WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop: the difference

The popular WhatsApp chat can also be used from a PC: what are the differences between WhatsApp Web and Desktop

The smartphone is not the only device that allows you to use the WhatsApp app to chat with your contacts. Those who want to use the chat from a computer can do so by resorting to WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop.

The main difference between the two alternative ways of using WhatsApp concerns the way in which you connect and the tools used. WhatsApp Web lets you connect to your chat account using your favorite browser. WhatsApp Desktop, on the other hand, is a real computer app, available for both macOS and Windows devices, that you have to download and install on your PC. In both cases, in order to use the chat, you must have a smartphone on which the WhatsApp app is installed and running. When the smartphone is disconnected, synchronization with PC accounts cannot take place and neither WhatsApp Web nor the Desktop app can be used.

WhatsApp Web: what it is and how to use it

WhatsApp Web is a free browser-based online application, which is a secure way to use the messaging app from your computer directly from your browser. In order to work, you need to associate your WhatsApp account using a handy Qr code.

To associate your account, you need to open the WhatsApp Web page in a browser, such as Chrome, Safari or Edge. A Qr Code will appear on the screen, which will be used to associate the account through the smartphone app.

After opening the app on your phone, tap on the three dots in the top right corner if you are using an Android smartphone, or on Settings for iPhone, and select Connected Devices > Connect a device. A screen will open that allows you to frame the Qr Code present in the browser and automatically the two accounts will be linked.

Once the association of the WhatsApp account from smartphone and browser is completed, all conversations in the app will be synchronized. Every message that is sent or received on the smartphone, will in turn appear on the PC as well.

WhatsApp Deskto: what it is and how to use it

WhatsApp Desktop is an application that can be downloaded to your computer, but it requires the association to the smartphone app account to work properly. The app is available both for PCs running Windows 8.1 or later, and for macOS 10.10 and later.

First of all, you need to download the desktop app from WhatsApp's official website at this address, choosing between the Windows or Mac version. After the download is complete, you need to open the file and follow the instructions to perform the installation on your computer.

After the installation is complete, you will open the WhatsApp Desktop app, which like the web version offers a Qr Code to scan. The process is always the same, opening the WhatsApp app from your smartphone you will have to look for the Connected Devices item, choose to connect a new device and frame the Qr Code. Again, the two accounts will be automatically synchronized and you can chat from your PC.