How to Use WhatsApp Business Web? Your 2024 How to Guide

The process of logging into WhatsApp Web from a variety of devices is really simple thanks to WhatsApp. Whether you are logging in from an iOS or Windows smartphone is the sole distinction. Additionally, it works with the majority of browsers, including Safari, Firefox, Google Chrome, and others. To help you access WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Business Web from a variety of devices and platforms, we have put together a step-by-step guide.

What is WhatsApp Business Web?

As a business owner most of your work is on laptop or desktop, but, every time you want to message your customer or reply to their query you have to open your phone to access WhatsApp Business. Well not anymore, WhatsApp Business Web allows you to use your WhatsApp Business Account directly on your laptop or desktop. You can use all the features of WhatsApp Business App on your PC and even more. 

Features of WhatsApp Business Web

1. Multiple device logins

WhatsApp Business Web allows you to login to your WhatsApp Business account through multiple devices allowing you and your team to work seamlessly on various devices. 

2. Stay online without phone

With WhatsApp Business Web, you don't need a phone to access WhatsApp. WhatsApp Business Web allows you to stay online without phone directly on your web browser.

3. Sync chat data on all devices

You don’t have to worry about losing your chats if you are using WhatsApp Business Web. It  also enables you to access all your chat data from any device. It syncs all your chat data in real-time across all the devices you are connected to for your WhatsApp Business.

For instance, if you had a conversation with your customer with your phone while you were traveling, you can access those chats in your WhatsApp Business Web in your laptop. You don't have to switch devices to look for the previous chats.

4. Focus on work tools

With WhatsApp Business Web you don't have to switch between your PC and phone to use your work tools like CRM and WhatsApp. WhatsApp Business Web enables you to work on your PC with all your work tools alongside the WhatsApp making it a seamless experience. 

5. Efficiently manage chat and files

It becomes very easy and efficient to manage all your chats and files on WhatsApp with WhatsApp Business Web, as it is on your PC. 

6. Set greeting and away messages

WhatsApp Business enables you to to set greeting messages for new contacts and away messages when you are offline, so that you don't miss out on any customer interaction.

7. Quick replies and shortcuts

With WhatsApp Business, you can set up quick-replies for most or very common queries with a shortcut key. 

Example: You can set “/” as a shortcut for pre-set payment details. If anyone asks you for the payment details, all you need to do is type in ”/” and it will automatically show the pre-written text which has all the payment information.

8. Share files from your PC

WhatsApp Business Web allows you to use your WhatsApp Business on your PC. This makes it possible for you to share files from your PC on WhatsApp.

How to Use WhatsApp Web on Web Browser?

Using WhatsApp Web on a web browser is quite straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Open Web Browser: Launch your preferred web browser on your computer. Commonly used browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge are all compatible with WhatsApp Web.
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2. Go to WhatsApp Web: In the address bar of your web browser, type in "web.whatsapp.com" and press Enter. This will take you to the WhatsApp Web homepage.
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3. QR Code Scan: You'll see a QR code displayed on the webpage. This QR code is what you'll use to connect your WhatsApp account to the web browser.
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4. Open WhatsApp on Your Phone: Take your smartphone and open the WhatsApp application.
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5. Access WhatsApp Web Settings: In WhatsApp, tap on the three-dot menu icon (for Android) or the "Settings" tab (for iOS).
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6. Select WhatsApp Web/Desktop: Look for an option named "WhatsApp Web" or "Linked Devices" and tap on it.
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7. Scan QR Code: Your phone's camera will activate. Aim it at the QR code displayed on your computer screen. Once the QR code is scanned successfully, your WhatsApp account will be linked to WhatsApp Web.
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8. Start Using WhatsApp Web: After the QR code is scanned, WhatsApp Web will load on your browser, displaying your WhatsApp chats and conversations. You can now start using WhatsApp Web to send and receive messages, photos, videos, and more.

Remember that WhatsApp Web requires an active internet connection on both your phone and computer, and your phone needs to stay connected to the internet for WhatsApp Web to function properly. Additionally, keep your web browser open while using WhatsApp Web, as closing the browser tab will log you out.

