WhatsApp Web lets users access their chats from a desktop browser without installing additional software by linking the phone to the browser session via a QR code and keeping messages synced in real time
How it works
To start using WhatsApp Web you open the web client in a browser and scan the displayed QR code with WhatsApp on your phone. This establishes a secure link between your mobile account and the browser session so messages and media appear in both places.
No installation required
Because WhatsApp Web runs in the browser there is no need to download or install additional desktop applications, making it a quick option for using the service on shared or temporary machines while preserving the core mobile account model.
Real-time sync and core features
Once linked the session synchronises in real time so you can send and receive messages, share files, and make use of many of the same features available on a smartphone. Chats remain tied to the phone account while the browser mirrors activity for convenience.
Security and multi-device use
The QR‑based linking process and device management controls in WhatsApp help users monitor and revoke browser sessions as needed, and recent updates have expanded multi‑device support so users can keep browser sessions active even when the phone is offline under certain configurations.
Practical tips
Use WhatsApp Web on trusted computers, log out of public or shared machines when finished, enable screen lock on your phone to protect active sessions, and check the linked devices list in the mobile app to see and manage connected browsers and desktops.