WhatsApp Integration Guide for MacOS Enthusiasts - Start Messaging Today

What to Know

• You must have WhatsApp installed and set up on your mobile phone before you can use it on your Mac.
• Download WhatsApp from the Mac App Store or the WhatsApp download page.
• Use the tabs in the WhatsApp window or options in the Mac menu bar to navigate and perform actions.

This article explains how to download and set up the freeWhatsApp desktop application for Mac as well as basic usage of the app. The instructions apply to macOS Sonoma 14.2 or later.

How to Download WhatsApp Desktop for Mac

You have two ways to download and install the WhatsApp desktop app for the Mac. You can get the app from theMac App Store or the WhatsApp website. Both app versions are the same, so you can use whichever method is best for you.

Download WhatsApp From the App Store

To getWhatsApp from Apple , open the App Store on your Mac and follow these steps.

1. Type “WhatsApp” in the Search box on the top left and pressReturn .
2. When you seeWhatsApp Messenger in the list of results, select it.
   
3. Optionally review the description and chooseGet to download the app to your Mac.
   
4. Enter your password, or use Touch/Face ID, to authorize the download if prompted.

Download WhatsApp From the Website

If you’re browsing the internet or using WhatsApp’s web version, you can downloadWhatsApp for the Mac from the website.

1. VisitWhatsApp on the web and either select the greenDownload button on the top right or pickDownload in the top navigation and thenDownload once more on the subsequent screen.
   
2. Follow any prompts per your web browser to grant permission for the download.
3. Open theDownloads folder for the web browser you’re using and select the WhatsApp installer file.
   
4. When the installer opens, drag theWhatsApp icon to theApplications folder icon.
   
5. Close the installer window if necessary.

How to Set Up WhatsApp on Mac

To use WhatsApp on your Mac, you must have the app installed and set up on your mobile phone first. Then, follow the steps below.

1. OpenWhatsApp on your mobile phone and tapMenu orSettings at the bottom, depending on your device.
2. SelectLinked Devices .
3. TapLink a Device and grant camera access if prompted.
   
4. Open theApplications folder on your Mac and selectWhatsApp to launch the app.
   
5. ClickGet Started on the WhatsApp welcome screen.

6. You’ll see a QR code along with instructions to capture the code.

7. Use your mobile device to capture the QR code in the WhatsApp window on your Mac.
8. You should see a brief “logging in” message and your Mac display as a linked device on your mobile phone. You can then close WhatsApp on your mobile device.

9. Choose how you would like to see notifications for WhatsApp on your Mac by enabling the toggles and selectingDone .

You’ll then see the main WhatsApp screen where you can start communicating with your contacts.

How to Use WhatsApp on Mac

To control communications, perform actions, and navigateWhatsApp desktop on macOS, you can use the app window, Mac menu bar, or a combination of both.

Use the WhatsApp Tabs

You’ll see the same tabs in WhatsApp on Mac as in the mobile app, although displayed along the left side of the app window instead of the bottom of the screen.

• Chats : Start a new message or continue a previous conversation.
• Calls :Make a voice or video call and view your call history.
• Status : View items disappearing after 24 hours or channel updates.
• Archives : Review your archived items and unarchive them if needed.
• Starred Messages : See your starred messages and their connected conversations.
• Settings : View your account or adjust your notification, chat, privacy, and storage preferences.

Use WhatsApp With the Menu Bar

In keeping with otherapps you use on macOS , you can navigate and perform actions in WhatsApp using the Mac menu bar.

Note

Menu items are grayed out if they aren’t applicable at the time. For example, if you’re on the WhatsApp Calls tab, the Chat menu actions are unavailable.

• WhatsApp : See the app’s version number, open the Settings, check for updates, and quit WhatsApp.
• File : Start a new chat or call, open a recent item, use the search, or close the window.
• Chat : Hide a chat, see a contact’s details, and archive, pin, or mute a conversation.
• Call : Mute the microphone, turn off the camera, show the participants, or choose a connected device.
• View : Open one of the tabs, view your profile, see the previous or next chat, or change the text size.

Standard macOS menus, including Edit, Window, and Help, are also available to undo or redo actions, minimize or maximize the windows, search the menus, and access the WhatsApp Help Center.

With WhatsApp desktop for Mac, you can keep up with chats and calls without searching for your mobile phone.

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