There are a few different ways to get WhatsApp desktop on your Android device. WhatsApp desktop is the desktop application that allows you to use WhatsApp on your computer. This can be really useful if you want to message people on a bigger screen than your phone. Here are the main options for getting WhatsApp desktop on Android:
Use WhatsApp Web
The easiest way is to just use WhatsApp Web, which is the web browser version of WhatsApp. To do this:
- Open the Chrome app on your Android device.
- Go to web.whatsapp.com.
- Use your phone to scan the QR code on the screen.
- You will now be logged in to WhatsApp Web and can use it in your phone’s browser.
The downside to this method is that you have to keep your phone on and connected in order to use WhatsApp Web. As soon as you close the tab or browser, you’ll be logged out.
Install an Android emulator on PC
Another option is to install an Android emulator like Bluestacks on your computer. An emulator allows you to run Android apps on a PC as if it were an Android device. To use WhatsApp desktop this way:
- Install Bluestacks or another Android emulator on your computer.
- Open the emulator and go to the Google Play Store.
- Search for and install the WhatsApp app.
- Log in to the WhatsApp app using your phone number.
Now you can use the full WhatsApp desktop experience on your PC. The downside is you’ll have to deal with any lag or performance issues caused by running Android apps on an emulator.
Remote control your Android device
You can also remote control your Android device from your computer using a tool like scrcpy. This mirrors your phone’s screen onto your PC, allowing you to control it remotely. To use WhatsApp desktop this way:
- Install scrcpy on your computer.
- Connect your Android device to your PC via USB.
- Run scrcpy on your computer.
- Your phone’s screen will now be displayed in a window on your PC.
- Open WhatsApp on your phone and interact with it using your computer’s mouse/keyboard.
The advantage here is you get the real WhatsApp Android app displayed on your PC. The downside is dealing with potential lag and connection issues.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a step-by-step guide to get WhatsApp desktop on your Android device using the WhatsApp Web method:
Step 1: Open Chrome on your Android device
– Locate the Chrome app on your home screen, app drawer, or search bar.
– Tap the Chrome icon to launch the browser.
Step 2: Go to web.whatsapp.com
– In the Chrome address bar, type in “web.whatsapp.com” and hit enter.
– This will bring you to the WhatsApp Web login screen.
Step 3: Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code
– On the WhatsApp Web screen, you’ll see a QR code.
– Use your phone’s camera to line up and scan this QR code.
– Android phones can scan QR codes automatically using the camera app. Just point your camera at the code.
Step 4: You’re logged in! Start using WhatsApp Web
– Once scanned, the WhatsApp Web app will open on your phone’s browser.
– You can now use WhatsApp desktop features like chatting and calling right from Chrome.
– Your chats and messages will sync between your phone and the browser.
And that’s it! By following these steps you can easily get WhatsApp desktop running on your Android device using WhatsApp Web.
Tips for Using WhatsApp Web on Android
Here are some handy tips for using WhatsApp desktop on your Android via WhatsApp Web:
Use desktop mode for bigger screen space
– Tap the menu button and request “Desktop site” for more screen real estate.
Connect to WiFi for better performance
– WhatsApp Web will drain your mobile data. Connect to WiFi whenever possible.
Keep your phone plugged in
– Having WhatsApp Web open will drain your phone’s battery life faster. Keep it plugged in.
Use landscape orientation
– Flip your phone sideways for a wider keyboard to send messages faster.
Customize your chat notifications
– Use the WhatsApp Web settings to customize notifications and sounds.
Log out when you’re done
– Don’t forget to log out of WhatsApp Web when you’re finished to enhance privacy.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about using WhatsApp desktop on Android:
Is WhatsApp Web fully functional on Android?
Yes, WhatsApp Web provides the full desktop experience on Android. You can send messages, make calls, create groups, share files, etc.
Can I log in to WhatsApp Web on multiple devices?
No, you can only be logged into one device at a time with your account. Logging in on a new device will log you out of the previous one.
Does WhatsApp Web work on Android tablets?
Yes! WhatsApp Web works great on Android tablets, giving you more screen real estate for messaging.
How do I log out of WhatsApp Web on Android?
On your phone, go to WhatsApp > Settings > WhatsApp Web to disconnect all computers. You can also simply close the Chrome tab.
Is WhatsApp Web safe to use on public WiFi networks?
WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption protects your messages. However, it’s safer to avoid using WhatsApp Web on public networks.
Can I transfer files from my computer to my phone with WhatsApp Web?
Unfortunately no. WhatsApp Web on Android only mirrors your phone’s app – you can’t transfer files from your computer.
Why does my phone have to stay connected while using WhatsApp Web?
WhatsApp links your account to your phone number. Your phone has to stay connected for WhatsApp Web to sync your chats via your number.
Conclusion
Getting WhatsApp desktop on your Android device is easy with WhatsApp Web. Just open Chrome, go to web.whatsapp.com, and scan the QR code. This will link your mobile account to the desktop interface. While not a full standalone app, WhatsApp Web provides a convenient way to enjoy WhatsApp desktop features on Android. Use tips like connecting to WiFi, keeping your phone plugged in, and optimizing the browser to get the best experience.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full WhatsApp desktop experience | Phone must stay connected |
| Syncs chats automatically | Drains phone battery life |
| Easy setup with QR code scan | Mobile browser limitations |
Summary
To recap, here are the key points covered in this guide:
- Use WhatsApp Web on Chrome browser for quick access on Android
- Install Bluestacks or other emulator on PC to run full app
- Remote control phone from computer with scrcpy
- Scan QR code on web.whatsapp.com to link device
- Stay connected to WiFi and keep phone plugged in
- WhatsApp Web provides full desktop experience
- Downsides include battery drain and browser limitations
- Overall a handy way to access WhatsApp chats on a bigger screen
With WhatsApp Web, you can enjoy WhatsApp desktop functionality conveniently on your Android phone or tablet. It takes just seconds to set up and syncs seamlessly across devices.