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WhatsApp Web: complete guide to use and tips

In this guide we show the most relevant features of WhatsApp Web, analyzing its advantages and disadvantages and how it compares to the mobile messaging application.

Martial Triguero
By Martial Triguero
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WhatsApp Web expands the functionality of the mobile app by allowing us to use it from browsers on computers and tablets, offering real-time synchronization of messages, photos and documents. Although it lacks some features such as voice or video calls and location sharing, its usefulness for managing conversations on larger screens is notable. Ideal for working from the PC, WhatsApp Web becomes an essential tool in our daily routine, despite its limitations compared to the mobile version.

Currently, instant communication is as vital as the air we breathe, WhatsApp has become an indispensable tool in our daily lives. Not only on our mobile phones, where his reign began, but also on our computers and tablets through Web WhatsApp.

This extension of the messaging service allows us to stay connected and manage our conversations more comfortably when we are in front of a larger screen. But do you really know all the advantages it offers and how to get the most out of it?

Join me on this journey where we will delve into how it works, the substantial differences with the mobile app and some tricks that will surprise you.

What is WhatsApp web and its differences with the mobile app

Maybe you've used it many times, but have you stopped to think about what exactly it is? Web WhatsApp? This is a version of WhatsApp designed to be used from a web browser, allowing you to access your messages, photos, documents and more, without having to have your phone at hand.

This service syncs with your mobile device and replicates your conversations in real time, which, as you can imagine, is a tremendous advantage (I use it daily) when you're working on your PC or laptop.

Although let's be honest, not everything is idyllic in the world of WhatsApp Web. There are some differences between this version and the one we know on our smartphone. You may miss, for example, the ability to make voice or video calls, functions that are not yet enabled on the web. Or maybe you're frustrated that you can't share your location in real time.

Despite this, the web version shares a large amount of functionality with the mobile application, making it an extremely useful tool.

To better understand these differences, I have prepared a table that summarizes them in an organized way:

FunctionWhatsappWeb WhatsApp
Basic communication
Send messagesYesYes
Send picturesYesYes
Send videosYesYes
Share documentsYesYes
share contactsYesYes
send emojiYesYes
Add new emojisYesYes
Send GIFsYesYes
Send stickersYesYes
Send voice messagesYesYes
Photo and video features
Send multiple photos at onceYesYes
Send photos with the cameraYesYes
Add filters to photosYesNo
Edit photo contentYesYes
Add comments to photosYesYes
Special functions
Share locationYesNo
Send video messagesYesNo
Voice callsYesNo
Video callsYesNo
Temporary messagesYesYes
See statesYesYes
Create statesYesNo
Management and configuration
Search conversations and contactsYesYes
Search within a conversationYesYes
Edit your profileYesYes
Empty conversationYesYes
Set conversationYesYes
Archive conversationsYesYes
Mute conversationYesYes
Mark as unreadYesYes
Set privacyYesNo
Set up securityYesNo
Set up number changeYesNo
Configure notificationsYesYes
Set wallpaperYesYes
Set blockedYesYes
Set up automatic downloadYesNo
Check data usageYesNo
Add contactYesNo
Create groupYesYes
Create broadcastYesNo

As you can see, the list of “Yeses” is quite extensive, and that is something that, personally, I appreciate a lot in my daily life.

However, the absence of some features, such as voice or video calls, is a reminder that Web WhatsApp It is still a complement to the mobile version and is not yet a complete replacement for it. For certain specific tasks, we will have to return to our trusty smartphone.

Guide to configure and use WhatsApp Web

First steps to pair your device

If you are ready to use this perfect plugin and want connect your device with WhatsApp Web, I will tell you the steps you must follow:

  1. Go to the page web.whatsapp.com from your favorite browser.
  2. Open the WhatsApp application on your mobile and tap the three vertical dots icon on Android or 'Settings' on iOS.
  3. Select 'Paired devices' and then tap 'Pair a device'.
  4. Point your mobile camera at the QR code that will appear on the screen of your PC or laptop.
Instructions to connect WhatsApp Web by showing a QR code on the screen, accompanied by numbered steps and an example of the interface on a computer.
The QR code to open a WhatsApp session via the web

It is a fairly intuitive and quick process, but remember, Your phone must have an active Internet connection so that the synchronization is carried out correctly.

Here I leave it all in images, step by step:

1. Linked devices

Screenshot showing the WhatsApp app menu on a mobile with the "Linked devices" option highlighted, a necessary step to connect to WhatsApp Web.

2. Pair a device

'Linked devices' screen in WhatsApp with an illustration of a mobile phone and a computer, and a button to "Link a device".

3. Scan the QR code

WhatsApp interface on a mobile showing the option to "Scan QR code" with a background image of a desktop with a computer.

Send messages and files: available functions

Once the connection is established, you may wonder: what now? Well, you have a new world of possibilities in front of you. Use Web WhatsApp it allows you:

  • Send and receive messages instantly.
  • Share photos and videos from your computer or your clipboard.
  • Send PDF documents, presentations and other files with simple drag and drop.
  • Record and send voice messages using your computer's microphone.
Screenshot of the WhatsApp Web chat interface showing the options to attach files such as document, photos and videos, camera, contact, survey and create a new sticker.

Personally, I find it very comfortable to be able to type with the physical keyboard of the computer, so for me it is a great point in favor in productivity.

What you can do and what you can't

Despite WhatsApp's efforts to offer a similar experience to the mobile version, there are limitations.

For example, you already know that you cannot make voice or video calls from WhatsApp Web, nor share your location in real time or configure privacy settings.

