This is how you can sign in to WhatsApp Web on your laptop and Minimize Screen Time.
WhatsApp is a digital communication channel that helps ease the communication process between senders and recipients. It has been helping friends, families, co-workers, and others stay in touch on their mobile devices.
WhatsApp’s free messaging features are prominent in all countries. However, WhatsApp also makes it easier for users to log on to WhatsApp using their personal computer (PC) to chat seamlessly. This helps users manage their screen time, thus helping them save more battery life.
However, there’s a misconception that setting up WhatsApp web is more complex than setting up mobile WhatsApp, and some opine that WhatsApp web can only be used by tech experts.
The truth remains that the use of “WhatsApp for PC” is for all, and this publication will examine what WhatsApp web is, how to sign in, and how to solve common errors associated with signing in.
What is WhatsApp Web?
WhatsApp web helps users to simultaneously access messages from their mobile phone and desktop computer or laptop. Since its launch in 2015, WhatsApp web functions as a mirror or clone of an existing WhatsApp account, and users can link up to 4 computer systems.
It’s been adopted by billions of people in the world because of its flexibility and exciting features. WhatsApp users can perform the same tasks they perform on WhatsApp applications such as sending media files, messages, stickers, etc.
Is Whatsapp Web Secure?
There are certain persons who neglect the use of WhatsApp web due to various cyber security threats. WhatsApp has constantly improved on improving its security features and offering maximized end-to-end encryption among users. WhatsApp web is as secure as the WhatsApp application, and your chats can’t be infiltrated by hackers. Using an up-to-date browser also reduces your vulnerability to cyber threats.
However, WhatsApp Web poses a risk when you log in to Whatsapp Web on a shared PC such as your company’s PC. Anyone who has the passkey to the shared computer can access your WhatsApp messages via the browser linked to your account.
WhatsApp Software Vs WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp web and the WhatsApp software are designed to enhance encrypted conversations on computer systems. Although they perform the same function, their mode of usage is different.
WhatsApp software requires users to download an application from the WhatsApp WhatsApp.com official website and select the file that matches their operating system e.g. Linux, Apple, or Windows. The WhatsApp software performs a similar function to a WhatsApp application in the sense that users can access it online/offline.
One of the major differences between WhatsApp software and WhatsApp Web is that users can independently sign up or sign in on the WhatsApp software. However, WhatsApp Web can only function with an existing account. To set up WhatsApp Web, users must create an account using the mobile WhatsApp app. Thereafter they can proceed to click on the WhatsApp settings menu navigate to the WhatsApp web menu option and follow the instructions to connect to their PC.
Another demerit of using WhatsApp Web when compared to the software is that the calling feature is restricted on the WhatsApp Web platform. While WhatsApp web software for PC functions like the WhatsApp application on Google or Apple store.
How Does WhatsApp Web Works?
The WhatsApp web feature is available for both iPhone and Android phone users, and this section gives a detailed guideline on how to link your mobile WhatsApp to your personal computer.
For Android Users:
The first step is to scroll through your app lists on your phone and launch WhatsApp, then click the 3 dot icon at the top right corner of your phone. The 3 dot icon can be found next to the camera icon.
The next step is to click on the “Link Devices” option. A new page will pop up asking you to link a device, click on it. Ensure you are connected to the internet else you receive an error message asking you to connect to the internet via WiFi or mobile data.
After clicking on the “Link a device” menu, your camera will come on and you’ll asked to scan a QR code, and here’s where your PC comes into play. Power on your PC, and go to any web browser of your choice (recommendably Google Chrome). Then type in the URL web.whatsapp.com and a page showing step-by-step instructions on how to link your WhatsApp account will pop up, ignore the instructions and pick up your phone to scan the QR code at the top right corner of your computer system.
Wait for a few seconds for it to synchronize, and voila your WhatsApp can be accessed on your computer system. You’ll them to perform all tasks as you would on your mobile device thereby reducing your mobile phone screen time.
Steps To Launch WhatsApp Web From Android
Launch WhatsApp >Menu > linked devices > link a device > open web.whatsapp.com on computer web browser > scan QR code.
How To Login To WhatsApp Web From iPhone
The process of signing in to an iPhone is similar to that of an Android device. To get started, launch the WhatsApp application on your iOS device, click on the menu option, click on the link devices option, and proceed to link your computer web browser by scanning the QR code on your screen after visiting the web.whatsapp.com url.
Steps To Launch WhatsApp Web From iPhone
Launch WhatsApp >Menu > linked devices > link a device > open web.whatsapp.com on computer web browser > scan QR code.
How To Sign In To WhatsApp Web With Phone Number
An alternative way of signing in to WhatsApp Web is to use your phone number to sign in. This process does not require you to first open your WhatsApp application or scan any QR code. You only need your mobile phone to receive a confirmation sms and have your PC connected to the internet.
To begin, open the URL web.whatsapp on your preferred browser in your computer system. Click on “Sign in with mobile number” then input your country code and your phone number. A confirmation code will be sent to your mobile number to confirm if it’s really you who’s to sign in.
Once you input the confirmation code, you’ll be automatically logged in.
Importance Of WhatsApp Web
There are several advantages attached to using Whatsapp Web and they are as follows;
The screen size of a desktop computer, or laptop computer is considered larger than most mobile devices. Choosing to access WhatsApp on a PC puts users at the advantage of accessing their chat with a bold font.
One of the benefits of using WhatsApp Web is the convenience that comes with it. Most people like to save their large files on their computer system or back them up on the cloud. With your computer system, WhatsApp users can access their large files easily without having to first transfer files from their PC to their mobile phone.
The continual usage of WhatsApp apps on mobile devices puts users at risk of damaging their phones when accidents happen. Using WhatsApp on a desktop or laptop is less risk-free because users have to sit down in a comfortable position to access the application thus limiting the risks of accidents.
WhatsApp web eliminates unprofessionalism in the place of work while responding to messages. It will be unprofessional to be attending to a client and simultaneously responding to messages on your mobile phone.
However, with the integration of the WhatsApp web, you can apply professionals while still responding to messages. Business owners can also take advantage of integrating their WhatsApp business account on their web browsers.
Demerits Of Using WhatsApp Web
- Unlike the WhatsApp app, users can’t leave an offline message on the WhatsApp web.
- WhatsApp web limits users from changing their profile picture or updating their social status.
- Calls are restricted on WhatsApp web.
Logging Out From WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp allows up to 4 computer devices to act as a mirror of a WhatsApp account. Learning the process of linking your WhatsApp account to WhatsApp Web may induce doubt in your spouse, colleague, or family member who has access to your mobile phone.
Learning how to log out from WhatsApp on a shared computer is important. To get started, launch WhatsApp and click on the menu option, then click on linked devices and log out from your desired computer system. If you are unsure of the shared computer device, you can log out of all computers from your account.
The above process also works when you want to stop being monitored by a spouse, or family member that has cloned your WhatsApp without your consent.
Conclusion
The introduction of WhatsApp web has been reducing screen time, and saving battery life on mobile devices. Signing in on WhatsApp web is easy and does not require any tech skills. WhatsApp users can carry out operations on their computer system with a bigger screen, and bigger keyboard.
Following the processes outlined in this guide puts WhatsApp users one step ahead of connecting their WhatsApp account to their personal or shared computer.
