Yes, using WhatsApp on a laptop will notify a phone that is linked to the same WhatsApp account. When you use WhatsApp on multiple devices, they are synced in real time through end-to-end encryption. This allows you to seamlessly message and call across devices without missing notifications.
How WhatsApp Syncing Works
WhatsApp uses true multi-device support to sync chats across mobile and desktop apps. Each device has its own private encryption key that is used to securely transfer data between devices. Keys are stored only on the devices and messages are decrypted on the recipient device. WhatsApp servers facilitate syncing but cannot decrypt message contents.
When you link a desktop device like a laptop or PC to your WhatsApp account, it will receive message notifications and updates in real time. You can send and receive messages from either device. If you get a new message on your phone, it will also show up on the linked laptop. And if you reply to a chat on your laptop, that will sync to your phone as well.
End-to-End Encryption
WhatsApp employs end-to-end encryption for all chats, voice calls, video calls, and file transfers. This means only the sender and recipient can view message contents, not even WhatsApp itself. Encryption keys are exchanged when you verify devices linked to your account. The keys are then stored locally on each device.
When you send a message, it is encrypted on your device and only decrypted by the recipient device. Each device has a different encryption key so chats are kept private across devices. Syncing chats does not compromise the end-to-end encryption.
Requirements for Syncing
To sync WhatsApp across devices, you need to:
- Update to the latest version of WhatsApp on your phone
- Make sure your phone is connected to the internet
- On your secondary device, access web.whatsapp.com or download the desktop app
- Scan the QR code on your secondary device using your phone to link accounts
Once linked, devices will automatically stay in sync as long as they are connected to the internet. Your phone does need to remain on and connected for syncing to work across devices.
How Notifications Work on Secondary Devices
When your phone and secondary device are actively linked for WhatsApp syncing, here is how notifications work:
- You will get notifications of new messages on both devices at the same time
- Notification sounds and vibration will only occur on the device you are actively using
- If you dismiss a notification on one device, it goes away on all synced devices
- Muting chats or conversations mutes notifications across linked devices
- You can turn off notifications in device settings if desired, while still receiving them on other devices
Essentially, each synced device will mirror notification activity happening on your phone or other linked devices. So if you get a WhatsApp message on your phone, the notification instantly appears on a linked laptop or desktop as well.
Calling and Media Playback
For voice and video calls made on desktop devices, the call will still ring on your phone but you can answer from either device. If music or voice messages are played on one device, playback will transfer to another device if you open the chat on that device.
Limitations
There are some limitations to be aware of with WhatsApp multi-device syncing:
- You can only link up to 4 devices in addition to your phone
- If your phone is offline for over 14 days, syncing is disabled until it reconnects
- Syncing does not work on Apple iPad or Android tablets yet
- WhatsApp Web sessions automatically log out after 7 days unless the device is used again
As long as your phone stays connected to the internet regularly, you can seamlessly use WhatsApp desktop without missing anything from your phone.
Managing Notifications and Syncing
You have options to customize notifications and syncing behavior in WhatsApp settings:
On Android
- Open WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices
- Tap on each linked device to enable/disable message and call notifications
- Long press a device and unlink to stop syncing
On iPhone
- Go to Settings > Linked Devices
- Tap on each device to turn notifications on or off
- Tap Unlink Device to stop syncing
On Desktop
- Open WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices
- Toggle notifications and message preview settings
- Click Log Out to unlink the desktop device
You can unlink a device at any time to stop syncing while keeping your account logged in on that device. Turn off notifications on specific devices if desired while keeping them active on others.
Conclusion
Using WhatsApp on a laptop or desktop will activate notifications on your phone in real time. Thanks to WhatsApp’s secure end-to-end encryption implementation, you can stay connected across devices without compromising privacy. As long as your phone has an internet connection, linked devices will remain in sync for seamless messaging.