However, you have access to most of the communication tools that you already use on your mobile device, which makes WhatsApp Web a very complete tool for everyday use.

Solve common problems in WhatsApp Web

Connection problems and their solutions

We all know that sometimes technology decides to go against us a little. And WhatsApp Web is not exempt from this.

If you have experienced connection problems, you may have found yourself in the situation of looking at the screen without really knowing what to do. Don't despair, here are some Practical tips for the most common connection problems:

  • Verify that your phone maintains an internet connection.
  • Make sure your computer is also connected to a stable network.
  • Try signing out of WhatsApp Web and pair your device again by scanning the QR code.
  • If you experience slowness or continuous crashes, it may be helpful to clear the cache and cookies in your browser.
  • In extreme cases, restarting both your mobile and your router may be the simplest and most effective solution.

The good thing is that, in general, connection problems are usually temporary and with these steps you will be back in the chat in the blink of an eye.

Message Sync: What to do when it doesn't work

Has it happened to you that you open WhatsApp Web and suddenly you don't see part of the recent conversation that is on your mobile? This may be due to synchronization problems. To solve it, here are some quick recommendations that I usually apply when it happens to me:

  • Check that the WhatsApp mobile application is updated to the latest version available.
  • Try signing out of WhatsApp Web and pairing your phone again.
  • Make sure you are not using the beta version of WhatsApp on your mobile, as this may cause inconsistencies.
  • Restart your phone to force the conversations to update and then try connecting with WhatsApp Web again.

Keeping your messages up to date is crucial, and with these tricks you will achieve it without complications. Remember, synchronization is the heart of WhatsApp Web and maintaining harmony between your devices is what allows us to enjoy all its advantages.

Advanced tips and tricks for WhatsApp Web

Essential keyboard shortcuts

If I have learned anything by squeezing all the juice out of Web WhatsApp is that keyboard shortcuts are your best allies to increase efficiency. There is nothing like knowing the key combinations to move like a fish in water. Here are some of the shortcuts that I consider essential:

  • CTRL+N: Open a new chat.
  • Ctrl + Shift + ]: Go to the next chat.
  • Ctrl+Shift+[: Go to previous chat.
  • Ctrl+Shift+M: Mute the chat.
  • Ctrl+E: Archive the chat.
  • Ctrl+Backspace: Delete the chat.
  • Ctrl+P: Open the contact profile.
  • Ctrl+Shift+U: Mark as unread.

These shortcuts may vary slightly depending on the operating system you use, but in general they work great in most cases. And believe me, once you get used to them, there is no turning back!

Manage multiple accounts and other hacks

Use multiple accounts on the web with WhatsApp Web: And what do you say about managing multiple WhatsApp accounts at the same time? I confess that this can be a real lifehack If, like me, you manage different profiles for work or pleasure. To do magic you just have to open a session Web WhatsApp in an incognito window or in a different browser. This way, you can switch between accounts without breaking your mind.

Automatically download media: Another trick that can come in handy is downloading images and videos automatically to your computer. You just have to go to the three dots at the top next to the “Add chat” icon, select “Settings” and then “Automatic media file download”. This way you don't have to manually activate each type of file that you want to download automatically (currently videos are unchecked from this option, by default).

These are just some of the hidden gems that Web WhatsApp has to offer you. With these tips, you will be able to get even more out of this very useful tool in our digital daily life.

Using WhatsApp Web on additional devices

How to use WhatsApp Web on tablets

Perhaps you have a question about whether it is possible to use WhatsApp Web on tablets, whether Android or iPads. The good news is that yes, it is totally doable and I can tell you that the experience is quite rewarding thanks to the larger screens. To achieve this, you just have to follow a series of simple steps:

  1. Open your tablet's browser and access the WhatsApp Web website.
  2. Be sure to request the desktop version in your browser if it doesn't load automatically.
  3. From the WhatsApp app on your mobile, select 'Linked devices' and then 'Pair a device'.
  4. Scan the QR code displayed on your tablet screen with your mobile phone.

And voila, you'll have your chats available on a larger screen, ideal for more intense messaging sessions or for when your phone is out of reach.

Clone WhatsApp: use your account on two phones

On the other hand, if you need to use your WhatsApp account on two phones simultaneously, I am going to tell you how to do it using Web WhatsApp. This could be useful, for example, if you have a work phone and a personal phone and you want to manage your messages from both. Here's how to achieve it:

  1. Open the browser on one of your mobile phones and visit the WhatsApp Web page.
  2. Activate the desktop version of the website if necessary.
  3. With the other phone, access WhatsApp, go to 'Linked devices' and select 'Pair a device'.
  4. Scan the QR code that appears on the first mobile.

With this, you can have your WhatsApp open and available on two phones, which is wonderful for keeping track of your messages without having to change devices all the time.

Make the most of WhatsApp Web

After this exhaustive tour through the bowels of Web WhatsApp, I hope you have found all the information and tricks I have shared with you valuable. From understanding what it is and how to configure it, to solving common problems and discovering useful shortcuts, to the intriguing world of future updates.

As we could see, WhatsApp Web is a tool that has become an essential extension of our mobile WhatsApp, offering us comfort and efficiency on our largest screens. Although it has its limitations compared to the mobile app, the advantages are notable.

Remember to keep your application updated and be sure to explore new ways to take advantage of this powerful tool.

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Technology veteran with more than 20 years of experience, passionate about mobile devices, home automation and artificial intelligence. In addition to my fascination with movies and series, I have solid experience in server and database administration. Committed to continuous learning, I always seek to stay up to date with the latest technological trends.
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