can i use whatsapp on my laptop?
With 1 billion active users WhatsApp is the most leading smartphone application in the technological world. The reason behind its popularity is that it allows a user to send messages instantly via Wi-Fi connection or internet without charging extra cost. Also, it delivers messages in no time and allows sharing images, videos and other such material as well.
Many people are more like a laptop or a desktop user then surely they’ll require the fastest communication app there as well. Are you one of those persons? Or have you ever thought that how can I use WhatsApp on a laptop? Get your fingers crossed because you can do so.
Yes, you can use WhatsApp on a laptop, PC, and tablet as well with the same comfort and ease. At the time of release, WhatsApp was basically launched for Smartphones but later on in 2015 on public demand two other versions of WhatsApp were released to facilitate the fastest communication over a laptop and desktops as well. There are two ways to use WhatsApp on a laptop:
- WhatsApp Desktop Application
- WhatsApp Web Version
WhatsApp Desktop Application vs. WhatsApp Web Version:
WhatsApp desktop version and WhatsApp web Application functions exactly the same as WhatsApp mobile application. Both these versions allow a user to send messages, files, videos, images etc. over the internet instantly.
To answer your question how can I use WhatsApp on a laptop? We are highlighting some differences between the two versions so that you can decide well which one suit you better. Here are the few differences and similarities among the two versions of WhatsApp:
- The only major difference is that WhatsApp web requires a browser to operate whereas WhatsApp desktop version works like a normal application. It is like a standalone application that needs to be installed on the device.
- Both versions are designed almost the same to provide ease of use. The same features and messaging experience is offered by both versions.
- The Desktop version offers users to change messages, mute chats, etc. Keyboard shortcuts are limited in the web version.
- WhatsApp web version is more convenient for occasional or one time usage. If you are a heavy WhatsApp user and want to use it professionally then WhatsApp desktop application suits better.
WhatsApp Web Version:
REQUIREMENTS:
The following requirements should be fulfilled to use WhatsApp on a laptop through the web:
- Any web browser like Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera mini browser etc.
- WhatsApp mobile account that must be active
- To sync both devices a good internet connection(on your mobile and laptop good internet connection is necessary)
After fulfilling the above mentioned requirements you are good to use WhatsApp on your laptop via a web browser. The web based version of WhatsApp doesn’t require any installation rather it can be used directly. Just keep logged in to your WhatsApp mobile account with an active internet connection and perform the following steps:
- In your browser’s search bar, type https://web.whatsapp.com/. A QR code will appear on your screen.
- On your smartphone, open your WhatsApp account and click on the settings icon. A pop menu will appear, from which select WhatsApp web.
- After selecting WhatsApp web a scanner will appear. Scan the QR code from your mobile phone facing browser.
- After scanning, WhatsApp web version will automatically appear in your web browser.
- Log out when you are done using it.
WhatsApp Desktop Application:
The WhatsApp Desktop Application can be used on any operating system like Windows OS as well as on Mac OS. Simply download .exe file from the internet for your Operating System and wait till the download is complete. After that follow the instructions to use WhatsApp on a laptop:
- On your downloaded version of WhatsApp desktop application, a QR code will be appearing on the screen.
- Grab your mobile phone in your hand and click on the settings icon. A pop menu will appear, from which select WhatsApp web.
- Scan the QR appearing on your desktop screen with a QR scanner of your mobile phone.
- Now you are ready to use WhatsApp on your loved gadget as well.
- To disconnect your WhatsApp just simply log out from the current device in use.
People who are using other Operating Systems as mentioned above should be in need of BlueStacks App to use WhatsApp on laptop/desktop/PC/tablet. This app is capable of virtualizing Android based applications. It’s free software that helps to download different android applications on your device. Feel free to use, it’s quite safe and legal.
Follow these steps if you are using older the OS on your device:
1).INSTALL BLUESTACKS APP:
- First of all install BlueStacks App by following this link https://www.bluestacks.com/.
- Before installations make sure that a minimum of 2GB space is free in your device to accommodate this application. Otherwise you’ll not be able to download this app
2).DOWNLOAD WHATSAPP
- After the download is complete choose WhatsApp from the available options.
- Click on WhatsApp icon to start the download and wait until the download is complete.
- A WhatsApp icon will be appearing on your screen, click on it to load the application.
3).WHATSAPP CONFIGURATION:
To use WhatsApp on a laptop, you’ll have to configure it first. Follow these steps:
- After opening WhatsApp a message will be displayed on your PC screen to agree and continue. Click on it and proceed.
- Provide your phone number that is currently in use
- A verification code will be sent to your provided number to confirm that you are the owner of the number. When asked, enter the verification code.
- Continue, and you are done with configuring WhatsApp.
COMPARISON OF WHATSAPP MOBILE WITH OTHER VERSIONS:
The desktop and web versions of WhatsApp are good to use on your favorite gadgets but some basic features are missing as well which includes:
- Video call whether individual or in groups
- Voice/audio calls
- No facility to update status
FINAL WORDS:
All the versions suggested in the article ‘how to use WhatsApp on a laptop?’ are easy to use and will provide the same functionality and features just like WhatsApp mobile application. In the end that matters is what you are comfortable with.
If you are more interested to use WhatsApp on smartphone that is good but the available web and desktop versions can help you out during travel and journeys when your mobile phone gets dead. WhatsApp on PC is quite unique and useful idea in an hour of need.
Hopefully this article will be helpful for you to use WhatsApp on a laptop. Let us know about your views in the comment box.