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Steps to Login to WhatsApp Web from an iPhone

To log in to WhatsApp Web from an iPhone, you need to follow these steps:

1. Open Safari: Launch the Safari web browser on your iPhone.
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2. Go to WhatsApp Web: Type "web.whatsapp.com" in the address bar and press Enter.
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3. Request Desktop Site: Tap the share button at the bottom of the screen (the square icon with an arrow pointing up) and then select "Request Desktop Site" from the options. This will load the desktop version of WhatsApp Web.
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4. Scan QR Code: Now, open WhatsApp on your iPhone. Tap on the three dots in the top-right corner to open the menu, then select "WhatsApp Web." Use your iPhone's camera to scan the web WhatsApp scan code displayed on the WhatsApp Web page in Safari.
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5. Log in: Once scanned successfully, you'll be logged into WhatsApp Web, and you can start using WhatsApp on your browser.
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Ensure that your iPhone remains connected to the internet throughout the session for WhatsApp Web to function properly.

Steps to Login to WhatsApp Web from an Android Phone

To log in to WhatsApp Web from an Android device, you can follow these steps:
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1. Open Chrome or any other browser: Launch the web browser on your Android device. Chrome is the recommended browser, but other browsers should work as well.
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2. Go to WhatsApp Web: Type "web.whatsapp.com" in the address bar and press Enter.
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3. Request Desktop Site: Tap the menu button (three dots in the top-right corner of the browser) and check the option that says "Desktop site" or "Request Desktop Site." This will load the desktop version of WhatsApp Web.
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4. Scan QR Code: Now, open WhatsApp on your Android device. Tap on the three dots in the top-right corner to open the menu, then select "WhatsApp Web." Use your device's camera to scan the web WhatsApp scan code displayed on the WhatsApp Web page in the browser.
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5. Log in: Once scanned successfully, you'll be logged into WhatsApp Web, and you can start using WhatsApp on your browser.
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Make sure your Android device stays connected to the internet for WhatsApp Web to function correctly.

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How to Use WhatsApp on the Desktop App?

If you prefer having dedicated apps for different tasks, then the WhatsApp Desktop App is a good choice. It creates a separate icon on your taskbar, making it easier to access WhatsApp quickly.

WhatsApp Desktop App offers more features than WhatsApp Web on browsers, such as voice and video calls, and keyboard shortcuts to to perform some quick tasks such as edit and replying to messages.

Continue reading to learn how to install and set up the Web WhatsApp Business Account on both MacBook and Windows laptops.

Steps to login to WhatsApp Desktop App from a Windows Laptop

To log in to the WhatsApp Desktop app from a Windows laptop, you can follow these steps:
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1. Download and Install WhatsApp Desktop: If you haven't already, download and install the WhatsApp Desktop app from the official WhatsApp website (https://www.whatsapp.com/download).
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2. Open WhatsApp Desktop: Once installed, open the WhatsApp Desktop app on your Windows laptop.
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3. Scan QR Code: Open WhatsApp on your smartphone. Tap on the three dots (menu) in the top-right corner, then select "WhatsApp Web" or "Linked Devices." Use your phone to scan the QR code displayed on the WhatsApp Desktop app on your laptop.
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4. Log in: Once the QR code is successfully scanned, you will be logged into WhatsApp Desktop, and you can start using WhatsApp on your Windows laptop.

Ensure that your laptop remains connected to the internet throughout the session for WhatsApp Desktop to function properly. Also, keep in mind that your phone needs to have an active internet connection for WhatsApp Web/Desktop to work.

Steps to Login to WhatsApp Desktop App from a MacBook

To log in to the WhatsApp Desktop app from a MacBook, you can follow these steps:
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1. Download and Install WhatsApp Desktop: If you haven't already, download and install the WhatsApp Desktop app from the Mac App Store or the official WhatsApp website (https://www.whatsapp.com/download).
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2. Open WhatsApp Desktop: Once installed, open the WhatsApp Desktop app on your MacBook.
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3. Scan QR Code: Open WhatsApp on your smartphone. Tap on the three dots (menu) in the top-right corner, then select "WhatsApp Web" or "Linked Devices." Use your phone to scan the QR code displayed on the WhatsApp Desktop app on your MacBook.
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4. Log in: Once the QR code is successfully scanned, you will be logged into WhatsApp Desktop, and you can start using WhatsApp on your MacBook.
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Make sure your MacBook remains connected to the internet throughout the session for WhatsApp Desktop to function properly. Also, keep in mind that your phone needs to have an active internet connection for WhatsApp Web/Desktop to work.

