WhatsApp desktop allows you to use WhatsApp on your computer’s web browser. It syncs with your phone so you can send and receive messages without having your phone nearby. However, sometimes WhatsApp desktop may stop working properly on Mac. Here are some potential reasons and fixes for when WhatsApp desktop is not working on Mac.
Software Compatibility Issues
One common reason for WhatsApp desktop issues on Mac is software compatibility problems. WhatsApp desktop requires your Mac to be running a supported browser and OS version. Here are some software compatibility issues that can prevent WhatsApp desktop from working properly:
- Outdated browser – WhatsApp desktop requires Safari 12 or later, Firefox 72 or later, Chrome 79 or later. Older browsers may not work properly.
- Old macOS version – You need macOS 10.11 or newer to run WhatsApp desktop. Older OS versions are not supported.
- Beta software – Using beta or prerelease software can cause issues with WhatsApp desktop. Try installing the latest stable software updates.
To fix browser or OS compatibility problems, make sure you have installed the latest stable versions of macOS and your preferred web browser. Avoid using beta software when running WhatsApp desktop.
Connection Issues
Since WhatsApp desktop requires an internet connection and syncs data with your phone, connection problems can also prevent it from working properly. Here are some WhatsApp desktop connection issues to check on Mac:
- No internet connection – Check that your Mac has an active WiFi or ethernet internet connection.
- Firewall blocking access – Your firewall settings may be blocking WhatsApp desktop’s connection. Add an exception for WhatsApp.
- Phone not connected – Ensure your phone has an internet connection and that Bluetooth is enabled if using wireless sync.
- Too many devices connected – WhatsApp desktop can only be used on one computer at a time per account. Make sure you don’t have it open on another device.
- Poor internet connection – Slow/unreliable connections can disrupt WhatsApp desktop. Try moving closer to your router or switching to a stronger connection.
Troubleshoot your network connection and internet connectivity settings to resolve any connection problems. Also make sure your phone is connected to the internet and linked to your WhatsApp desktop session.
Account and Login Issues
If you are having trouble logging in or staying logged in to WhatsApp desktop, it could be related to your account. Some account-related issues that can affect WhatsApp desktop are:
- Incorrect login info – Double check you are entering the correct phone number and verification code to link your account.
- Two-factor authentication enabled – If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you need to enter the additional PIN after scanning the QR code when linking your account.
- Phone number change – If you changed your phone number, you’ll need to re-verify your account before using WhatsApp desktop.
- Logged in on multiple devices – You can only stay logged into one phone and one computer per account at a time. Make sure you are not logged in elsewhere.
- Account banned – If your WhatsApp account was banned for violating Terms of Service, you will be unable to use WhatsApp desktop.
Carefully follow the login process and verify your account info is correct. Also double check that you are abiding by WhatsApp’s policies to avoid a ban.
Corrupt App Data or Profile
Over time, the WhatsApp desktop app data or profile on your Mac can become corrupted and prevent the app from working. Some ways to fix corrupt data issues include:
- Clear browser cache/data – Open browser settings and clear cached files and site data for web.whatsapp.com.
- Use private/incognito mode – Launch your browser in private browsing mode and re-link your WhatsApp account.
- Uninstall/reinstall the app – Download and install the latest WhatsApp desktop app from the official website.
- Reset app data – In the app settings menu, reset/clear app data which will unlink your account and delete local files.
Resetting the browser data and WhatsApp desktop files can help resolve data corruption issues. Make sure to back up your chat history before resetting app data.
Security Software Interference
Some third party security, antivirus, VPN, ad blocking, and firewall programs can block WhatsApp desktop from working properly. Try temporarily disabling other security software on your Mac and see if that resolves the issue.
You can also try whitelisting WhatsApp desktop in your firewall, antivirus, or security program. Refer to their documentation on how to allow/exclude a specific application from being blocked.
Problem with Linked Phone
Since WhatsApp desktop relies on linking and syncing with your phone’s WhatsApp account, problems on your phone can prevent WhatsApp desktop from working properly. Some phone-related issues include:
- Phone offline – Ensure your phone has cellular signal or WiFi connection.
