What is WhatsApp Web? | How to use Whatsapp Web

WHATSAPP WEB – All you need to know

Starting from the meaning of WhatsApp Web, QR code, and its connectivity, we move on to the most frequently asked questions regarding WhatsApp Web.

Also, we have discussed the features of WhatsApp Web alongside its usage and functioning.

With millions of people being able to use WhatsApp on the web browsers, it has become a significantly preferred option for many.

It serves as an extension to the WhatsApp you use on your phone.

However, regardless of the WhatsApp web being in the market for quite a few years now, many people still don’t know about it very well.

Also, for the people who often use it, various features and aspects are there which they are unaware of.

Therefore, we have all the information you would require to know and use WhatsApp Web better.

Also Read:-

Two-Step Verification Advantages and Disadvantages

How to send money through Whatsapp?

What is WhatsApp Web?

Whatsapp Web is the browser version of Whatsapp as it can be used on a browser on a PC or laptop.

Initially, Whatsapp was launched for mobile devices. However, over time, Whatsapp Web rolled out the browser version of the application which is known as Whatsapp Web.

Requirements to use WhatsApp Web

Any person having an active internet connection and a Whatsapp registered on a mobile device can use Whatsapp Web.

However, the requirements for using Whatsapp Web are as follows:-

  • You should have a smartphone with Whatsapp installed and a number registered on it.
  • The mobile or smartphone should be connected to Wi-Fi or have an active internet connection for Whatsapp Web to function.
  • The desktop or laptop should also have an active internet connection all the time.

What are the features of WhatsApp Web?

The features of Whatsapp Web are as follows:-

Texts or messaging – By using Whatsapp Web, users can message their contacts with ease. You only require an internet connection on both laptop and smartphone to send messages on Whatsapp Web.

Group chats – On Whatsapp Web, you can make groups of up to 256 people with whom you can share messages and media files. You can also customize notifications for the group along with naming and muting them.

Complete security – Every message and/ or media you send on Whatsapp Web is end-to-end encrypted and secured. Only you and the person you are communicating with can access the chats and media and no other in between. Even Whatsapp cannot read them.

Media Sharing – Just like the mobile application of Whatsapp, you can share photos, videos, documents, audio, and more on Whatsapp Web.

How can I get WhatsApp QR Code?

You can use Whatsapp Web by scanning the QR code on the browser with your mobile device.

Moreover, using the Whatsapp QR code, you have on your Whatsapp application on your smartphone; people can add you as a contact.

The QR code exists unless you reset it or delete your Whatsapp account. Here is how you can view your Whatsapp QR code:

ON ANDROID

  • Open Whatsapp > Tap on ‘More options’ > Tap on ‘Settings’
  • Tap on the QR code which is displayed next to your name

ON IPHONE

  • On Whatsapp, open ‘Settings’
  • Tap on the QR code which is displayed next to your name

How to Reset the Whatsapp QR Code (Android)

If you want to reset your Whatsapp QR code, you can do it any time. This makes the previous code invalid by creating a new Whatsapp QR code.

Also, on deleting your Whatsapp account, the QR code is deleted.

  • Open Whatsapp > Tap on ‘More options’ > Tap on ‘Settings’
  • Tap on the QR code which is displayed next to your name
  • Tap on ‘More’ > Click ‘Reset QR code’ > Click ‘Reset’ > Click ‘Ok’

How to Reset the Whatsapp QR Code (iPhone)

You can reset your Whatsapp QR code on iPhone as well by following these steps:-

  • Open Whatsapp > Tap on ‘Settings’
  • Tap on the QR code which is displayed next to your name
  • Tap on ‘Reset QR code’ > Click ‘Reset’ > Click ‘Ok’

How to share your WhatsApp QR code (Android)

For sharing your Whatsapp QR code on an Android device, follows these steps:-

  • Open Whatsapp > Tap on ‘More options’ > Tap on ‘Settings’
  • Tap on the QR code which is displayed next to your name
  • Tap on the ‘Share’ option
  • Select the contact or app you want to share the QR code to and then tap on the green arrow
  • You can also crop the QR code image, add a caption and go back to undo any changes made.

How to share your Whatsapp QR Code (iPhone)

For sharing your Whatsapp QR code on an iPhone, follows these steps:-

Open Whatsapp > Tap on ‘Settings’

  • Tap on the QR code which is displayed next to your name
  • Tap on the ‘Share’ icon
  • Select the app you want to share the QR code to
  • Tap on the ‘Send’ icon

How do I connect to WhatsApp Web?

TO LOG IN

If you want to log in to Whatsapp Web, you will need your phone to scan the QR code.