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How to Logout of WhatsApp Web

Logging out of WhatsApp Web is easier than logging in. Here is how you can log out from WhatsApp web from both your desktop and phone:

Log Out of WhatsApp Web From Your PC or Laptop

To log out of WhatsApp Web Business from your PC or laptop, follow these steps:
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1. Open WhatsApp Web: Go to the WhatsApp Web page in your web browser on your PC or laptop.
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2. Access Settings: Click on the three-dot menu icon located at the top left corner of the WhatsApp Web interface.
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3. Select "Logout": In the menu that appears, click on the "Logout" option. This will log you out of WhatsApp Web.
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4. Confirm Logout (if prompted): Some versions of WhatsApp Web may ask you to confirm the logout. If prompted, confirm that you want to log out.
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5. Close the Browser Tab or Window: Once you have logged out, you can close the browser tab or window to end the session completely.

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After following these steps, you will be logged out of WhatsApp Web on your PC or laptop, and you will need to scan the QR code again to log in the next time you want to use WhatsApp Web.

Log Out of WhatsApp Web From Your Phone 

To log out of WhatsApp Web from your phone, whether it's an iPhone or an Android device, you can follow these steps:
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1. Open WhatsApp on Your Phone: Unlock your phone and open the WhatsApp application.
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2. Access WhatsApp Web Settings: Tap on the three dots or the menu icon located at the top right corner of the WhatsApp screen.
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3. Navigate to WhatsApp Web/Desktop: In the menu that appears, look for an option named "WhatsApp Web" or "Linked Devices" and tap on it.
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4. View Logged-In Devices: You'll see a list of devices where WhatsApp Web is currently active. Your phone might already show as the active device.
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5. Log Out: Find the option to log out or sign out. This option might vary slightly depending on your device. Tap on it to log out of WhatsApp Web.
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6. Confirm Logout (if prompted): Some versions of WhatsApp may ask for confirmation before logging out. If prompted, confirm that you want to log out.
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7. Close WhatsApp Web on Your Computer: Once you've logged out from your phone, it's a good practice

Benefits of WhatsApp Web

Although WhatsApp is largely seen as a mobile app and is also predominantly designed for it, WhatsApp Web offers several benefits as well. Some of them are:
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1. Convenience: WhatsApp Web allows you to access your WhatsApp account from a web browser on your computer, providing convenience for users who spend a significant amount of time on their computers.
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2. Keyboard Typing: Typing on a computer keyboard is often faster and more convenient than typing on a smartphone screen. WhatsApp Web enables users to type messages quickly and efficiently using their computer keyboard.
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3. Large Screen Viewing: With WhatsApp Web, you can view chats, images, and videos on a larger screen, enhancing the overall user experience, especially for multimedia content.
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4. Easy File Sharing: Sharing files, documents, photos, and videos becomes easier with WhatsApp Web as it allows for drag-and-drop functionality directly from your computer.
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5. Multi-Device Access: WhatsApp Web extends the accessibility of WhatsApp beyond just smartphones, enabling users to stay connected and respond to messages even when their phone is not nearby.
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6. Synced Conversations: All conversations, messages, and media are synced between WhatsApp Web and the mobile app in real-time, ensuring seamless communication across devices.
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7. Notifications: WhatsApp Web provides desktop notifications for new messages, making it easy for users to stay updated without constantly checking their phones.
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8. Productivity: For users who need to multitask or work on their computers, WhatsApp Web allows them to communicate with contacts without switching devices, enhancing productivity.
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9. Integration with Keyboard Shortcuts: Many keyboard shortcuts can be used within WhatsApp Web, allowing for quicker navigation and message management.

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Overall, WhatsApp Web complements the mobile app by providing a convenient and accessible platform for users to communicate with their contacts from their computers.

