WhatsApp has become one of the most popular instant messaging applications used by over 2 billion people worldwide. While WhatsApp’s native app is available for Android, iOS, and Windows Phone, many Linux users are left wondering how to use WhatsApp on their Linux distributions.
Thankfully, there are a few different methods for installing and running WhatsApp on Linux. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the steps to install WhatsApp on Linux using the terminal. We’ll cover methods for running WhatsApp as a desktop client as well as in the web browser.
Prerequisites
Before installing WhatsApp on Linux, you’ll need to make sure you have the following:
- A Linux distribution like Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, etc. installed
- An active phone number that can receive SMS or calls for verification
- The phone number must not already be registered with WhatsApp
- A GPU that supports OpenGL 2.0 or higher for desktop client
- A modern web browser like Google Chrome, Firefox, etc. for web version
Install WhatsApp Desktop Client
The official WhatsApp desktop client allows you to use WhatsApp on your Linux desktop just like on your phone. Here are the steps to install it:
- Open the terminal application on your Linux distro
- Update your package list by running:
sudo apt update - Install WhatsApp desktop dependencies:
sudo apt install gdebi-core wget - Download the latest WhatsApp .deb package:
wget https://github.com/eneshecan/whatsapp-for-linux/raw/master/WhatsApp-2.2214.11-amd64.deb - Install the downloaded .deb package:
sudo gdebi WhatsApp-2.2214.11-amd64.deb - Launch WhatsApp from your app menu or by running
whatsapp-for-linuxin terminal - Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your phone number and link your WhatsApp account
Once installed, WhatsApp will run as a desktop application like any other native Linux software. You’ll be able to send/receive messages, make calls, and use all WhatsApp features.
Install WhatsApp as Snap Package
Another way to install WhatsApp on Linux is by using Snapcraft packages. Here are the steps:
- Make sure Snap is installed on your system. Most modern Linux distros come with Snap preinstalled.
- Refresh Snap indexes:
sudo snap refresh - Install the WhatsApp Snap package:
sudo snap install whatsdesk - Launch WhatsApp after installation completes
- Follow on-screen instructions to verify phone number and link WhatsApp account
The benefit of using Snap over regular Debian packages is that Snap handles all dependencies automatically and keeps the app updated. However, some users report performance issues with Snap packages.
Use WhatsApp Web
If you don’t want to install a desktop client, you can simply use WhatsApp through the web browser:
- Open https://web.whatsapp.com in your preferred browser (Chrome/Firefox)
- On your phone, open WhatsApp > Settings > Linked Devices
- Tap on “Link a Device” and scan the QR code shown on web.whatsapp.com using your phone’s camera
- Your WhatsApp web will now sync with your phone. Send/receive messages directly in browser.
The only caveat is that your phone with WhatsApp installed still needs to remain connected to the internet for WhatsApp web to work. But there’s no need to install anything on your Linux system.
Troubleshooting WhatsApp on Linux
Here are some common problems faced when installing WhatsApp on Linux and how to fix them:
Can’t Verify Phone Number
WhatsApp requires verifying your phone number by sending a code via SMS or call. If you’re not receiving the verification code, make sure your phone has cellular reception or a working SIM card. You can also try toggling between SMS and Call verification.
App Crashing on Launch
If WhatsApp crashes immediately on launch, make sure your system meets the minimum requirements like OpenGL 2.0 support. Try updating your GPU drivers to the latest stable version. For Snap packages, remove and reinstall WhatsApp.
Can’t Scan QR Code
For WhatsApp Web, make sure your phone’s camera focuses properly on the QR code. Try adjusting your distance from the monitor. Increase brightness and zoom in if needed. There should be no glare on the code.
Connection Issues
Check your internet connection on both phone and PC. Restart your phone and router if needed. Change from WiFi to mobile data or vice versa. Make sure WhatsApp Web is open only in one tab.
Notifications Not Working
For WhatsApp desktop client, make sure notifications are enabled in system settings. Check Do Not Disturb mode on your PC. Right click WhatsApp icon in system tray and make sure “Show Notifications” is checked.
Follow these troubleshooting tips to diagnose any issues you face with WhatsApp for Linux. Reach out for help on WhatsApp or Linux forums if needed.
Conclusion
Installing and running WhatsApp on Linux is straightforward using one of the methods described above. The official desktop client provides the best experience and most features. But you can still use WhatsApp comfortably in your browser if needed.
With over 2 billion monthly active users, WhatsApp is the top messaging platform worldwide. Don’t miss out on connecting with friends and family simply because you use Linux. Follow this guide to get WhatsApp working smoothly on your Linux distribution.
Some key takeaways from this guide:
- Verify prerequisites like OpenGL 2.0 support and working phone number
- Use WhatsApp desktop client for best experience
- Alternatively install from Snap store or use WhatsApp Web
- Scan QR code properly when linking devices
- Troubleshoot verification issues, crashes, notifications
We hope this guide helped you install WhatsApp easily on Linux. You’ll now be able to stay connected with your contacts right from your Linux desktop or laptop. Enjoy the convenience of messaging and calling on WhatsApp, even on an open-source operating system!