How to set up and use WhatsApp desktop: Tips for safe use

Due to multiple device compatibility and seamless communication experience, Whatsapp has become the most popular texting and calling platform in the world. It has garnered a huge crowd of almost more than 2 billion audience. Basically, Whatsapp allows you to set up Whatsapp on the desktop through two ways: Whatsapp desktop app and Whatsapp web.

In this blog, we will cover how to set up and use WhatsApp desktop, what you can and can’t do through it, how to use it effectively and many more. So, keep learning!

Can you use WhatsApp on the desktop without a phone?

Yes, even without connecting your phone, you can still use WhatsApp on a desktop but with some limitations. The multi-device capability through which you can use WhatsApp web, desktop app or portal without having the phone online. But before setting it up, you have to connect your phone to the Desktop.

Capabilities

The moment you achieve such linkage between your mobile WhatsApp account and your desktop, writing and retrieving messages, placing and receiving voice and video calls, and accessing media files will not require your phone to have an active internet connection. Doesn’t matter if your phone dies; it will still work. You can work from the desktop PC without needing a phone between sessions.

Limitations of using WhatsApp from your computer

• Initial setup: To begin using WhatsApp from your computer, you will need to ensure that there is a mobile phone available to scan the QR code login. This means you will require a phone to link the device initially.
• Limited devices: You can connect up to 4 devices to the account besides the main handset, but you can associate the account with two phones only.
• Message synchronization: Most of the activities toward the use of the multi-device support of the application are applicable without the need for the phone. However, there is a problem with the timeliness of the delivery of messages on different devices.
• Missing features: Note that even though there is a desktop version of the App in some instances, this App may not have all the realities of the mobile one; for example, real-time tracking of a person and the ability to initiate and view blast lists and even privacy.
• Phone disconnection: Removing the devices for a period exceeding 14 days of inactivity causes the mobile phone to assume that no other devices are being linked which is still contradicted.

The things that you can do and can’t do on WhatsApp desktop

What you can do:

• Messages: Sending and receiving messages works as expected. You can hold a pocket chat with your group.
• Voice and video calls: Also, you can make audio and video calls to your contacts.
• Media sharing: You can receive images, videos, documents, and links or send them to other people. You can also open the media sent to and from you.
• Status: From the status window of your desktop, you can see the status of your contacts, follow the status links, or even respond to statuses.
• Notifications: Get alerts for new messages and calls on your computer in real-time.
• Search and pin chats: You can search for messages or users. Moreover, you can pin chats that matter the most to the top of the chat list.
• Profile and settings management: Manage basic personal information such as your profile picture and status. Importantly, change all the basic profile settings including notifications or chat background.
• Star messages: Important messages can be easily retrieved later because you can register them as starred.
• Message reactions: You can use various emojis to react to certain messages.
• Archive and mute chats: Save archived chats to organize the interface. Also, mute notifications for certain chats.

What you can’t do:

• Create or view broadcast lists: The desktop does not offer the option to create or view broadcast lists, as you would on the mobile app.
• Manage group settings: You cannot add or remove people. No option for adding people as group admins and editing any group settings.
• Post or delete status updates: You can only view and respond to status updates – posting and deleting them yourself is beyond your authority.
• Share live location: This is not an option either, as you cannot share or view live locations on a computer, as you can do through your mobile device.
• Link multiple phones: You can link a maximum of 4 other devices to a single WhatsApp account, like a computer or a tablet. However, you cannot link more than one phone.
• Account and privacy settings: You can’t change the phone number, two-step verification settings and other possible privacy changes on the desktop.

How to set up a WhatsApp desktop?

Setting up Whatsapp on a desktop involves a few key steps you must follow in the exact direction. For your information, apart from Chromebooks that access WhatsApp Desktop on the web, the application can be installed on Windows PC and Mac computers. Please read your system specifications and requirements for the desktop app.

First, download and install WhatsApp Desktop.

• For Windows and Mac: Go to the WhatsApp Download page and download the app. Now, launch the installed file and follow the directions to complete the installation.
• For Chromebooks: Open the web browser and go to the WhatsApp website.

After this step, WhatsApp Desktop will open on your computer or Mac. Chromebook users can launch the WhatsApp Web screen.

Then, a large QR code will appear on the screen. Now, open WhatsApp on your smartphone.

At last, click on “Linked Devices” > “Link a Device.”