- Incorrect sync settings – Double check WhatsApp sync settings to confirm sync with WhatsApp desktop is enabled.
- Phone OS/WhatsApp version outdated – Update your phone OS and WhatsApp app to the latest version.
- Notifications muted – Check that notifications are not muted for the WhatsApp app on your phone.
- Battery optimizations limiting sync – Disable battery optimizations or power saving modes that may limit background sync.
Make sure to rule out any issues with your linked phone that could be preventing WhatsApp desktop from connecting and syncing properly.
Web Version Not Supported on Mac
While native Mac and Windows apps are available for WhatsApp desktop, the web version at web.whatsapp.com does not officially support Safari on Mac. You may encounter issues using the web platform via Safari on a Mac and will need to use the native Mac app instead.
Some problems with using WhatsApp web on Mac include:
- Syncing stops working over time
- Chat messages get stuck on “Sending…”
- Notifications are delayed or do not appear
- App seems slow or unresponsive
For the best experience, use the dedicated WhatsApp desktop app for Mac instead of the web platform. Download it from the WhatsApp website.
How to Troubleshoot WhatsApp Desktop Issues
If you are still encountering issues getting WhatsApp desktop to work properly on your Mac, follow these general troubleshooting steps:
- Check for software updates – Make sure your Mac, browser, WhatsApp app, and phone are updated.
- Disable security software – Temporarily turn off firewalls, VPNs, antivirus etc and test WhatsApp desktop.
- Try different browsers – Attempt to link your account in Safari, Firefox, and Chrome to isolate browser issues.
- Verify account on phone – Sign out then back into your WhatsApp account on your phone before connecting to desktop.
- Clear app data/cache – Reset local WhatsApp desktop files and browser data for web.whatsapp.com.
- Restart devices – Shut down and restart your Mac, router, phone to clear any memory issues.
- Reinstall WhatsApp desktop – Download the latest version and do a clean reinstall.
Methodically trying different troubleshooting steps can help identify what exact issue is occurring and how to resolve it. Be sure to also check WhatsApp’s help documentation for updated troubleshooting advice.
Common WhatsApp Desktop Errors and How to Fix Them
Beyond general issues with WhatsApp desktop not working correctly, here are some specific common error messages and how to fix them:
| Error Message | How to Fix |
|---|---|
| “Incorrect Code. Please try again.” |
|
| “Invalid QR code. Please scan again.” |
|
| “Device limit reached. Max 1 phone and 1 computer per account.” |
|
| “QR code expired. Please refresh code again.” |
|
| “Sorry, you’ve been banned…” |
|
Referring to common WhatsApp desktop errors can help diagnose your specific issue quicker. The fixes often involve refreshing codes, unlinking devices, or contacting support if banned.
Preventing WhatsApp Desktop Problems
Here are some tips to help prevent and avoid WhatsApp desktop issues in the future:
- Keep your software updated – Regularly install Mac, browser, and WhatsApp updates.
- Use the dedicated Mac app – For best results, use the WhatsApp desktop app instead of the web version.
- Limit linked devices – Only link your account to one phone and one computer to avoid conflicts.
- Backup your chats – Regularly back up your chat history in case you need to reset app data.
- Avoid beta software – Don’t use prerelease or beta OS, browser, or WhatsApp versions which can have bugs.
- Enable notifications – Keep notifications enabled for WhatsApp desktop and your phone to avoid missing messages.
- Check for connection issues – Make sure your phone and computer have reliable internet connections.
- Follow WhatsApp’s policies – Avoid bans by adhering to WhatsApp’s Terms of Service when using the app.
Following best practices for WhatsApp desktop can reduce the likelihood of something going wrong. Quickly troubleshoot any issues that do arise to get WhatsApp working again.
Conclusion
WhatsApp desktop failing to work properly can be frustrating, but the issue can usually be resolved with some targeted troubleshooting. Update incompatible software versions, rule out connection problems, verify your account, reinstall the app, and check for potential issues with your linked phone. Refer to common errors for quick fixes. With some dedication to troubleshooting, you should be able to get WhatsApp desktop working again on your Mac.