Follow these steps to log in to Whatsapp Web:-

  • Open Whatsapp application on your smartphone.
  • For Android: Tap on ‘More options’ > Tap on ‘Whatsapp Web’
  • For iPhone: Tap on ‘Settings’ > Tap on ‘Whatsapp Web/ Desktop’
  • On the browser, click on the checkbox ‘Keep me signed in’ if you want to stay logged in on the device
  • With your phone, scan the QR code on the desktop or portal screen. If you are already logged in to another device on Whatsapp Web, you will have to tap on
  • Android: Scan QR Code: ‘+’ sign
  • iPhone: Scan QR Code
  • Tap on or select ‘Done’ if the device prompts

TO LOG OUT

When you want to log out of Whatsapp Web from the PC or laptop, you can do it by the following steps:-

  • Open Whatsapp Web on the PC or laptop
  • Click on ‘Menu’ or click on ‘Log out’ present above your chats list

To log out from Whatsapp Web using your mobile phone, follow these steps:-

Mobile phone

  • Open Whatsapp application on your smartphone
  • Tap on ‘More options’ > Tap on Whatsapp Web
  • Tap on Log out option from the computer or portal listed

Log out of all devices

With Whatsapp Web, you have the option of logging out from all the devices at once. For this, follow these steps:-

  • Android – Open Whatsapp > Tap on ‘More options’ > Tap on ‘Whatsapp Web’ > Select ‘Log out from all devices’ > Log out
  • iPhone – Open Whatsapp > Tap on ‘Settings’ > Select ‘Whatsapp Web’ > Select ‘Log out from all devices’ > Log out

What is WhatsApp Web and Desktop?

Whatsapp Web and Desktop are the two ways which allow you to use Whatsapp on your computer, PC or laptop.

They serve as an extension of your Whatsapp account which you use on your mobile phone.

The extensions sync your messages on your phone and computer.

Whatsapp Web: It is a browser-based application which can be used on web browsers on computers

Whatsapp Desktop: it an application which you can download to use Whatsapp on your computer or laptop

Downloading Whatsapp Desktop

Whatsapp users get the option of using Whatsapp on the desktop without a browser through Whatsapp Desktop.

For installing Whatsapp Desktop on your computer, you can download it from Whatsapp website, Microsoft or Apple store.

However, it will work only on computers meeting the following operating system requirements:-

  • Windows 8.1 or higher
  • macOS 10.10 or newer

On other operating systems, you can use Whatsapp Web on browsers.

Download Whatsapp Desktop

  • On a browser on your computer, go to the download page of Whatsapp.
  • Download the .exe or .dmg file from the page
  • Upon download completion, open the downloaded file and follow the instructions or prompts for completing the installation process

Can I have 2 WhatsApp Web?

Yes, you can use different Whatsapp Web connected to the same account. For using multiple Whatsapp Web on PC, you can resort to incognito mode.

It will serve as one of the simplest and easiest methods of using multiple Whatsapp Web.

All you have to do is to open incognito mode in your browser and log in to Whatsapp Web from there.

You can also go in for using different browsers to open different Whatsapp Web.

However, by doing so, you will have to log in again after closing the tab or browser.

Using WhatsApp Web voice and video call feature

Whatsapp Web will soon be launching its voice and video call options.

However, this feature is available to certain select users for testing.

Therefore, if users have not received the feature yet, they can expect it to be available soon.

This is because it is a beta feature and available to a few users only.

As per sources, the voice and the video call button is located on the chat header which is like the mobile version only.

This suggests that upon receiving or making a voice or video call, a new window will pop up.

The users can accept, decline or ignore the prompt.

Managing chats and Groups on WhatsApp Web

You can now manage your chats and group chats on Whatsapp Web as well.

Also, you can edit your profile, status message and photos as well on Whatsapp Web. You can also delete and archive your chats on Whatsapp Web along with muting or abandoning a group chat.

These functions work somewhat similar to those you used to do on your mobile Whatsapp applications.

How can I use one WhatsApp account in two phones?

Officially, Whatsapp users cannot use one Whatsapp account of two smartphones. This is due to security reasons.

If you will try to log in the same account on two devices, it will prompt you about the same and do not allow it.

However, Whatsapp is working on multi-device support feature for its android users.

It is expected to be rolled out soon owing to the latest update of it being in the last stage of development.

Therefore, users are advised to wait for the same to enjoy this benefit with complete security.

Can I login to WhatsApp Web without scanning the QR code?

No, you cannot log in to Whatsapp Web without scanning the QR code on the tab or browser.

For users to use Whatsapp on a browser, it is a must to scan the QR code with your device.

However, to avoid the hassle of scanning and logging in, you can install Whatsapp Desktop.

This will eliminate your need for scanning the QR code to log in.

Can I use WhatsApp on my laptop without my phone?

No, it is not possible to use Whatsapp Web on your laptop or computer without a phone.

Using Whatsapp Web requires a registered Whatsapp application on your phone and an active internet on the phone as well. 

Therefore, for using Whatsapp Web on a laptop or computer, you will have to have active Whatsapp on your mobile phone.

How long does WhatsApp Web stay logged in?

After logging in, your Whatsapp Web will stay logged in until you manually log out of it.

While you are logging in Whatsapp Web, you will have to select the option of “Keep me signed in” on the browser or tab.

If you do not select this option, you will be signed out of Whatsapp Web and you will have to login again.

