How to Use WhatsApp on web?
So far, WhatsApp has been suffering a limitation. Users who wished to access it on their desktop had no official options. Now, WhatsApp has come up with a new web client. Let me describe the steps needed to configure the messenger on your desktop.
What is WhatsApp On Web?
Users who wished to access WhatsApp on web had to rely on hacks for the purpose so far. These hacks included using Android emulators like BlueStacks. There were also limitations on them. You could not use the messenger on two devices at the same time. Also, your previous messages will not be available on the PC version.
Not anymore! WhatsApp has launched its web version. You can now access your WhatsApp account seamlessly on your phone/tablet, PC or Laptop simultaneously without the need for any hack. The Web client is available for Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry and Symbian operating systems. iOS users are left out as of now with no confirmation on the possibility of availability anytime soon.Step By Step Step Instructions To Set Up Your WhatsApp On Web
Here is the stepwise guide to configure your WhatsApp account on your PC.
Step1. Download or update WhatsApp on your phone to the latest version. Make sure that you are using the latest version, else the web version may not work.
Step 2. Launch Google Chrome on your PC.
Visit https://web.whatsapp.com.
A QR code will pop up.
Step 3. Open WhatsApp on your phone and tap on options and choose WhatsApp on the Web.
Step 4. Scan the QR code as shown in the screenshot below.
Done...! You have paired your WhatsApp account with your web client. Your WhatsApp account is now mirrored on your PC.
You can Logout of your account on your PC by clicking on Options and then "Logout". But once you sign out, you will need to repeat the QR code process again to sign in into your account.
Whatsapp on your PC and phone will be continuously synced as long as your phone is connected to internet. In fact, the WhatsApp on web will be a mirror image of your WhatsApp account on your phone. According to the official blog, all your messages and conversations will live on your phone and the web client will only be an extension of your phone.
Though this initiative has come up as a boon for many PC users, there still is a need for some improvements. Limitations
1. WhatsApp on web is a browser version. It would have been better had they launched it as an application.
2. Your phone needs to be connected to the internet as long as you are using WhatsApp on web. If your phone loses data connection, or switches off - web client will go offline.
3. It is currently available only on Google Chrome. Support for other browsers has been indicated to be coming soon, as per official blog.
4. The web client is not available on iOS. WhatsApp has cited Apple's platform limitations as a reason for this. Insiders say lack of background multitasking and suitable push technology are the reasons for missing web client in iOS.
5. You can't block users on the web client. To block, you need to go back to your WhatsApp app on phone.
6. Creating, joining or leaving a group is not supported on the web version. You need to do it via mobile app. However, you can keep receiving and sending messages to the group(s) you have already joined.Conclusion
WhatsApp competitors like Line and WeChat have enabled this service since long. So it is now good to see WhatsApp catching up with them. Hopefully, this will help WhatsApp to gain momentum in gaining subscribers among those who need to keep working on their desks working on computer.
Read How to use WhatsApp on Desktop PC or Laptop
Would like add a point, though I am not sure. It appears that the web client uses data connection from your phone to mirror your WhatsApp account on the PC. So you need to be careful if you are on a limited data plan, or better still switch to a WIFI zone.