Finally, the over 2 billion users of WhatsApp can now use the messaging app on their laptops or desktops without their smartphones.
To use WhatsApp without your smartphone, you have to opt into the multi-device beta that gives you early access to try a new version of WhatsApp for Web, Desktop, and Portal.
If you join the multi-device beta, you’ll be able to use linked companion devices without the need to keep your phone connected. Your personal messages, media, and calls are end-to-end encrypted.
You should note that you will first link your smartphone to the Web, Desktop, or Portal at the initial stage, after which you will be able to use WhatsApp without connecting your smartphone.
Here are the steps to take:
Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your phone and tap on the three-dotted icon, which is located on the top right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Tap on “Linked devices” and then tap again on Multi-device beta. Below this option, there is a note that you can “use up to 4 devices without keeping your phone online.” WhatsApp will then display a page, which explains the limitations of the feature and other things.
Step 3: Now, tap on the “Join Beta” button and press on the “Continue” button. Once done, you simply need to link your smartphone to WhatsApp Web by scanning the QR code.
Now you can switch off your data and use your messaging app on your desktop. Note that you still need the internet to do this.
Additional notes
- You can use messaging app on up to four companion devices at one time, but can only have one phone connected to your WhatsApp account at one time.
- You’ll still need to register your WhatsApp account and link new devices with your phone.
- If you don’t use your phone for over 14 days, your linked devices will become disconnected.
