What is WhatsApp Web?
Quick answer
WhatsApp Web is the browser version of WhatsApp, at web.whatsapp.com. To log in, open that address on your computer, then on your phone go to WhatsApp > Settings (or ⋮) > Linked devices > Link a device and scan the QR code on screen. Your chats appear on the computer within seconds.
How to log in to WhatsApp Web
- Open the websiteOn your computer, go to web.whatsapp.com in any modern browser, such as Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari.
- Open WhatsApp on your phoneOn iPhone, tap Settings. On Android, tap the three dots (⋮) in the top corner.
- Go to Linked devicesTap Linked devices, then Link a device. Unlock with your fingerprint, face or PIN if asked.
- Scan the QR codePoint your phone’s camera at the QR code on the computer screen. Your chats load automatically.
WhatsApp Web mirrors your account in a browser, so you can type with a real keyboard, drag files from your computer and keep chats open next to your work.
Can you log in without scanning a QR code?
Yes. On the WhatsApp Web page, choose Log in with phone number instead. Enter your number, and WhatsApp shows an 8-character code on the computer. On your phone, open Linked devices > Link a device > Link with phone number instead and type the code.
Does your phone need to stay online?
Not anymore. Since WhatsApp’s multi-device update, linked devices work even if your phone is off or out of battery. You can link up to four devices at once, such as a laptop browser, a work PC and a tablet. If you don’t use your phone for about 14 days, though, linked devices are logged out automatically.
WhatsApp Web vs the desktop app
| WhatsApp Web | WhatsApp desktop app | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Any browser | Installed on Windows or Mac |
| Setup | Nothing to install | Download from the Microsoft Store, Mac App Store or whatsapp.com |
| Calls | Limited | Voice and video calls supported |
| Notifications | Browser notifications | Native system notifications |
How to log out of WhatsApp Web
- On the computer: Click the ⋮ menu or Settings in WhatsApp Web and choose Log out.
- From your phone: Go to Linked devices, tap the device and choose Log out. This works even if you left a shared computer logged in.
Need the app on your phone first? Download WhatsApp only from the App Store or Google Play.
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