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WhatsApp Web is WhatsApp in a computer browser, linked to an existing WhatsApp account. To use it, open WhatsApp Web on your computer, then use your phone’s Linked devices screen to link the browser—usually by scanning its QR code. After linking, the computer can connect without the phone staying online for every session.
What is WhatsApp Web?
WhatsApp Web is a browser-based companion to the WhatsApp account you already use on your primary phone. It is not a separate account: it gives you access to that account from a linked computer. WhatsApp describes the browser and desktop versions as linked devices, alongside other supported companion devices. See About WhatsApp Web.
The phone is still important for registering the account and linking additional devices. Once a computer is linked, however, it can connect independently. WhatsApp says computer Web or desktop use can continue even when the phone is off, and Meta’s engineering explanation describes the shift from a phone-dependent mirror to independently connected companion devices: How WhatsApp enables multi-device capability.
How do I use WhatsApp Web?
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On the computer, open web.whatsapp.com in a browser. The page displays a QR code when QR linking is available.
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On your phone, open WhatsApp and go to Linked devices. Choose Link a device. Menu placement and wording can vary by phone platform and app version.
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Unlock the phone if prompted, then scan the QR code shown in the computer browser. Follow any on-screen prompts to complete linking.
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To link without scanning, use the phone-number linking option if it is offered. WhatsApp documents this as another linking method; follow the code and confirmation prompts shown on the computer and phone. Details are in How to link a device.
After linking, use WhatsApp in the browser as a companion to your phone account. For voice or video calls from a computer, WhatsApp announced calling on Web on July 28, 2026, including end-to-end encrypted calls and the ability to transfer a call between Web or desktop and mobile or tablet. Feature availability and controls may vary during rollout; see WhatsApp’s calling announcement. A headset with a microphone is optional for computer calls, not a requirement for linking or messaging.
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Does my phone need to stay online?
No. Once WhatsApp Web is linked, it can connect independently, so the phone does not have to remain online for each computer session. The primary phone is still needed to register the WhatsApp account and to link new companion devices. This distinction is why Web works as a linked device rather than a separate account. WhatsApp’s current overview is at WhatsApp; Meta’s technical explanation of independent companion connections is at Engineering at Meta.
Is WhatsApp Web secure on a shared computer?
WhatsApp says messages on linked devices remain end-to-end encrypted. Meta explains that messages are encrypted individually for the devices in the sender’s and receiver’s device lists. That protects messages in transit and across devices; it does not keep someone who can use an unlocked computer from viewing an active WhatsApp Web session.
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Link only computers you trust, and lock the computer when you step away.
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On your phone, open Linked devices and review the sessions. Log out any device you do not recognize or no longer use; Meta says linked devices can be viewed and logged out remotely.
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Use available app-lock controls where appropriate. WhatsApp lists app lock support for Web and desktop clients in its security guidance.
Two-step verification and passkeys help protect account access and registration, but they do not replace checking which linked sessions remain active. WhatsApp announced stronger two-step verification and passkey support in August 2026: WhatsApp News.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.WhatsApp Web or the desktop app: which should I use?
Choose the browser version if you want to use WhatsApp on a computer without installing a separate application. Choose a desktop app if you prefer an installed client. Both are companion access to the same WhatsApp account, and neither changes the need to protect an active session on a shared computer. WhatsApp’s linked-device documentation covers Web and desktop access: About WhatsApp Web.
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