WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. One of the fun features of WhatsApp is the ability to send stickers during chats. Stickers allow you to express emotions and reactions quickly and easily.
Normally, you need to have the WhatsApp app installed on your phone to send and receive stickers. However, there are a few methods you can use to add stickers to your WhatsApp chats without actually having the app on your phone.
Using WhatsApp Web
The official WhatsApp Web client allows you to access your WhatsApp account from any desktop or laptop browser. With WhatsApp Web, you can send and receive messages, make calls, and also send stickers without needing the mobile app.
Here’s how to use WhatsApp Web to add stickers to chats:
- Open the WhatsApp Web page on your computer browser at http://web.whatsapp.com.
- Use your phone to scan the QR code on the screen.
- Your WhatsApp account will now be linked and mirrored onto your computer.
- Open a chat window and click on the emoji icon next to the text box.
- Select the sticker icon to view all your available stickers.
- Choose a sticker and send it to any chat just like you would on the mobile app.
The advantage of using WhatsApp Web is that you can continue messaging even without your phone nearby. As long as your phone stays connected to the internet, your WhatsApp Web session will remain active.
Using Third-Party Web Apps
In addition to the official WhatsApp Web client, there are also a number of third-party web apps and sites that allow you to access your WhatsApp account from a desktop browser:
- Wapp – Wapp.net
- WhatsAppimo – WhatsAppimo.com
- MyWebApp – Mywebapp.net
- WebChatApp – Webchatapp.net
These web apps work similarly to WhatsApp Web. You use your phone to scan a QR code which links your WhatsApp account to the browser. Once connected, you can send messages, make calls, share media files and also add stickers.
The advantage of third-party apps is that some of them have additional features like sending scheduled messages and auto-replies. However, be aware that using third-party services can compromise the privacy and security of your chats.
Using Google Chrome Extensions
There are a couple of useful Google Chrome extensions that allow you to access WhatsApp Web without keeping your phone connected:
- WA Web Plus – This addon creates a desktop app for WhatsApp Web. You can link your account by scanning the QR code and then continue chatting without phone connectivity.
- WhatsApp Notepad – This extension saves your WhatsApp chats so you can access previous conversations even if your phone is offline.
The advantage of these Chrome extensions is convenience – you don’t need to have your phone nearby or connected to use WhatsApp Web. The downside is you may miss out on receiving real-time notifications and messages if your phone loses connectivity.
Using an Online Phone Number
You can create a WhatsApp account and verify it using an online phone number:
- Get a virtual phone number from a service like NextPlus.
- Install WhatsApp through an Android emulator on your computer.
- Register your virtual number on WhatsApp and verify it to activate your account.
- Link the account to WhatsApp Web to message and send stickers from your browser.
The advantage of this method is you can use WhatsApp Web even without your actual phone. However, it may seem cumbersome to configure for many users. Also, you need an active internet connection for the virtual number to work.
Using Remote Access Apps
Remote access apps like TeamViewer allow you to remotely control your phone from your PC. You can mirror your phone’s screen and access all phone functions like normal.
To use this method:
- Install the TeamViewer app on both your phone and computer.
- Start TeamViewer on your phone and sign in.
- On your PC, connect to your phone through the TeamViewer ID.
- You can now remotely control your phone. Open WhatsApp and use stickers as you normally would on your phone.
The main advantage of remote access apps is that you get full control over your phone. However, there is some lag when using remote control and your phone needs to be turned on and connected.
Using a WhatsApp Sticker App
There are specialized apps and sites that allow you to create custom WhatsApp stickers and download them to your phone:
- Sticker Maker – Android and iOS app to make stickers from photos
- Stickerly – Online platform and app to design stickers
- WhatsApp Stickers – Android app with ready-made sticker packs
To add stickers from these apps:
- Use the app or site to design your custom stickers or download a sticker pack.
- Save the sticker pack file on your phone’s storage.
- Open WhatsApp, tap on the stickers icon and install your new sticker pack.
- You can now send those stickers directly from WhatsApp.
The advantage of using specialist sticker apps is the ability to create your own personalized stickers. But you still need access to your phone to transfer the sticker packs.
Conclusion
Although WhatsApp is primarily a smartphone app, there are quite a few clever methods to access your account and send stickers from your desktop browser or computer:
- Official WhatsApp Web client
- Third-party web apps
- Chrome extensions
- Online phone numbers
- Remote access apps
- Sticker maker apps and sites
Each method has its own pros and cons. Using the official WhatsApp Web client is recommended for convenience and security. But advanced users can also try using virtual numbers or remote access to control WhatsApp from a computer without a phone.
The key requirement is that your actual phone must have an active WhatsApp account for most of these methods. With a bit of effort, you can enjoy sending WhatsApp stickers and continue chatting even without the mobile app installed.
FAQs
Is it completely free to use WhatsApp Web?
Yes, WhatsApp web is completely free to use. There are no ads or paid services on WhatsApp Web. You only need an active WhatsApp account on your smartphone.
Can I see live location sharing on WhatsApp Web?
Yes, any live locations shared with you on WhatsApp mobile will also be visible on WhatsApp Web in real-time.
Can I make WhatsApp calls from my computer?
Yes, WhatsApp has a voice and video calling feature that works seamlessly between the mobile app and WhatsApp Web. You can make and receive calls on your computer.
Is my chat history synced between devices?
Your entire chat history including messages, photos, videos, voice messages, files etc. is synced in real-time across mobile and WhatsApp Web. You can seamlessly switch between devices.
Can I use WhatsApp on multiple browsers at once?
No, you cannot be logged into the same WhatsApp account simultaneously on multiple browsers. You will be automatically logged out from the previous session.
Is WhatsApp Web end-to-end encrypted?
Yes, WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption applies across WhatsApp Web and mobile apps. Chats remain private and secured against third-party access.
WhatsApp Web Tips
Here are some handy tips to improve your WhatsApp Web experience:
- Use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+E to quickly access Emoji picker and Ctrl+Enter to send a message.
- Set up desktop browser notifications to get notified of new messages.
- Use Incognito/Private browsing mode for added privacy.
- Scan QR code from WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices to quickly link new devices.
- Make audio and video calls directly from browser using microphone and webcam.
- Click on your profile to access QR code and log out if desired.
- Make sure your phone has an active internet connection for uninterrupted syncing.
- Use desktop mode for larger screen space on iPad or tablets.
Following these tips will help you have the best experience with WhatsApp Web, allowing you to stay connected from anywhere using just your desktop browser.
Conclusion
WhatsApp Web provides a convenient way to access your WhatsApp account and send stickers from your desktop browser. While the mobile app is required to activate your account, there are several workarounds like online phone numbers and remote access apps that can give you full control over WhatsApp from a computer.
Overall, WhatsApp Web grants great flexibility to use the messaging service even without your phone nearby. With some minor setup, you can start sending stickers and chats directly from your browser.