Good! Now point the phone’s camera to the QR code on the computer.

Right after scanning, you can see your phone’s WhatsApp on your Desktop. This process may take some time.

Congrats! Now from your desktop or Chromebook, you can send and receive messages and make calls without connecting your phone and using the internet.

Tips for using WhatsApp desktop effectively and safely

➢Update your WhatsApp desktop application: Updating your WhatsApp Desktop Application is very useful. You understand that new updates come with additional functions, enhanced operations, and repairs for some issues.

➢Secure your computer: A computer or Mac should always have a password or some biometric security features activated. This helps prevent unauthorised use of WhatsApp, in case the gadget is lost or stolen.

➢Do not stay logged in when not using the application: Also do not forget that when you use DHCP on a public or shared computer and finish using the application, de-log in. Phone: you will need to open the application “Linked Devices,” select the necessary device from the list of connected devices and “Log Out”.

➢Locating and deleting files downloaded through WhatsApp: All the media files that come through your WhatsApp Desktop are saved onto the computer. To do that, go to the default download folder, normally found under downloads in ‘My Computer’ for Windows or in Finder for Mac.

➢Avoid clicking suspicious links: If notices come up as red flags on your WhatsApp Desktop, do not click on suspicious links or download attachments. They could be about malware or phishing attacks.

➢Backup and sync your chats regularly: The WhatsApp Desktop app allows you to retrieve information from your phone but not back it up. So, ensure you back up your chats through the respective app settings to prevent loss.

➢Know the devices linked: Just pay attention to the devices associated with your WhatsApp account. Also, take the crucial steps to clean anything that is unfamiliar, including devices in the tied devices section on your phone.

➢Use end-to-end encryption: We would like to remind you that sending messages and making calls with the WhatsApp desktop application is end-to-end encryption.

WhatsApp desktop vs. WhatsApp web vs. WhatsApp mobile app

Bonus tip: How to keep kids’ WhatsApp experience safer

It is vital to ensure kids have a safe experience on WhatsApp, as this application involves socialising. You know children’s lives might be endangered. So, here are some helpful tips and tools for mothers and fathers willing to shield their offspring from any risks:

Set clear guidelines: Make your children aware of the benefits and disadvantages of using the Internet. Allow them to WhatsApp only to certain people.

Monitor WhatsApp usage: Make it a point to sieve through the contacts of your child to check whom he/she is texting and what both parties are communicating. These measures go a long way in ensuring that even as you keep tabs on your child, you also don’t invade their privacy.

Enable privacy settings: Allow WhatsApp settings to view profile photo, status, and last seen. Children can only share their details with family members.

Use the block and report feature: Show your child how to use the Whatsapp report block feature to block and report suspicious people. This will hopefully guarantee a safe communication space.

Limit screen time: Restrict the number of hours WhatsApp can be used within a day. Avoid excessive screen hunting to maintain a healthy balance between offline and online activities.

Use a parental control app: In this modern age, the best way to monitor kids’ activities is through a parental control app. In this regard, the FlashGet Kids app’s services are undeniable.

Monitor kids’ activities through FlashGet Kids

FlashGet Kids is an application that enables children to be safe and prevents parents from being concerned when children are using apps like WhatsApp.

• Usage report: This report shows the total time a child uses WhatsApp, which helps a parent determine whether to restrict the child’s use of WhatsApp.
• Keyword detection: Monitors chats for inappropriate keywords and informs parents, allowing them to act if necessary. You can set specific keywords ( alcohol, adultery, etc.) for WhatsApp. Whenever your child will use that word in chat, you will get a notification from FlashGet Kids.
• App blocker: This feature lets you disable WhatsApp during studies or sleeping hours so that children are not distracted.
• Notifications: Keeps track of notifications received and tells if anything unusual, like strange messages, is received.

Thus, by using FlashGet Kids and observing the above-mentioned safety measures, children can safely use WhatsApp.

Conclusive notes

To summarise, WhatsApp Desktop is designed for those who want to use the application on a larger screen. It is useful to the extent of being integrated into personal and professional work involving the group and corporate accounts as WhatsApp Business.

Even though it has features that are quite interesting, it is important to look out for the well-being of people especially the children. In this regard, parental controls ( like FlashGet Kids app) and safety tips on WhatsApp Desktop are aimed at ensuring this tool is safe for every user.

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