Throughout its existence, WhatsApp has implemented many features that have undoubtedly made using and communicating through the app easier for us. Developments such as the WhatsApp calls, the constant renewal of emoticons, the chat groups… and others that have caused controversy, like the blue double check. However, one of the most applauded and most requested features was being able to use the service on a PC. In the end, the WhatsApp team ended up launching WhatsApp Web, a service with which we can log in on our browser to continue chatting from the computer.
It should be noted that WhatsApp Web links to our smartphone WhatsApp, and is compatible with iOS (iPhone) and with Android. Also, the procedure is quite similar in both cases. You should check that you have the latest WhatsApp update installed on your smartphone to make sure it works.
How do I start using WhatsApp Web?
To sign in to WhatsApp Web, you should first locate the option of the same name in your smartphone WhatsApp. This function is in the main menu, under “Menu” on Android (three vertical dots icon) and “Settings” on iOS, then select “WhatsApp Web”. If you have a previous session started, here you will see the last time you used it, the place and system where it was used. If, on the contrary, you have never used the service, a scanner will appear asking you to point at a QR code.
Process in images (Android)
Process in images (iOS)
Then it’s time to go to www.web.whatsapp.com on our computer. On that website you will see the QR code that you should scan with the scanner that appeared earlier on your smartphone. Once the phone recognizes it, you will enter WhatsApp Web for desktop.
In summary:
- On your smartphone, go to Menu (on Android) / Settings (on iOS)
- Access the “WhatsApp Web” option, a QR code scanner will appear
- On your computer, go to www.web.whatsapp.com
- Scan the QR code on the website with the scanner that appears on your smartphone
Once we’ve entered WhatsApp Web, the session will remain active. That said, when the smartphone loses its connection, WhatsApp Web will stop working. This is why it requires having the phone turned on, sometimes even unlocked. After all, this service is nothing more than a ‘mirror’ where our mobile version of WhatsApp is reflected, so we will have all our chats open on the computer as well.
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On the other hand, although WhatsApp Web has most of the functions, there are others we don’t have, like WhatsApp calls or the ability to mark messages as favorites. You will be able to open chats, send voice notes, create new groups, change your profile picture and status, enable/disable notifications, send photos and videos, mute and mark individual chats as unread… in short, the basics are covered, but more advanced settings can only be found on the mobile app.
We hope this tutorial has been useful to you!
