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How to Use WhatsApp on a Linux Desktop Computer

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How to Use WhatsApp on a Linux Desktop Computer

WhatsApp is a popular messaging application that allows users to send and receive messages, make voice and video calls, share media files, and more. While WhatsApp initially started as a mobile-only app, it is now possible to use WhatsApp on a Linux desktop computer. This guide will walk you through the steps to install and use WhatsApp on your Linux machine.

Prerequisites

To use WhatsApp on your Linux desktop, you will need the following prerequisites:

  • A Linux desktop computer with an internet connection.
  • A compatible web browser (Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox).

Step 1: Install Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox

WhatsApp Web, the browser version of the platform, is compatible with Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. You can choose either of these browsers to use WhatsApp on your Linux desktop. If you don't have them installed, follow these steps to install:

Install Google Chrome

  1. Open a terminal window.

  2. Run the command:

    wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb

  3. Once the download is complete, install the .deb package using the following command:

    sudo dpkg -i google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb

  4. If any dependencies are missing, run the command sudo apt-get -f install to install them.

Install Mozilla Firefox

  1. Open a terminal window.
  2. Run the command:
    sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install firefox

Step 2: Open WhatsApp Web

  1. Launch Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
  2. Visit the official WhatsApp Web page.

Step 3: Pair Your Phone with WhatsApp Web

  1. Open WhatsApp on your smartphone.
  2. Go to the Settings or Menu section.
  3. Look for the WhatsApp Web/Desktop option and tap on it.
  4. A QR code scanner will appear on your phone screen.

Step 4: Scan the QR Code

  1. On your Linux desktop, you will see a page with a QR code on WhatsApp Web.
  2. Scan the QR code using the QR code scanner on your phone by pointing it towards the screen.

Step 5: Start Using WhatsApp on Linux Desktop

  1. After scanning the QR code, your WhatsApp account will be paired with your Linux desktop browser.
  2. You will now be able to use WhatsApp on your Linux desktop computer.
  3. You can send and receive messages, make voice and video calls, access your contacts, and perform other WhatsApp functions.

Additional Tips

  • To log out of WhatsApp Web on your Linux desktop, click on the three vertical dots on the top left corner of the WhatsApp Web page, and select Log out.
  • Remember that to use WhatsApp Web, your smartphone needs to be connected to the internet. Disconnecting your phone from the internet will also log you out of WhatsApp Web.

Now that you have successfully set up WhatsApp on your Linux desktop computer, you can enjoy using WhatsApp conveniently on a larger screen while working on your Linux machine.