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How to Use WhatsApp on a Linux Desktop

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How to Use WhatsApp on a Linux Desktop

WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, and if you're a Linux user, you might be wondering if there is a way to use it on your desktop. Fortunately, there are a couple of solutions that allow you to use WhatsApp on Linux. In this tutorial, we'll explore two popular methods: using WhatsApp Web and using a third-party desktop client called Franz.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have the following:

  • A Linux distribution installed on your desktop (such as Ubuntu, Fedora, or Debian).
  • A working internet connection.
  • A mobile device with WhatsApp installed and an active account.

Method 1: Using WhatsApp Web

WhatsApp Web allows you to use WhatsApp on your desktop by syncing it with your mobile device. Follow these steps to use WhatsApp Web on Linux:

  1. Open a web browser on your Linux desktop.

  2. Visit the WhatsApp Web URL: https://web.whatsapp.com.

  3. On your mobile device, open WhatsApp and go to the Settings menu.

  4. Tap on WhatsApp Web/Desktop and scan the QR code displayed on the web page. Make sure to keep your mobile device connected to the internet during this process.

  5. Once the QR code is scanned, your WhatsApp conversations will appear on the web page.

Now you can use WhatsApp on your Linux desktop through the web browser. You can send messages, share media, and manage your contacts just like you would on your mobile device.

Method 2: Using Franz

Franz is a free and open-source desktop application that combines various messaging services, including WhatsApp, into a single interface. It is available for Linux, Windows, and macOS. Here's how you can use WhatsApp in Franz on Linux:

  1. Go to the Franz website: https://meetfranz.com/

  2. Download the appropriate version of Franz for Linux.

  3. Once the download is complete, open the terminal on your Linux desktop.

  4. Navigate to the directory where the Franz installer is located.

  5. Install Franz by running the following command:

    sudo dpkg -i Franz-x.x.x.deb

    Replace x.x.x with the actual version number of the downloaded Franz installer.

  6. After the installation is complete, you can launch Franz from the application menu or by running franz in the terminal.

  7. On the Franz welcome screen, click on WhatsApp under the "Add new service" section.

  8. You'll be prompted to log in with your WhatsApp account. Enter your phone number and follow the verification steps.

  9. Once logged in, you can use WhatsApp within the Franz application, accessing all its features while keeping your conversations organized alongside other messaging services.

Congratulations! You now have WhatsApp set up on your Linux desktop using Franz.

Conclusion

Using WhatsApp on a Linux desktop is possible through WhatsApp Web or third-party applications like Franz. WhatsApp Web allows you to access WhatsApp through a web browser, while Franz provides a dedicated desktop application with support for multiple messaging services, including WhatsApp. Choose the method that suits you best and enjoy using WhatsApp seamlessly on your Linux machine!