WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. While WhatsApp is primarily designed for smartphones, many users want to use WhatsApp on their computers as well. The good news is that you can sign up for and use WhatsApp on your PC. Here is what you need to know about signing up for WhatsApp on desktop:
How to Sign Up for WhatsApp Web
The easiest way to use WhatsApp on your PC is through WhatsApp Web. This allows you to access your WhatsApp account through the web browser on your computer. Here are the steps to sign up for WhatsApp Web:
- Open the WhatsApp app on your smartphone
- Tap on the More Options or Settings icon (the 3 dots icon)
- Select WhatsApp Web
- Point your phone’s camera at the QR code displayed on web.whatsapp.com
- Your WhatsApp on your smartphone will now be linked to WhatsApp Web on your computer
This process links your existing WhatsApp account on your phone with the WhatsApp Web client on your computer. Your chats, contacts, and messages will all be synced between devices. Just keep your phone connected to the internet to continue using WhatsApp Web on your PC.
Signing Up for WhatsApp on PC Without a Phone
WhatsApp requires you to register your account using a phone number. So technically, you need access to a smartphone to complete the sign up process and verification steps.
However, there are some workarounds that allow you to use WhatsApp on your PC without needing a smartphone:
Use an Online Phone Number
Some online services provide virtual phone numbers that can receive SMS messages. You can use one of these temporary phone numbers to sign up for WhatsApp, then complete verification on your computer.
Here are some sites that offer virtual phone numbers you can use for WhatsApp verification:
- Google Voice
- TextPlus
- TextNow
SMS Receiving Apps
There are apps like Receive SMS Online that allow you to receive SMS messages on your computer. You can pair these apps with a virtual phone number to receive the WhatsApp verification code on your PC.
Android Emulators
You can use an Android emulator like Bluestacks to install WhatsApp on your computer. This creates a virtual Android environment and phone number that you can use to complete the WhatsApp sign up process, before linking the account to WhatsApp Web.
Using WhatsApp on PC
Once linked to your smartphone or registered with a virtual number, WhatsApp Web provides the full messaging experience on your computer:
- Send and receive messages
- Make WhatsApp calls
- Participate in groups
- Share photos, videos and documents
- Manage your contacts and account settings
Everything is synced in real-time with your smartphone if you are using WhatsApp Web connected to your phone. Any changes made on one device will automatically appear on the other.
WhatsApp Desktop App
In addition to WhatsApp Web which runs in your browser, there is also an official WhatsApp Desktop app available for Windows and Mac. This provides some advantages:
- Desktop notifications for new messages
- Faster launch and performance
- Sync messages in the background
- Supports Windows and Mac
The WhatsApp Desktop app connects to your smartphone in the same way as WhatsApp Web. Download and install the app, then scan the QR code to link your accounts.
Advantages of Using WhatsApp on PC
Here are some of the benefits of using WhatsApp Desktop on your computer:
- Larger screen and full keyboard for easier messaging
- Seamlessly continue conversations between devices
- Notifications and quick access even when phone isn’t handy
- Desktop environment is better for productivity and multitasking
- Easier to share documents and photos from computer
Disadvantages & Limitations
While WhatsApp on PC is very convenient, there are some downsides to be aware of:
- Requires a smartphone and number for setup
- Must keep phone connected to internet
- No native WhatsApp desktop or web app (web version requires browser)
- Some features like calls only work on mobile app
- Message history and backups tied to your phone
The main limitation is that WhatsApp Web and Desktop are dependent on your smartphone app. Your phone needs to stay connected in order to send and receive WhatsApp messages on your PC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WhatsApp available for PC?
Yes, WhatsApp can be used on a PC through WhatsApp Web which runs in your browser or the WhatsApp Desktop app. Both require linking to the WhatsApp app on your smartphone.
Can I use WhatsApp on my computer without my phone?
No, you cannot use WhatsApp Web or Desktop without having WhatsApp installed and activated on your smartphone first. Your computer app mirrors the messaging on your phone.
Do I need to keep my phone connected to use WhatsApp Web?
Yes, your phone needs to remain connected to the internet in order to send and receive WhatsApp messages through WhatsApp Web. The apps sync in real-time.
Can I sign up for WhatsApp with just my computer?
Technically no, you need a phone number to sign up for WhatsApp. But you can use a virtual phone number and SMS receiving app on your computer to complete the signup process without a real phone.
Is WhatsApp Web safe and secure to use?
Yes, WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption to secure all messages, calls, photos, videos and files shared through WhatsApp Web. As long as you only access WhatsApp Web on trusted devices it is safe to use.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp is designed as a mobile messaging app, the WhatsApp Web and Desktop platforms allow you to use WhatsApp on your PC. To get started, you need to install WhatsApp on your smartphone and complete the signup process using your phone number. You can then link WhatsApp on your computer by scanning a QR code from the mobile app.
Using WhatsApp on PC provides the convenience of seamless messaging and syncing across devices. You get the full WhatsApp experience on your desktop for easier typing and sharing. Keep in mind your phone does need to stay connected to the internet to keep using WhatsApp Web. But overall it provides a great way to access WhatsApp across all your devices.