It took a while, but you can finally use WhatsApp on your computer. That is if you have an Android, Windows Phone or BlackBerry device. iPhone users have to wait. We explain to advance how this works.
Step 1: Linking
First, check whether you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your phone and update if necessary. Next, open the browser on your computer and go to https://web.whatsapp.com. Note that only Google Chrome, Firefox and Opera are currently supported. To connect your computer and phone to each other, WhatsApp generates a QR code. Use the green button to see the code. Go on your phone to Whatsapp / Menu / WhatsApp Web and scan the code. Then you will immediately see a list of recent chats on your computer.
Step 2: Send via computer
WhatsApp Web connects your phone to synchronize messages. That is, your phone must be in the neighborhood anyway, must continue to be on and connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi or a mobile network. Basically, WhatsApp works just like the web app. In the left column, you choose a conversation or start a new chat. You can simply start typing or use emoji’s. By giving access to the microphone on your computer, you can even record and send voice messages. To do this, click the button with the microphone on the right bottom of the screen. The send button with the paperclip at the top takes pictures or starts the webcam.
Step 3: Desktop notifications
Thanks to WhatsApp Web you can chat undisturbed without looking all the time on your phone. If you also enable desktop notifications, your smartphone can even sit in your purse or pocket. Choose left on top of the browser for desktop notifications, and then in the pop-up OK. Then click Allow at the top of the bar to receive notifications. Now you can just minimize the browser. As soon as a new message appears, you get a subtle message on your desktop.