages and catalogue to unlimited saved and unsaved contacts.
• Automate WhatsApp marketing by scheduling your broadcast messages.
• Stay on top of your WhatsApp marketing campaign with real-time analytics and detailed reports to track your metrics and fine-tune your approach.
• Single WhatsApp number for your entire company with a cloud-based team inbox and role-based access.
• End-to-end automated catalogue sharing and order booking via AI-powered commerce BOT.
• WhatsApp automation via AI-powered active WhatsApp chatbots that can answer customers’ queries, send automated anniversaries & birthday wishes, abandoned cart notifications, pending balance reminders, bills and all kinds of alerts to customers.
• Choose your favourite tools such as Shopify, Zapier, Google Sheets, WooCommerce etc. and integrate them with DoubleTick in just a few clicks.
• Differentiated WABA numbers cater to cross-functional teams, ensuring specialized handling of diverse business operations.
• Block unwanted messages and maintain the quality of your business interactions.
• Number masking so that your customer data is saved with you.
• 24/7 Customer support is available on call, WhatsApp or email.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Does WhatsApp Web work without a phone?

Answer: In a way, yes. Your phone is needed for the initial setup of WhatsApp Web or the WhatsApp Desktop app, but it doesn't have to stay online for the four linked devices to continue working once they're connected.

However, if you don't use your phone for 14 days, you will be automatically signed out of WhatsApp Web or the WhatsApp Desktop app. This means your WhatsApp Web or Desktop session will expire after two weeks if you don't open WhatsApp on your phone. The session also ends when you log out from a linked device.

Question: Can WhatsApp Web be tracked?

Answer: WhatsApp Web and the WhatsApp Desktop app maintain end-to-end encryption, similar to WhatsApp chats on your phone. This encryption applies to all four devices linked to WhatsApp Web or Desktop, ensuring secure communication.

Question: What are the differences between WhatsApp Web and Desktop?

Answer: WhatsApp Web and Desktop have distinct features tailored to different user needs:

WhatsApp Web:

1. Easily accessible through any web browser, making it convenient for use on any device with internet access.
2. No need for installation. Simply go to web.whatsapp.com, and you're set to use it.
3. It requires your phone to have a continuous internet connection to sync messages.

WhatsApp Desktop:

1. A standalone application designed specifically for Windows and Mac users, offering an integrated experience.
2. Download it once, and you have direct access to your chats without needing a web browser.
3. Similar to WhatsApp Web, it also requires your phone to have an active internet connection to sync messages.

Question: Is there a WhatsApp app For Desktop or Mac?

Answer: Yes, there is a dedicated app for Desktop and Mac. You can download the WhatsApp desktop App using this link https://www.whatsapp.com/download

Question: What are the WhatsApp Web shortcuts?

Answer: Here are a few WhatsApp Web shortcuts that you can use in your Windows PC or Mac:

Find messages

• on Mac: press CMD + SHIFT + F key combinations to search the info
• on Windows PC; press the key combinations CTRL + SHIFT + F.

Find unread messages

• On Mac: input CMD + CTRL + SHIFT + U;
• On Windows PC: input the keyboard shortcut combination is CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + U.

Archive chats

• Mac: CMD + CTRL + E
• Windows: CTRL + ALT + E

Create Group

• Mac: CMD + CTRL + SHIFT + N
• Windows PC: CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + N  

Initiate new chat

• Mac: CMD + N
• Windows PC: CTRL + ALT + N.

Customize your account

• Mac: CMD + CTRL + 
• Windows PC: CTRL + ALT +

Mute notifications - Stop receiving notifications

• Mac: CMD + CTRL + SHIFT + M
• Windows PC: CTRL + ALT + SHIFT + M

Delete chats

• Mac: CMD + SHIFT + Backspace 
• Windows PC: CTRL + ALT + Backspace 

Search in chat lists

• Mac: CMD + CTRL + /
• Windows PC: CTRL + ALT + / 

​

Question: Is WhatsApp Web free to use?

Answer: Yes, just like your normal WhatsApp, WhatsApp Web is free to use. 

Question: How to video call on WhatsApp Web?

Answer: To make a video call on WhatsApp Web, you need to have the desktop app first. Download and install the WhatsApp App first on your Windows desktop or MacBook. Now open the individual chat with the contact you’d like to call >> click the Video call icon.

Question: Where is the QR code for WhatsApp Web?

Answer: The QR code is right on the front of the WhatsApp Web login page. Open this URL https://web.whatsapp.com/ to experience it. 

Question: Why WhatsApp Web is not working?

Answer: There could be many possible reasons for the WhatsApp Web not working. However, here are a few ways through which you can troubleshoot the common issues: 

• Clear your browser cache and cookies.
• Ensure a stable internet connection.
• Use a compatible web browser.
• Check for updates on both your phone and web browser.

​

Question: How to logout WhatsApp Web from my phone?

Answer: You can't logout WhatsApp Web from your phone. Follow the below steps to logout from WhatsApp Web:

Log Out From Your PC or Laptop

Step 1: Open WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop App

Step 2: Click on the "Menu" (Triple dots or down arrow)

Step 3: From the drop-down option, tap Log out

Log Out From Your Phone

Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your phone

Step 2: Next,

• Android: Tap More options (three dots) > Linked Devices

• iPhone: Go to WhatsApp Settings > tap Linked Devices

Step 3: From the option, tap a device

Step 4: Finally tap LOG OUT

Question: How to add status in WhatsApp Web?

Answer: You can't update the status on WhatsApp Web, however, you can see the status updated by your contacts. The status update feature is only available on mobile WhatsApp.

Question: How to login to WhatsApp Web without phone?

Answer: You can't login to WhatsApp Web without your phone. Due to WhatsApp's security reasons, you'll have to scan the QR code on WhatsApp Web via your phone camera prompted by the WhatsApp app. 

Question: How to enable dark mode on WhatsApp Web?

Answer: Follow the below steps to apply a dark theme on your WhatsApp Web interface:

Step 1: Log in to WhatsApp Web on your laptop or PC

Step 2: Click the three-dots icon > Settings > Theme

Step 3: Select Dark and click Ok

And done! You're now using WhatsApp Web in dark mode.

Question: How to check WhatsApp Web login history?

Answer: You can't check WhatsApp Web login history but you can see the last active date and time with device types such as Android or MAC OS. Follow the below steps to fetch the details:

Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your mobile

Step 2: Next,

For Android Users: Click on the "Triple dot" menu and tap "Linked devices"

For iPhone Users: Click on "Setting" and tap "Linked devices"

And Voila! You now have the list of all the devices connected to your WhatsApp account.

Question: How to login into WhatsApp Web without scanning?

Answer: WhatsApp has not provided any alternative methods for logging into WhatsApp Web without scanning the QR code. WhatsApp Web relies on scanning a QR code with your smartphone to authenticate and establish a connection between your phone and the web or desktop application. This process is a critical part of the security and functionality of WhatsApp Web.