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WhatsApp on a computer comes in two forms: WhatsApp Web, which runs in a browser, and WhatsApp Desktop, an installable app for Mac or PC. Both are linked extensions of the WhatsApp account on your phone, so setup normally involves scanning a QR code rather than entering a username and password.
This guide covers linking a computer, choosing between Web and Desktop, managing notifications, searching and saving messages, handling calls, and fixing the problems that most often prevent WhatsApp from working properly.
WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop: which should you use?
| Option | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp Web | Opens at web.whatsapp.com in a supported browser | Occasional use, shared computers, or avoiding another installation |
| WhatsApp Desktop | An app installed on a Mac or PC from WhatsApp’s official download page | Frequent messaging, desktop notifications, and keeping WhatsApp separate from browser tabs |
Neither option replaces the phone number and primary phone used to register your WhatsApp account. They are companion devices connected through WhatsApp’s multi-device system.
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- On the computer, open web.whatsapp.com.
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- On Android, tap More options (the three-dot menu), then Linked devices and Link a device.
- On iPhone, open WhatsApp Settings, tap Linked Devices, then Link a Device.
- Unlock the phone if WhatsApp asks you to do so.
- Point the phone’s camera at the QR code displayed in the computer browser.
After a short synchronization period, your conversations should appear in the browser. The first synchronization can take longer if you have a large message history or a slow connection.
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Supported browsers
WhatsApp Web supports Safari 15 or later, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera. If Safari shows a compatibility warning, update Safari or use one of the other supported browsers.
How to install and link WhatsApp Desktop
- Go to WhatsApp’s official Download page.
- Choose the Mac or PC download.
- Install and open WhatsApp Desktop.
- On your phone, open the device-linking screen:
- Android: More options → Linked devices → Link a device.
- iPhone: Settings → Linked Devices → Link a Device.
- Scan the QR code shown by the desktop app.
Download the app only from WhatsApp’s official website or your computer’s legitimate app store. Avoid sites offering modified WhatsApp installers, “premium” versions, or downloads that ask for payment or account credentials.
Can you link WhatsApp with a phone number instead?
Some versions of WhatsApp Web and the Windows app show a Link with phone number option alongside QR-code linking. If it appears, select it and follow the instructions displayed on the computer, then enter the supplied code on your phone.
This option is not available on every platform or account. QR-code linking remains the broadly supported method, so use it if phone-number linking is not shown.
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How many computers can you link?
WhatsApp allows up to four linked devices at the same time in addition to the primary phone. A browser session, Windows computer, Mac, or other companion device uses one of those slots.
If WhatsApp refuses to add a computer because the limit has been reached:
- Open WhatsApp on the primary phone.
- Go to Linked devices.
- Tap an old, unused, or unfamiliar device.
- Choose Log out.
- Return to WhatsApp Web or Desktop and try the linking process again.
Review this list regularly. It shows where your account is currently active and can help reveal a session you no longer recognize.
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Does your phone need to stay online?
No. Once a computer has been linked, WhatsApp’s multi-device system allows it to continue working without the phone maintaining a live internet connection. The phone is still needed to register the account and link new devices.
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Keep opening and using WhatsApp on the primary phone periodically. If WhatsApp logs the computer out, open Linked devices and scan a new QR code to connect it again.
Turn on desktop notifications
WhatsApp notifications have three separate permission layers: WhatsApp itself, the browser or desktop app, and the computer’s operating system. All three must allow alerts.
- In WhatsApp Web or Desktop, open the menu beside your profile picture, or the Settings gear if that is what your version displays.
- Go to Settings → Notifications.
- Enable the message, sound, and preview options you want.
- If you use WhatsApp Web, allow notifications for
web.whatsapp.comin the browser’s site-permission settings. - Check the computer’s notification settings and make sure Focus, Do Not Disturb, or a similar mode is not suppressing alerts.
Enabling notifications inside WhatsApp does not override a browser or operating-system permission that is set to Block.
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Calls in WhatsApp Web
The old advice that WhatsApp Web cannot make or receive calls is no longer reliable. In Meta’s July 28, 2026 announcement, WhatsApp Web began gaining one-to-one audio calls, one-to-one video calls, group audio and video calls, screen sharing, reactions, and a Calls tab with call history and favorites.
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The rollout is gradual, so the calling controls may not yet appear in your account or browser session. If calls are available but do not work, update the browser and allow WhatsApp access to the computer’s microphone and camera.
