WhatsApp web allows users to access WhatsApp on their computers through a web browser. It connects to a user’s mobile device through scanning a QR code. WhatsApp web provides the convenience of chatting through a bigger screen without having to download the desktop app. Since its launch in 2015, WhatsApp web has become an essential part of the WhatsApp experience for many users. However, some users have recently been wondering if WhatsApp web is still available and how to access it.
Is WhatsApp web discontinued?
No, WhatsApp web has not been discontinued. It is still fully functional and available to use as of October 2023. There have been no announcements from WhatsApp regarding plans to discontinue the web version. As long as the WhatsApp mobile app is still running, WhatsApp web will be available.
How to use WhatsApp web
Using WhatsApp web is easy and only requires your mobile device to already have WhatsApp installed and set up. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to get started with WhatsApp web:
- Open the browser on your computer and go to web.whatsapp.com.
- Open WhatsApp on your mobile device and tap on the More Options or Settings menu.
- Select WhatsApp Web and tap on that.
- Point your mobile device’s camera at the QR code that appears on the WhatsApp web page on your computer.
- Your mobile WhatsApp will scan the code and establish a connection between devices.
- Once connected, you can start using WhatsApp on your computer.
This process only needs to be done once per device. WhatsApp will remember the paired computer so you can simply open web.whatsapp.com and login without scanning again. Your chats will sync between devices.
Features of WhatsApp web
WhatsApp web has the majority of features that you find on the mobile app. Here are some of the key features available on WhatsApp web as of October 2023:
- Send and receive messages, including text, photos, videos, documents, voice messages
- Create group chats with up to 256 participants
- See real-time chat status indicators when contacts are typing, recording audio, etc.
- Make voice and video calls
- Set chat wallpapers
- See contacts’ live locations
- Star and pin important chats
- Search chats
- Receive notifications when logged in
- Configure privacy settings
The only limitation is that WhatsApp web must remain connected to your mobile device in order to function. Without the mobile app open and connected, you cannot use WhatsApp web as a standalone service.
Browser compatibility
WhatsApp web is compatible with the latest desktop versions of:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Opera
- Safari
It can be used on both Windows and Mac computers. There are no plans for an official Linux desktop application, but WhatsApp web can still be used through the Chrome or Firefox browsers on Linux.
Using WhatsApp web on multiple devices
Up until recently, WhatsApp web could only be used on one computer at a time since it mirrored the mobile app. However, WhatsApp has now introduced the ability to link up to 4 devices simultaneously.
To use WhatsApp web on multiple devices:
- Open WhatsApp on your primary mobile device
- Go to Linked Devices in Settings
- Tap on “Multi-device beta” then tap Link a Device
- Scan the QR code with your secondary device
- Repeat with up to 3 other computers or Portal devices
Your chats and data will synchronize across all linked devices without needing your phone online at all times. This allows you to stay logged in even when your phone loses connectivity.
Using WhatsApp web without your phone
The multi-device beta allows using WhatsApp web without your phone connected. However, there are still some limitations:
- You cannot delete or clear messages across devices
- To add new contacts, your phone must connect once every 14 days
- If you change phones, you must re-link your computer
- Some advanced features remain phone-exclusive like creating broadcasts
So while you can chat conveniently without your phone, it still requires occasional connectivity for optimal functionality.
Call and message from WhatsApp web
Yes, WhatsApp web provides the ability to call and message other WhatsApp users right from your computer browser. Here are the steps:
Messaging
- Open the WhatsApp web chat with a contact
- Type your message into the text box at the bottom
- Hit enter or click the send arrow to send it
You can send text, emojis, photos, videos and documents seamlessly.
Voice calling
- Open the WhatsApp web chat with a contact
- Click on the phone icon in the top right
- Select the “Call” option
- Your browser will ask for permission to access the microphone
- Once connected, talk to your contact through your computer mic and speakers
Video calling
- Open the WhatsApp web chat with a contact
- Click on the phone icon in the top right
- Select the “Video Call” option
- Allow browser access to your webcam and mic
- The video call will connect and you can chat face-to-face
Calling works the same as on mobile, with options to mute, turn off video, add participants and more.
Major WhatsApp Web updates
Here are some of the biggest updates that have come to WhatsApp web over the years:
| Year | Updates |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Initial launch of WhatsApp web |
| 2016 | Added support for OS X, Windows 8+, Firefox, and Opera |
| 2018 | Launched voice and video calling |
| 2020 | Allowed using WhatsApp web without phone connected |
| 2021 | Increased participants in groups to 512 |
| 2022 | Launched multi-device beta for linking up to 4 devices |
As WhatsApp continues developing new features for their mobile app, many of these get carried over to the web version as well. The company remains committed to maintaining feature parity between platforms.
WhatsApp Web alternatives
While WhatsApp web remains the official way to access WhatsApp chats on your computer, there are some alternative third-party options as well. Here are some top choices:
Portal from Meta
Portal is a video chat device made by Meta (formerly Facebook) that supports WhatsApp. It provides hands-free voice control and motion tracking during video calls. Portal can also be used to make WhatsApp calls over WiFi without needing your phone powered on.
WhatsApp Desktop App
WhatsApp does offer official native desktop apps for Mac and Windows. These provide desktop notifications, dark mode, and other quality of life features compared to the web version. However, the apps have the same requirements and limitations as WhatsApp web.
Third-party apps
Some popular third-party options include Wassapp and WazzapMigrator. These claim to offer backup solutions alongside computer-based messaging. However, unofficial apps violate WhatsApp’s terms and conditions so use them at your own risk.
Conclusion
WhatsApp web remains alive and well as we head into 2023. It provides a convenient way to access WhatsApp chats and make calls right from your computer browser. With the multi-device update, it’s now easier than ever to stay connected across phones, tablets, and computers.
While alternatives like Portal and desktop apps exist, WhatsApp web remains the official way to use WhatsApp on a computer. As long as you keep your mobile app on the latest version, you can message freely from linked devices. WhatsApp shows no signs of discontinuing web support anytime soon.