Therefore, you can keep the Whatsapp Web signed in as long as you want through this option.

Does WhatsApp Web work when the phone is off?

No, you cannot use Whatsapp Web when your connected phone is off.

Also, you cannot use Whatsapp Web when your connected smartphone does not have an active internet connection.

Whatsapp Web is not designed to work on computers, laptops or tablets if the mobile number or device which is synced with it is turned off.

For making your Whatsapp Web work, your Whatsapp account on your phone needs to be turned on along with an active internet or Wi-Fi connection.

Once you have logged in to Whatsapp Web and connected, it will not log out even after closing the browser or turning the system off.

This indicates that wherever you will open the Whatsapp Web browser, your synched chats will open.

Due to this, you will not require your phone with you but it should be on and connected. Both the devices can be apart but still function properly.

Does WhatsApp Web show old messages?

Yes, Whatsapp web can show all your old messages, chats and media.

However, this happens only when you have not deleted them from your device.

Whatsapp web shows only those messages, media and information which is there on your app on your mobile phone.

Can I see deleted messages on WhatsApp Web?

No, you cannot see deleted messages on Whatsapp web, desktop or app on a mobile phone.

Whether you have deleted the messages or the other party has “Deleted for everyone”, you cannot access deleted messages.

Does it show online when on WhatsApp Web?

Yes, it shows online when you are using Whatsapp web. However, if you switch the tabs, it will not show online.

To show online when using Whatsapp web, the page and tab should be open on your screen.

Can WhatsApp Web be tracked?

Yes, despite all the security measures and precautions taken by Whatsapp, it can be hacked.

Moreover, Whatsapp has a lot of information related to your personal as well as professional life.

However, Whatsapp can be hacked to a certain extent only. If hacked, the hacker can extract your information.

Also, they can access your Whatsapp data through Whatsapp web or registering it on another device.

Therefore, you should take certain precautions to prevent it from happening such as:-

  • Log out from all the devices where you login Whatsapp web. You can do this on your mobile phone as well.
  • You should not leave your phone or Whatsapp unlocked or unattended.
  • Lock your phone and apps for added security and restricting access to your Whatsapp.
  • Refrain from connecting your phone to unknown Wi-Fi networks or connections
  • If your Whatsapp is hacked, you can deactivate your account by contacting Whatsapp
  • You can enable Whatsapp’s 2-step verification for added security

What should you do when you cannot connect to WhatsApp Web or Desktop?

In most cases, not being able to connect to Whatsapp web or desktop is related to phone, computer or Wi-Fi connection.

Due to this, users are unable to send or receive messages, documents and other media on Whatsapp web or desktop.

Phone connection issues

For using Whatsapp web or desktop, you need to make sure that your phone has an active internet connection.

If you cannot receive and send messages on your phone, Whatsapp web will not work.

Therefore, make sure that Whatsapp on your phone is working and connected.

If the problem persists, your computer might have a connection issue.

Computer connection issues

If you want to use Whatsapp web and desktop, you should have an active, stable and strong internet connection.

When your computer is not connected to an internet connection or the connection is weak, it shows a yellow banner on top.

Make sure that it is connected and working properly. Moreover, if you cannot send or receive messages, you should refresh the page once and check. You can also close the tab or window and reopen it.

If the problem continues even after that, you should try logging our Whatsapp web and log in again.

Also, you should use the latest version of the browsers. Whatsapp web is not supported on browsers such as Internet Explorer.

Wi-Fi connection issues

Whenever you are using a Wi-Fi network, you need to check whether it is set up to block or limit connections to Whatsapp web.

If you receive a notification stating that the Wi-Fi network prevents Whatsapp web from correctly operating, ensure that you choose a network that allows the same.

Is WhatsApp Web safe to use?

Yes, every version and feature of WhatsApp is stated completely safe to use. According to Whatsapp, they have built end-to-end encryption in Whatsapp.

Owing to this feature, every message, photo, video, voice message, calls and documents you send and receive is properly secured from getting into the wrong hands.

Personal Messaging – With end-to-end encryption, the messages sent and receive stay between those individuals only. Nobody else can have access to the information shared between the individuals. In this, your messages are secured through a lock with only you and the recipient having access to them. Moreover, every process regarding this happens automatically without demanding any settings or alterations.

Business Messaging – The same signal encryption protocol protects your messages before you send them. While messaging a WhatsApp business account, the message is delivered securely to the destination which the business has chosen. They are also end-to-end encrypted. You have the option to learn more about the privacy practices of the business.

Payments – Whatsapp has rolled out payment features in select countries through which transfers can be initiated between accounts at financial institutions. Moreover, every card and bank number is securely stored and encrypted in a high-security network. Moreover, the payments are not end-to-end encrypted, as the financial institutions require certain information to process the transactions.

Control – Whatsapp allows you to have complete control over your messages. Users have the option to block contacts or delete the chats and records.

We have included the major details regarding Whatsapp Web in this write-up. For further updates and detailed information, you can always check the official Whatsapp Web website.

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