What is WhatsApp Web?
WhatsApp Web is a browser-based extension of the WhatsApp mobile app, through which users can send text messages or media files. Usually, it caters to those who prefer using WhatsApp on a large screen while using laptops or desktop devices.
In order to activate WhatsApp Web, the user needs to generate a QR code in the browser and then scan it from the WhatsApp mobile app to link the WhatsApp account. The design of WhatsApp Web allows users to enjoy the same experience as the WhatsApp mobile app, but on a larger screen. It also has the same end-to-end data security as per the WhatsApp mobile version. If you are interested in knowing more about WhatsApp Web in detail, then make sure you stick through this article till the end.
What are the features of WhatsApp Web?
WhatsApp Web shares several features with the WhatsApp app, but it lacks some of them, such as video calls, audio calls, and contact access.
- It can sync with your phone, reflecting all the messages from the WhatsApp mobile app.
- The user can chat and send files and documents directly from the browser.
- The voice record and voice notes sharing option is available on the WhatsApp web.
- It comes with end-to-end encryption, enabling safe communication, just like the mobile version.
- It supports multiple devices and can function even when your phone is in offline mode over a long distance.
How to use WhatsApp Web? A step-by-step guide
Using WhatsApp Web in your browser is a very simple and straightforward task that even beginners can work on. There are step-by-step procedures for using WhatsApp Web. Follow the steps listed below to gain a practical understanding of how it works.
Step 1:
Open your preferred browser, such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Brave, or Safari, and type web.whatsapp.com into the address bar at the top. Then, press Enter.
Step 2:
After entering the link, wait for it, and meanwhile, open the WhatsApp app on your phone. Download the WhatsApp app if you haven’t already:
- Android: Google Play Store
- iPhone: App Store
Step 3:
Tap the menu (3 dots) on the top right side of your WhatsApp app.
Step 4:
Tap on “Linked Devices.” Then tap, “Link a device.”
Step 5:
Till then, you will receive a QR code in your browser. Now it’s time to scan the QR code with your WhatsApp app.
Once you accurately follow all the above steps, you will successfully connect and begin chatting on your desktop browser. Before proceeding with these procedures, ensure that both your phone and desktop device have a stable and active internet connection for the session to function properly (unless you are using multi-device mode).
What is WhatsApp Business Web?
WhatsApp Business Web is also a browser-based extension of the WhatsApp Business mobile app that allows businesses to manage customer interaction via a desktop browser. Small businesses typically use it to communicate with their customers and share files, documents, catalogs, audio, and videos.
The user can activate WhatsApp Business Web using the same procedure as WhatsApp Web, which involves QR code generator and scanning it from the WhatsApp Business mobile app to link the WhatsApp account. Businesses are getting amazing results with WhatsApp Business Web since it’s simple to use on the big screen.
Features of the WhatsApp Business Web?
Currently, WhatsApp Business Web offers the same features as the WhatsApp Business App, with the exception of the video and audio calls feature. However, you can access these calling features using the WhatsApp desktop app by downloading it.
- You can display a business profile with details like your address, email, website, and business hours.
- To save time, you can generate the quick reply option by saving and reusing pre-set responses for FAQs.
- You can set up automated messages and ensure 24/7 support with greetings and away messages.
- You can directly display the product and service catalog feature within chats.
- Broadcast messaging involves sending updates and promotional messages to multiple contacts at once.
How to Use WhatsApp Business Web for PC? A step-by-step guide
Using WhatsApp Business Web on a PC is similar to using WhatsApp Web on a desktop. Here, we will follow the same steps as mentioned in the previous section.
Download and log in to the WhatsApp Business Web.
WhatsApp Business Web does not require a separate download! Instead, it works directly through your PC web browser. Here’s how to access it step by step:
A step-by-step guide
Step 1:
Open your preferred browser, such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Brave, or Safari, and type web.whatsapp.com into the address bar at the top.
Step 2:
After entering the link, wait for it, and meanwhile, open the WhatsApp Business App on your phone. Download the WhatsApp Business App if you haven’t already:
- Android: Google Play Store
- iPhone: App Store
Step 3:
Tap the 3-dot menu on the top-right side of your WhatsApp business app.
Step 4:
Tap on “Linked Devices.” Then tap, “Link a device.”
Step 5:
Till then, you will receive a QR code in your PC browser. Now it’s time to scan the QR code with your WhatsApp Business app.
Once you accurately follow all the above steps, you will successfully connect and begin chatting on your desktop browser. Before proceeding with these procedures, ensure that both your phone and PC have a stable, active internet connection for the session to function properly (unless you are using multi-device mode).
How to Fix WhatsApp Web & Business Web Connection Issues?
Sometimes, due to technical issues, WhatsApp web connections might require some troubleshooting steps from your end to make sure they work effectively. You can try these problem-solving methods.
- Check your PC and mobile device to ensure your internet connection is working fine. If required, restart your WiFi router and mobile data to check your internet connection.
- Refresh your WhatsApp web or business web browser’s page, e.g., press Ctrl + R (Windows) or Cmd + R (Mac). If the issue persists, try logging out and then logging back in again (Go to 3 dots Menu >> Log out and Re-scan the QR code to reconnect.)
