How to Install WhatsApp on PC or Mac

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: August 28, 2019 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to download and install WhatsApp on your PC or Mac. In order to set up WhatsApp on your computer, you'll have to have WhatsApp installed on your phone as well.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Downloading the WhatsApp Setup File

1
Open the WhatsApp download page. You'll be able to download the WhatsApp setup file from here.
2
Click the green download button. It's on the right side of the page, below the "Download WhatsApp for Mac or Windows PC" heading. Clicking this button will prompt your setup file to download.
- If you're downloading on a Mac, this button will say "Download for Mac OS X", whereas it will say "Download for Windows" on a PC.
- You may need to choose a download location and click OK to begin downloading your file depending on your browser.
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3
Wait for your file to finish downloading. This process should only take a couple minutes. Once your file has completely downloaded, you can proceed with installing WhatsApp.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Installing WhatsApp

1
Double-click the setup file. It's the file named "WhatsApp.dmg" on a Mac or "WhatsAppSetup" on a PC with the WhatsApp logo (a white phone on a green speech bubble) as its icon. You'll find the setup file in your computer's default download location (e.g., your desktop).
2
Wait for WhatsApp to install. Once it's done, you'll see the WhatsApp logo appear on your desktop.
- If you're installing WhatsApp on a Mac, you may first have to click and drag the "WhatsApp" icon into the "Applications" folder in the pop-up window.
3
Double-click WhatsApp. Doing so will open a window with a code you can scan. The code resembles a black checkered box with a black-and-white WhatsApp icon in the middle.
4
Open WhatsApp on your phone. If you don't have WhatsApp on your phone yet, you'll need to download and install it first.
5
Open the WhatsApp code scanner. Depending on the type of phone you're using, this process will vary:
- iPhone - Tap Settings in the bottom-right corner of your screen, then tap WhatsApp Web/Desktop near the top of the screen.
- Android - Tap ⋮ and tap WhatsApp Web at the top of the menu.
6
Point your phone's camera at the code. Doing so will cause WhatsApp to scan the code, which will verify your account and complete the WhatsApp installation process. You can now use WhatsApp on your computer.
- If the code expired, click the green circle in the middle of the code to reload it.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I use whatsapp without installing it on my laptop?

Community Answer

Enter web.whatsapp.com on your laptop and then do step 4, 5, and 6. It will be completely the same, but without the need to install it.
Question

Can I add a new WhatsApp account on my phone when I already have one account connected to the phone?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. You can use apps from play store that allow multiple profiles. There are many. On a rooted device you can use titanium backup and create a new profile for WhatsApp.
Question

What should I do if I don't have a PC to run WhatsApp?

Community Answer

You should simply run WhatsApp on your phone. It is mainly an app for phones and mobile devices; it's not necessary to use it on a PC.

Warnings

WhatsApp's computer version synchronizes with your phone to load contacts, settings, and conversations. If your phone isn't connected to Wi-Fi, this synchronization will use your data, which may lead to extra charges on your phone's account.

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