WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion users. It allows users to send messages, photos, videos, documents and more to individuals or groups. While WhatsApp has native apps for iOS and Android, there is also a web version that can be accessed from a desktop browser at web.whatsapp.com.
The WhatsApp Web platform allows you to use WhatsApp from your computer’s browser, mirroring the features and functionality of the mobile app. However, it requires your phone to be connected to the internet and linked to the web app. This means your phone needs to be on and plugged in for WhatsApp Web to work.
Using WhatsApp Web on iPhone
If you have an iPhone, here are the steps to use WhatsApp Web:
- Open the WhatsApp app on your iPhone
- Tap on the More Options icon (3 dots in top right)
- Select WhatsApp Web
- Point your phone’s camera at the QR code scanner on web.whatsapp.com
- Your WhatsApp on the web will link to your phone and mirror all chats
While this allows you to access WhatsApp on your computer, there are some limitations:
- Your iPhone needs to be turned on and connected to the internet
- If your phone disconnects, so will the WhatsApp Web app
- You cannot make or receive WhatsApp calls from web on iPhone
- Limited notification support on web for iPhone users
Best WhatsApp Web Apps for iPhone
To overcome the limitations of WhatsApp Web on iPhone, some third party apps have been developed. Here are some of the best WhatsApp Web apps for iPhone:
1. WebMessage
WebMessage allows you to use WhatsApp on web without keeping your iPhone online. It creates a bridge between your phone and computer to sync messages. The key features include:
- Use WhatsApp Web without phone connected
- Get notifications on desktop
- Make and receive WhatsApp calls
- Supports iOS and Mac
WebMessage is available on the App Store for free. There is a paid Premium version with more features like themes and no ads.
2. TouchBuddy
TouchBuddy makes WhatsApp Web work independently of your iPhone, similar to WebMessage. Here are its key features:
- Use WhatsApp Web with phone offline
- Get desktop notifications
- Sync chats, messages, media
- Make calls from desktop
TouchBuddy has a free version with basic functionality. The paid Pro version unlocks advanced features like message scheduling, chat encryption and more.
3. EpocCam
EpocCam turns your iPhone into a wireless high definition webcam for your computer. You can use it with WhatsApp Web to video chat from your desktop. Key features include:
- HD quality video calling on WhatsApp Web
- Use iPhone camera for video chats
- Mic input from iPhone
- Works wirelessly over WiFi
EpocCam has a free and paid version for iPhone and Windows/Mac computer. The free version has limitations on resolution and frame rate.
4. Join by joaoapps
Join lets you access WhatsApp on other devices like tablets and computers. Here are the key features:
- Use WhatsApp seamlessly on iPad and desktop
- Syncs messages without keeping phone online
- Get desktop notifications
- Works on iPhone, iPad and Mac
Join has a free trial version to test out the features. The full version is paid and unlocks complete functionality without any limits.
5. Wassapp
Wassapp is another WhatsApp Web enhancer for iPhone and Mac. Key features:
- Use WhatsApp Web with phone offline
- Native Mac app
- Syncs chats, messages, calls
- Desktop notifications
Wassapp offers a free trial to test the app. The full version is paid and comes without any limitations.
Summary
While WhatsApp Web for iPhone has some limitations, third-party apps provide workarounds by creating a bridge between the phone and computer. Apps like WebMessage, TouchBuddy, EpocCam, Join and Wassapp allow you to use WhatsApp Web on a Mac without keeping your iPhone online and syncs all messages, chats, and notifications.
These apps offer free trials or basic versions to test out the functionality before paying for the full unlocked app. Overall, they provide a much better WhatsApp Web experience for iPhone users who want to seamlessly access WhatsApp chats on their computers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WhatsApp Web completely free?
Yes, WhatsApp Web is completely free to use. All you need is an updated version of WhatsApp on your smartphone and a computer with a web browser.
Can I make calls on WhatsApp Web?
You cannot make or receive WhatsApp calls through WhatsApp Web on an iPhone. However, some third party apps like WebMessage and TouchBuddy allow WhatsApp calling on web when using an iPhone.
Does WhatsApp Web work without the phone?
Normally WhatsApp Web requires your phone to be connected to the internet to sync messages and work. However, third party apps can bridge the connection between your phone and computer so WhatsApp Web works even when your phone is offline.
Is there a WhatsApp app for Mac?
There is no official WhatsApp desktop app for Mac. You can use WhatsApp Web on a Mac browser, but it has limitations. Some third party apps like Wassapp provide a seamless WhatsApp experience on Mac by linking to your iPhone.
Can I use WhatsApp on my iPad?
There is no direct WhatsApp app for iPad, but some third party apps like Join allow you to use WhatsApp for iPad by syncing with your iPhone seamlessly. This provides a tablet-optimized WhatsApp experience.
Is WhatsApp Web safe to use?
WhatsApp Web is generally safe to use as it relies on a direct encrypted connection with your phone for syncing data. As long as you only use web.whatsapp.com and don’t scan unknown QR codes, your data remains secure.
How do I scan the WhatsApp Web QR code?
To link your phone to WhatsApp Web and scan the QR code, open WhatsApp on your phone, tap the 3-dot Menu icon > WhatsApp Web > Point your phone camera at the QR code on the web screen until the code scans.
Can I get WhatsApp notifications on my computer?
With standard WhatsApp Web on an iPhone, you cannot get desktop notifications. But third party apps like TouchBuddy and WebMessage enable desktop notifications for WhatsApp messages when using an iPhone.
Is there any limit to using WhatsApp Web?
The main limit with standard WhatsApp Web is that your phone needs to remain connected for syncing to work. Third party apps remove this limitation by bridging your phone and computer so you can use WhatsApp Web with your phone offline.
Is WhatsApp Web slower than the mobile app?
WhatsApp Web is typically slower than the mobile app because everything is synced real-time between your phone and computer. So there may be some lag in sending/receiving messages on web.