WhatsApp Web is an online application that runs through a web browser and allows WhatsApp users to access all their information without installing any additional software . It is currently under active development by Meta, the company that owns the messaging platform.

Although it’s a web application, this online version includes most of the features available in the native WhatsApp apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. Of course, it simplifies the management of individual and group chats, with features like archiving, deleting conversations, and sending new messages. It also allows you  to open new chats without using your phone and even includes a menu for attaching files, GIFs, and much more.

WhatsApp Web also allows you to view other people’s statuses, read channel updates, and participate in communities. Occasionally, this browser version of WhatsApp may include features not available in the desktop applications for Windows or macOS. One example is the status editor , which allows you to upload updates directly from your browser.

Other important features of WhatsApp Web are:

  • App lock.  Allows you to keep your chats safe and protect access to WhatsApp Web with a password.
  • Support for browser notifications. Just like a native app, WhatsApp Web supports browser alerts.
  • Keyboard shortcuts. Another thing Meta has done very well with WhatsApp Web is to provide it with a long list of key combinations to quickly execute actions without taking your hands off the keyboard.

If you want to learn more about this web application, we recommend you take a look at our guide on how to get the most out of WhatsApp Web . There, we also explain how to get started and link your account.

What is WhatsApp Web used for?

Strictly speaking, WhatsApp Web allows you to  connect to your WhatsApp account through a web browser. You can also say it lets you chat with your contacts without using your phone. The fact that it’s a web application is a significant advantage, as it enables access to your chats on virtually any device. All you need is a modern web browser, and you’re good to go.

Beyond its primary purpose, there are some use cases worth reviewing that allow us to answer the question in this section: what exactly is WhatsApp Web used for? Consider these examples:

  • Using WhatsApp on an iPad. The fact that WhatsApp hasn’t released a native iPad version by now is truly bizarre. However, nothing prevents you from opening Safari, going to web.whatsapp.com , and connecting your account on your tablet
  • Accessing WhatsApp from Linux or a Chromebook . Another common use case is accessing chats from two desktop operating systems that aren’t compatible with the official app: Linux and ChromeOS. It’s as simple as opening WhatsApp Web in Firefox (or your preferred browser) and linking your account to your phone.
  • Chatting on WhatsApp on public computers . If you frequently use public computers, such as those in the university library or at work, WhatsApp Web is very useful. Simply scan the QR code displayed on the main screen with your phone to access all your account’s chats. Then, just log out to leave no trace.
  • For computers with limited resources or older models , WhatsApp Web doesn’t consume significantly more resources than other websites and takes up very little disk space, making it a good solution for less powerful computers. It’s also ideal for computers that don’t meet the software requirements for installing the native app.