Useful WhatsApp Web and Desktop shortcuts
Search messages
Use the search field above the chat list to search across chats and messages. To search only one conversation, open that chat and use its search option. Results depend on the messages that have synchronized to the linked device, so a newly linked computer may not show every result immediately.
Star an important message
Hover over a message, open its message menu, and choose Star message. Starred messages work as bookmarks for addresses, receipts, instructions, tracking numbers, and other details you may need later. They remain available across linked devices.
Mute a noisy conversation
Open the chat menu, choose Mute notifications, and select one of the offered durations. Muting one chat is separate from turning off all WhatsApp desktop notifications.
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- 3G mini smartphones: The size is 95x48x11mm/3.7x1.9x0.45in, compact size, you can carry it around like a bank card, there are 4 colours for you to choose from, black, purple, silver and gold.
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- Quad-core smart phone mini: 3GB RAM+64GB ROM, Android 8.1 system, supports most of the apps in Play shop, such as Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, Whats app, Tiktok, Twitter and so on.
- Multi-functional phone: This mini cell phone supports voice call, video call, photo, recording, email, MP3, GPRS, FM radio, touch screen, GPS navigation, messaging, SMS, MMS, video player, memory card slot, WiFi, Bluetooth, hotspot sharing and more.
- GREAT GIFT FOR CHILDREN: This small phones mini is convenient, practical and powerful, which is the best choice for children and parents, bringing good using experience. It will be an indispensable gift for kids on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.
Fix common WhatsApp Web and Desktop problems
| Problem | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| QR code does not appear | Cache problems, blocked scripts, an interfering extension, or an outdated browser | Refresh the page, try a private window, switch browsers, or temporarily disable extensions |
| QR code will not scan | The code expired, the screen is dim or reflective, or the phone camera cannot focus | Refresh the code, increase screen brightness, clean the camera lens, and hold the phone steady |
| The phone says it linked, but the computer is stuck | A synchronization or network failure | Refresh WhatsApp Web, restart Desktop, check both internet connections, and relink if needed |
| “Couldn’t link device” appears | Network trouble, an expired QR code, an outdated app, or a full device list | Update WhatsApp, refresh the code, remove an unused linked device, and retry |
| Notifications do not appear | Notifications are disabled in WhatsApp, the browser, or the operating system | Check all three permission layers and turn off Focus or Do Not Disturb |
| Calls are missing | The calling rollout has not reached the account or the browser lacks microphone/camera permission | Update the browser, allow both permissions, and check again later |
| The computer suddenly logs out | The session was removed, the account was re-registered, or WhatsApp required relinking | Check WhatsApp → Linked devices and scan a new QR code |
| Chats are incomplete after linking | Recent chat data is still synchronizing | Leave the app open, maintain a stable connection, and allow synchronization to finish |
Security checks before using WhatsApp Web
- Type web.whatsapp.com yourself or use a saved bookmark. Be cautious of lookalike domains.
- The normal login process uses device linking, usually with a QR code. Be suspicious of a page asking for a WhatsApp password, payment information, or an unexplained verification fee.
- When using a shared computer, log out through WhatsApp before leaving. Also review Linked devices on your phone afterward.
- If you see an unfamiliar computer or location in the linked-device list, select it and tap Log out.
FAQ
Is WhatsApp Web different from WhatsApp Desktop?
Yes. WhatsApp Web runs in a browser at web.whatsapp.com, while WhatsApp Desktop is an app installed on a Mac or PC. Both link to the WhatsApp account on your phone and provide access to your conversations.
Can WhatsApp Web work when my phone is offline?
Yes. After the computer has been linked, WhatsApp’s multi-device system does not require the phone to maintain a live internet connection. The phone is still required to register the account and link devices.
Why will WhatsApp not scan the QR code?
Refresh the QR code in the browser or app, increase the computer’s screen brightness, clean the phone camera lens, and hold the phone steady. If that fails, update WhatsApp and try another supported browser.
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On your primary phone, open WhatsApp and go to Linked devices. Select the computer or browser session, then choose Log out. This is also where you can remove an unfamiliar linked device.
The Bottom Line
Use WhatsApp Web for quick browser access or install WhatsApp Desktop from the official download page for regular computer use. Link the computer through Linked devices, keep an eye on the four-device limit, and check WhatsApp, browser, and operating-system permissions if notifications or calls do not work.