- Ensure you’re using the latest version of Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Brave, or Safari, and clear the browser cache and cookies if the page doesn’t load properly.
- Close and restart your WhatsApp app. Also reopen WhatsApp Web and the QR code again.
- Make sure you’ve activated multi-device support in your WhatsApp app, in the Linked Devices menu. If the option is not there, update your WhatsApp app to the latest version.
- VPNs or proxy networks commonly block WhatsApp Web. Therefore, disconnect the VPN or proxy and attempt to log in again.
- Make sure that your firewall or antivirus software is not blocking WhatsApp Web. Add web.whatsapp.com to your firewall’s allowed list if needed.
- Restart both your phone and computer to refresh their network settings.
- Visit websites like Downdetector to check if WhatsApp servers are down. Wait for the service to restore if there is an outage.
Following the above steps will definitely help you fix WhatsApp Web and Business Web connection issues and run smoothly in your desktop browser. If the issue persists even after attempting the above steps, you should consider reaching out to the WhatsApp customer support team.
How to Use Business WhatsApp?
Business WhatsApp is usually used in two different ways. Firstly, through downloading and installing apps on your mobile devices, and secondly, you can use a desktop browser by typing web.whatsapp.com into the address bar and pressing enter. We have already covered the direct method of using Business WhatsApp Web in the previous section. Now let’s explore how to use Business WhatsApp by downloading and installing the necessary apps on your devices.
- Download and install the app.
Android: Google Play Store
iPhone: App Store
- Set Up Your Business Account
Once you open the app, agree to the terms and conditions. Then, to register your business number, enter your phone number and verify it using the OTP sent to your device.
- Create a Business Profile
Enter the name of your business (you cannot change this later). The business owner can upload the business logo or profile picture. List your address, business hours, website, and email address.
- Start A Chat
You have successfully set up your business profile. Start exploring all the required features that are available in Business WhatsApp. For more detailed information, check out this article.
How to Enable Disappearing Messages on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp’s disappearing messages feature primarily protects privacy. You can enable it by following these steps:
Individual Chats:
- Open the chat (navigate to the chat in which you want to enable disappearing messages).
- Tap the Contact Name (at the top of the screen).
- Choose Disappearing Messages (tap on the option in the menu).
- Choose Time Duration (24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days)
Note: Messages sent after enabling this will disappear once the set duration ends.
Group Chats:
- Open the group chat (where you are the admin).
- Tap Group Name (at the top)
- Choose Disappearing Messages (tap to turn on)
- Select Duration (24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days)
Note: Only group admins can enable or disable disappearing messages.
Default Timer for All Chats:
Open Settings >> Privacy >> Default Message Timer
Choose duration for all new chats.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of WhatsApp Web?
WhatsApp Web enables users to chat on a larger screen instead of switching again and again to their smartphones while they are working.
How can I connect my mobile device to the WhatsApp Web?
It’s simple. Go to web.whatsapp.com, Open WhatsApp Mobile App >>Tap Menu (3 dots) on top right side >> Tap Linked Devices >> Tap on Link a Device and then scan the QR code that is reflecting on the desktop browser.
How can I unlink devices from WhatsApp Web?
Firstly, open WhatsApp Mobile App >> Tap on Menu (3 dots) on top right side >> Tap Linked Devices , choose the device, and then tap Log Out.
Are WhatsApp’s Chrome and app downloads identical?
No, the web version works in a browser; the app works independently once you link it.
Is the video or voice call feature available on WhatsApp Web?
No, but you can make calls using the WhatsApp desktop app by downloading it.
Is desktop calling possible?
Yes. You can use the WhatsApp desktop application, but not WhatsApp Web.
How do you enable WhatsApp Web dark mode?
Simply tap Menu (3 dots) >> Settings >> Theme >> Dark Mode.
Can we use WhatsApp Web to manage one WhatsApp account across two devices?
Yes, the Linked Devices feature allows you to use one account on up to four devices.
Is View Once Supported on WhatsApp Web?
Yes, on both WhatsApp Web and the WhatsApp app, you can view photos and videos only once, but there’s no prevention for screenshotting.
What is the purpose of the WhatsApp Web QR Code?
WhatsApp Web QR Code enables users to link their accounts from mobile devices to larger screens and related devices.
How can I maintain a permanent connection to WhatsApp Web?
During QR code scanning, select the “Keep me signed in” checkbox to continue working.
Once I log in, how many days will WhatsApp Web remain active?
Once you log in to WhatsApp Web through a QR code on your PC, you will remain logged in for the next 14 days, even when your linked mobile device gets switched off, until you log out or unlink your device.
Does WhatsApp Web work when the phone is far away?
Yes, the multi-device feature allows WhatsApp Web to work when your phone is far away or even offline.
How will I know that someone else is reading my WhatsApp messages from another device?
Open WhatsApp Mobile App >> Tap on Menu (3 dots) on top right side >> Tap Linked Devices, check active sessions, and log out unfamiliar devices. .
