Yes, you can send and receive texts on WhatsApp Web. WhatsApp Web allows you to use WhatsApp on your computer’s web browser in addition to your mobile device. As long as your phone is connected to the internet, you can seamlessly continue your WhatsApp conversations on your computer.
How does WhatsApp Web work?
WhatsApp Web works by mirroring the WhatsApp app on your mobile device. To use WhatsApp Web you first need to open WhatsApp on your phone and tap the three dots icon in the top right. Then choose WhatsApp Web and scan the QR code displayed on the WhatsApp Web page using your phone’s camera. This will link your phone to your computer.
Once linked, any messages you send or receive on one device will also show up on the other. This works for both individual and group chats. Your chat history is synced across devices so you can seamlessly switch from phone to computer as needed. Your contacts, profile info, settings and blocked users will stay the same.
Features available on WhatsApp Web
Most major features that are available on the mobile app can also be used on WhatsApp Web, including:
- Sending and receiving texts, photos, videos, documents, voice messages and contact info
- Creating and participating in individual and group chats
- Seeing read receipts and typing indicators
- Sharing your location
- Using stickers and emojis
- Adding captions and formatting text
- Making voice and video calls
Some features like dark mode, call tabs and chat filters first need to be enabled in your mobile app settings before they will appear on WhatsApp Web. You can access your full chat history, starred messages, media and all of your existing conversations.
Advantages of using WhatsApp Web
There are several advantages to using WhatsApp Web in addition to the mobile app:
- Larger screen and full keyboard – Easier to type long messages and view media
- Simultaneous use – Continue chats across devices
- Web notifications – Get notifications even when phone isn’t nearby
- Tabbed chat interface – Easily switch between chats
- File drag and drop – Quickly share documents and media from computer
- Better organization – Keep work and personal chats separate
- Saves mobile data – Uses your computer’s internet connection
Disadvantages of WhatsApp Web
The main limitations of WhatsApp Web include:
- Requires mobile phone connection – If phone loses internet, web app stops working
- Only one paired device at a time – Can’t use on multiple computers simultaneously
- No native desktop app – Requires web browser open on computer
- Mobile notifications unaffected – Still get notifications on phone even when using web
- Can’t make calls without phone nearby – Phone required for voice/video calls
- Setup requires QR scan – Can’t easily use on shared/public computers
How to text on WhatsApp Web
Texting on WhatsApp Web works the same as on your mobile device:
- Open the WhatsApp Web page on your computer browser and scan the QR code with your phone to link the devices
- Open an existing chat or start a new one by clicking the chat icon and selecting a contact
- Type your message in the text box at the bottom of the chat window
- Hit enter or click the send arrow to send it. Your message will now appear in the chat.
- Continue reading and replying to messages on your computer. Use the text box to send additional texts.
You’ll see delivered and read receipts so you know when your texts have been sent and seen. You can have multiple chats open at the same time in separate tabs. All your messages will sync to your phone automatically.
Texting tips for WhatsApp Web
Take advantage of WhatsApp Web’s desktop features to improve your messaging experience:
- Use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl/Command + Shift + Left/Right to switch chats and Ctrl/Command + E to search.
- Drag and drop files into the text box to quickly share documents or photos.
- Click paperclip icon to send files from your computer like on mobile.
- Open multiple chat tabs to easily switch between conversations.
- Use larger emoji and sticker packs for more creative texts.
- Enable night mode under Settings > Chats for easier nighttime viewing.
Texting with non-smartphone contacts
You can text non-smartphone contacts from WhatsApp Web by linking your WhatsApp account to your phone number:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone and go to Settings > Linked Devices
- Tap Link a Device and select your phone number
- Verify your phone number using the confirmation code sent via SMS
- You can now send SMS texts to non-smartphone contacts directly within WhatsApp
- These will appear as green texts and incur standard SMS fees
Group messaging
WhatsApp groups make it easy to text multiple people at once. On WhatsApp Web you can:
- Create new groups by selecting New Group and adding members
- Name groups and set custom icons
- Mute noisy groups by long-pressing and selecting Mute
- Catch up on messages by scrolling up in the chat window
- Reply privately to members even in a group chat
- Leave groups anytime by tapping Group Info > Exit Group
Video and voice calls
In addition to messaging, you can also make WhatsApp video and voice calls directly on your computer using WhatsApp Web. This allows you to make calls even if your phone is in another room.
To make a call:
- Open an individual or group chat
- Click the video or voice call icon at the top right
- Your phone will ring first before connecting the call on your computer
- Enjoy crystal clear calls with no lag on your computer’s larger screen
Remember your phone needs to stay connected to the internet to complete the call. Make sure it has enough battery as well.
Conclusion
WhatsApp Web provides a seamless messaging experience that mirrors your phone, with the added benefits of a desktop interface. You can send unlimited texts, photos, videos and more, participate in group chats, make calls and stay connected from your computer.
Simply scan the QR code from your phone whenever you want to start messaging from your computer. WhatsApp will automatically sync across devices so you can pick up conversations right where you left off. With useful features like desktop notifications, file sharing and tabbed chats, WhatsApp Web makes texting even more convenient.