Limitations of WhatsApp Web

While WhatsApp Web offers many conveniences, it also has some limitations:
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1. Dependency on Phone: WhatsApp Web requires an active internet connection on both your phone and computer. Without your phone being connected to the internet, WhatsApp Web won't function.
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2. ‍Broadcast Limitations: Unfortunately you cannot send a broadcast message to more than 256 contacts via WhatsApp Web. 
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3. ‍Initial Setup: You need to scan a QR code using your phone to log in to WhatsApp Web. This means you must have your phone nearby every time you want to use WhatsApp Web.
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4. ‍Limited Functionality: WhatsApp Web doesn't offer all the features available in the mobile app. For example, you can't make voice or video calls directly from WhatsApp Web. Some advanced features like editing profile information are also not available.
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5. ‍Security Risks: Since WhatsApp Web relies on your phone for authentication, leaving your WhatsApp Web session open on a shared or public computer could pose security risks, especially if someone gains access to your phone while you're logged in.
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Despite these limitations, WhatsApp Web remains a useful tool for accessing WhatsApp from your computer and enhancing your messaging experience, especially when you're working or multitasking on your computer.

How to use WhatsApp Business Web with WhatsApp APIs

WhatsApp Business API is basically the WhatsApp superpower any business owner can have. WhatsApp Business enables you to set up customer interaction, be it pre-sales, customer care, etc. all on WhatsApp automation. You can use WhatsApp Business Web with WhatsApp API which can further enhance your overall experience. 

Here is how you can use WhatsApp Business Web with WhatsApp API: 

Step 1: Setup a WhatsApp Business account and verify your phone number. 

Step 2: Verify your business through Meta and then apply for WhatsApp Business API access. For this you can either apply directly on your own, or you can do it via third party providers. 

Step 3: You can either manage the API yourself or choose a solution provider like Engati which is an official Meta partner and provides a lot of features to make your life easier.

Step 4: Set-up all your integration.

Step 5: Integrate WhatsApp Business Web with WhatsApp API by integrating your WhatsApp API with WhatsApp Web Application.

Summing up

WhatsApp Business Web has endless possibilities which can make your life easy and take your business to the next level. If you are in the initial stages of your business, WhatsApp Business and WhatsApp Business Web can alone get you to your milestone. Further I recommend you to use WhatsApp Business API as it can do wonders for your business. Enabling it through official meta partners and intelligent conversational AI platforms like Engati can make your WhatsApp a lead generation and selling machine. Let us know if you have any query regarding WhatsApp Business Web or API and we would be happy to assist you. 

FAQs

1. What is the difference between WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop?

You can use your WhatsApp on the computer with both WhatsApp Web and WhatsApp Desktop, but there are a few differences. WhatsApp Web runs in a browser, while WhatsApp Desktop is a standalone app you install on your computer. The desktop app often has a few extra features, like the ability to make voice and video calls, which aren’t available in the web version.

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2. Is it necessary to have the WhatsApp Business app installed on my phone to use WhatsApp Business Web?

Yes, to use WhatsApp Business Web you need the WhatsApp Business App on your phone. The web version connects to your phone via a QR code, so your phone needs to have the app installed and be connected to the internet.

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3. Which devices are supported by WhatsApp Web?

WhatsApp Web is supported in almost all devices with a web browser. This includes computers running Windows or macOS, and you can use it on browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.

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4. Is having the WhatsApp Business app on my phone a prerequisite for using WhatsApp Business Web?

Yes, you must have the WhatsApp Business app installed on your phone to use WhatsApp Business Web. The web version relies on your phone to sync your messages and contacts.

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5. Can multiple team members access and manage the same WhatsApp Business account?

Yes, multiple team members can access and manage the same WhatsApp Business account using WhatsApp Business Web. Each person can log in using their own browser, but they’ll all be connected to the same account.

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6. Is WhatsApp Business Web suitable for marketing and automating customer support?

Yes, WhatsApp Business Web can be used for marketing and automating customer support. It allows you to manage conversations, send bulk messages, and use features like quick replies and automated messages to streamline your interactions with customers.

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7. Can I easily switch between WhatsApp Business Web and the mobile app?

Yes, you can switch between WhatsApp Business Web and the mobile app easily. Your chats and messages sync across both, so you can pick up where you left off, whether you’re using your phone or computer.