The short answer
On your computer, open web.whatsapp.com or the WhatsApp desktop app to show a QR code. On your phone, open WhatsApp, go to Settings (iPhone) or the three-dot menu (Android), tap Linked devices › Link a device, unlock your phone, and scan the code. Your chats then sync to the computer.
Typing long messages, sharing files from your computer or keeping an eye on group chats is much easier on a big screen. WhatsApp lets you link your account to a computer in under a minute.
You have two options:
- WhatsApp Web: open web.whatsapp.com in your browser. Nothing to install.
- WhatsApp Desktop: a free app for Windows and Mac from whatsapp.com/download or the Microsoft Store / Mac App Store. It adds features like voice and video calls.
Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your computer
Go to web.whatsapp.com, or open the WhatsApp desktop app. A QR code appears.
Double-check the address bar says exactly web.whatsapp.com before linking. Look-alike pages exist.
Step 2: Link from your phone
iPhone
- Open WhatsApp and tap Settings.
- Tap Linked devices, then Link a device.
- Unlock with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode if asked.
- Point your phone at the QR code on your computer.
Android
- Open WhatsApp and tap the three-dot menu.
- Tap Linked devices, then Link a device.
- Unlock your phone if asked.
- Scan the QR code on your computer.
Can’t scan the QR code?
On the computer, choose Log in with phone number (or similar). Enter your number, and WhatsApp shows an 8-character code. On your phone, tap the notification or go to Linked devices › Link a device › Link with phone number instead, and enter the code.
Step 3: Start chatting
Your recent chats sync to the computer. Messages you send from either device appear on both.
Log out of a linked device
Do this on shared or public computers, or if you see a device you don’t recognize:
- From the computer: open the menu and choose Log out.
- From your phone: go to Linked devices, tap the device, and tap Log out.
WhatsApp’s Help Center notes you can disconnect linked devices from either your main phone or the linked device itself.
Stay secure
- Check Linked devices every so often and log out of anything you don’t recognize.
- Turn on two-step verification in Settings › Account › Two-step verification to protect your account with a PIN.
- Lock your computer when you step away.
Related guides
Make sure your chats are safe too: here’s how to back up your WhatsApp chats. Protect your other accounts with two-factor authentication.
The bottom line
Open web.whatsapp.com or the desktop app, then on your phone tap Linked devices › Link a device and scan the QR code. Log out of computers you don’t own when you’re done. Changing phones soon? See how to back up WhatsApp chats.
Frequently asked questions
Does my phone need to stay on?
No. With WhatsApp's multi-device feature, linked devices keep working even if your phone is off or offline for a while. Your phone needs to connect occasionally to keep the devices linked.
How many computers can I link?
You can link several devices, such as computers and tablets, to one WhatsApp account alongside your main phone.
Can I make calls from WhatsApp on my computer?
Voice and video calls are available in the WhatsApp desktop app for Windows and Mac. The browser version, WhatsApp Web, focuses on messaging.
Why you can trust this guide
- Based on official sources. The steps here are checked against the 2 official sources listed below, such as the help pages of the companies involved.
- Checked and dated. Last checked on November 10, 2026. We update guides when software or advice changes.
- Independent. No company paid for or reviewed this guide. We don't sell products, and ads never influence our advice.
- Open to corrections. Spotted an error? Tell us and we'll fix it. Read how we research.
Sources
This guide is general information. Menus and features can change with software updates, and steps may differ on your device or version. Back up important data before making big changes. Read our disclaimer.
