WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users. It allows you to send messages, make voice and video calls, and share photos, documents, and other media with individuals or groups. WhatsApp is available for smartphones as well as PCs and tablets. However, not every tablet is compatible with WhatsApp. In this article, we will look at what tablets support WhatsApp and the requirements to use WhatsApp on a tablet.
Tablets That Support WhatsApp
The main requirement for a tablet to support WhatsApp is that it must be running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or newer version of Android. WhatsApp also requires devices to have a front camera, have a cellular connection or WiFi, and have a SIM card or phone number. Here are some of the most popular Android tablets that meet these requirements and can run WhatsApp:
| Tablet | Operating System |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 / S7 Plus | Android 10 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 | Android 9 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e | Android 9 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A 10.1 | Android 9 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 | Android 8.1 |
| Huawei MediaPad M5 Lite | Android 8.0 |
| Lenovo Tab M10 | Android 9 |
| Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Plus | Android 7.0 |
As you can see from the table, most modern Samsung, Huawei, and Lenovo Android tablets support WhatsApp. As long as the tablet is running Android Lollipop or later and meets WhatsApp’s basic hardware requirements, you should be able to install and use WhatsApp without issues.
How to Get WhatsApp on a Tablet
If you have an Android tablet that is compatible, here are the steps to download and set up WhatsApp:
1. Install WhatsApp
First, go to the Google Play Store on your Android tablet and search for “WhatsApp Messenger”. Download and install the official WhatsApp app from here. Make sure you are installing WhatsApp Messenger and not any fake or clone apps.
2. Verify Your Number
Once WhatsApp is installed, open the app. It will ask you to verify your phone number. This is mandatory to use WhatsApp. You can verify using the SIM card inserted in your tablet or by receiving an SMS.
3. Grant Required Permissions
WhatsApp requires certain permissions to work properly so make sure to grant it access to your contacts, storage, camera, etc. Read the permission prompts carefully and grant access.
4. Set a Profile Photo and Name
To complete your WhatsApp setup, tap on the menu button and go into Settings. Here you can set a profile photo and change your display name that your contacts will see.
5. Start Messaging!
You are now ready to start messaging your contacts on WhatsApp! The interface and features will be similar to WhatsApp on your smartphone. You can message, make calls, create groups and even make video calls comfortably on your tablet’s larger screen.
Tips for Using WhatsApp on a Tablet
Here are some handy tips to improve your WhatsApp experience on a tablet:
Use Landscape Orientation
WhatsApp’s interface is designed for portrait mode on phones. But landscape orientation makes more sense on tablets for messaging and video calls. Fortunately, you can force WhatsApp into landscape mode in your device settings.
Connect a Keyboard
Typing long messages on a touchscreen can be tiresome. Connect a physical wireless keyboard to your tablet for a more desktop-like typing experience.
Use Split Screen
If your tablet supports split screen multitasking, use it to run WhatsApp side-by-side other apps. This allows you to easily transfer files from WhatsApp into other apps.
Make Video Calls
WhatsApp video calling works seamlessly on tablets. The large screen makes video calls very engaging. Use the front camera to make selfie videos too!
Mute Notifications
Constant WhatsApp notifications can be distracting. Mute groups or conversations to avoid unnecessary interruptions.
Limitations of Using WhatsApp on a Tablet
While WhatsApp works well on compatible tablets, there are some limitations to be aware of:
No Multi-Device Support
Unlike apps like Telegram or iMessage, WhatsApp does not yet support syncing across multiple devices simultaneously. You can only use it on one phone or tablet at a time.
SMS Integration Doesn’t Work
On Android smartphones, WhatsApp integrates seamlessly with your SMS inbox. But this integration is not available on Android tablets.
Battery Drain
Constantly running WhatsApp on a tablet can drain the battery quicker than normal usage. Keep battery percentage in mind while using resource-heavy features.
Not Optimized for Large Screens
WhatsApp’s interface and text formatting is designed for smaller smartphone screens. On a tablet’s large display, conversations don’t scale up and can feel disconnected.
Calling Support Issues
There are some reports of voice and video calls not working properly on certain tablet models even if they meet all requirements. Calling functionality has bugs.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp may not be fully optimized for the tablet interface, it is still very functional for basic messaging needs. As long as your Android tablet is running Lollipop or higher, you can install WhatsApp from the Play Store and use it by verifying your number. Features like messaging, voice notes, video calls, groups, and media sharing work smoothly. The larger screen enhances the video calling experience and makes it easier to manage multiple chats. But do keep in mind limitations like no SMS support, battery drain and lack of multi-device syncing before using WhatsApp extensively on your tablet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use WhatsApp on an iPad or Apple tablet?
Unfortunately, WhatsApp is not available to install or use on iPads or any tablets running iOS/iPadOS. WhatsApp is only compatible with Android tablets currently.
Do I need a SIM card to use WhatsApp on a tablet?
You don’t need a SIM card if your tablet is connected to WiFi, but an active cellular plan number is required to verify your account. You can use your existing smartphone’s SIM in the tablet temporarily for verification.
Can I use WhatsApp Web on a tablet?
Yes, you can access WhatsApp Web by scanning the QR code from your tablet’s browser. This will mirror your primary smartphone device’s WhatsApp account on the web.
How do I transfer my WhatsApp chats from phone to tablet?
There’s no direct way to transfer your chat history across devices. You can use a third-party backup service to backup chats on your phone and restore it to tablet.
Can I use two WhatsApp accounts on one tablet?
Unfortunately, only one WhatsApp account can be linked and actively used on an Android tablet at a time, unlike on dual-SIM phones.
Comparison of WhatsApp Features on Tablets vs. Smartphones
| Feature | Tablets | Smartphones |
|---|---|---|
| Messaging | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Voice Calls | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Video Calls | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Group Chats | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Media Sharing | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Status Updates | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| SMS Integration | ❌ Unavailable | ✅ Available |
| Multi-Device Support | ❌ Unavailable | ❌ Unavailable |
| Tablet Optimization | ❌ Poor | ✅ Excellent |