WhatsApp lets you chat on your computer using Chrome

You can finally use WhatsApp on your computer. The messaging app has always been mobile focused, but that doesn’t mean users want to be glued to their phones all the time.

Chatting on a laptop will require an Android, Windows Phone, iOS or BlackBerry device and the Google Chrome web browser (PC | Mac).

To get WhatsApp working on your computer, you have to be running the latest version of WhatsApp. In Chrome, navigate to https://web.whatsapp.com and you’ll see your personalized QR code. Open up the app on your phone and tap on the menu button (three dots on Android) and then tap WhatsApp Web. This will bring up a QR code scanner and will pair your phone with your browser.

The web app relies on the app running on your phone. This means that if the battery dies on your device, the web app stops working.

WhatsApp recommends having your phone connected to Wi-Fi to reduce data usage, which can build up if you share a lot of images using WhatsApp.

[UPDATE: Did you know WhatsApp for Windows and Mac operating systems is finally here? Download WhatsApp for PC]

Note: this story was originally published on January 21st 2015 and updated on May 12nd 2016

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