Most of us use WhatsApp every day — either on our phones or sometimes on a computer using WhatsApp Web. Usually, to use WhatsApp Web, your phone has to be nearby and connected to the internet. But now, with some new features, you can use WhatsApp on your computer even when your phone isn’t around or even turned on.
Let’s walk through how to set it up and all the ways you can use WhatsApp on your computer.
What’s New with WhatsApp Web?
Before, if you wanted to use WhatsApp on your computer, your phone had to stay connected to the internet. If your phone lost connection or ran out of battery, WhatsApp Web would stop working too.
Now, things are different. WhatsApp added a new feature called Multi-Device. This lets you use WhatsApp on your computer without needing your phone to stay connected.
So even if your phone is off or in another room, you can still read and send messages on your PC or Mac.
What You Need to Get Started
To use WhatsApp on your computer without needing your phone all the time, make sure of these things:
Your phone has the latest version of WhatsApp.
You’ve joined the Multi-Device beta (don’t worry, it’s easy).
You’re using either WhatsApp Web or the WhatsApp Desktop app.
You have a stable internet connection on your computer.
Let’s walk through how to set it up.
How to Link WhatsApp to Your Computer (Step-by-Step)
Open WhatsApp Web on Your Computer
Go to web.whatsapp.com in your browser. You’ll see a QR code on the screen.
Open WhatsApp on Your Phone
On Android: Tap the three dots at the top and select Linked Devices.
On iPhone: Go to Settings and then Linked Devices.
Tap “Link a Device”
Use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code on your computer screen.
Wait for Syncing
After scanning, your chats will load on the computer. This usually takes less than a minute.
Now your computer is linked to your WhatsApp, and you can start chatting right away—even if your phone goes offline later.
What Can You Do on WhatsApp Web?
Once you’re in, you’ll see your chats just like on your phone. Here’s what you can do:
Send messages to anyone from your contact list.
Share photos, videos, and files using the paperclip icon.
Use emojis, stickers, and GIFs to make your chats more fun.
Send voice messages by clicking the mic icon.
Search chats by typing in the search bar at the top.
Change settings by clicking the three dots at the top right — you can adjust notifications or log out from here.
It’s pretty much the same experience as on your phone, just on a bigger screen.
Use WhatsApp Web Without a Phone Connected to the Internet
Now that the multi-device support is available, your phone doesn’t need to stay online after you set up WhatsApp Web.
Here’s a quick reminder of what you need:
Join the Multi-Device beta in your phone settings.
Link your computer using the QR code as explained earlier.
Once linked, your phone can disconnect — WhatsApp Web will still work.
You can use this with the browser or download the free WhatsApp Desktop app for Windows or Mac.
Can You Use WhatsApp Without a Phone Number?
Technically, yes — but it’s a bit of a workaround. You can use a landline number or set it up with an emulator on your PC.
Option 1: Use a Landline
If you don’t have a mobile number or don’t want to use your main number, you can register with a landline.
Install WhatsApp on your phone.
Open the app and agree to the terms.
Enter your landline number instead of a mobile number.
Wait for the verification process. It will try to send an SMS (which won’t work).
When the SMS fails, choose the “Call Me” option.
You’ll get a call with a 6-digit code. Enter it to verify.
That’s it! You can now use WhatsApp without a mobile number. Just remember: you’ll still need Wi-Fi since there’s no SIM card data.
Option 2: Use an Android Emulator on Your PC
If you don’t want to use your phone at all, you can use WhatsApp with an Android emulator like BlueStacks.
Here’s how:
Download and install BlueStacks (or any other Android emulator).
Open it and go to the Play Store.
Search for WhatsApp and install it.
Open WhatsApp in the emulator.
Enter your number and verify it like normal.
Start using WhatsApp directly from your computer, no phone needed.
This method is great if you want to keep things entirely on your computer.
Another Way: Log In to WhatsApp Desktop with Your Number
In some cases (depending on updates), WhatsApp might let you log in to the desktop app using your phone number instead of scanning a QR code. If this is available for you:
Download the latest version of the WhatsApp Desktop app.
Open it and check if there’s an option to log in with your phone number.
If yes, enter your number and follow the verification steps.
That’s it! You’ll be logged in without scanning any QR codes.
Bonus Tip: Use WhatsApp on Multiple Devices
Want to use WhatsApp on more than one device at the same time? You can do that now too.
Open WhatsApp Web on your second device (like a tablet or spare phone).
Tap the browser menu and select Desktop site to avoid getting redirected to the app.
On your main phone, go to Linked Devices and tap Add Device.
Scan the QR code on your second device using your main phone.
Now both devices will show your chats and work at the same time.
Note: This works in a browser, but the app version of WhatsApp doesn’t support logging in on two phones yet.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Your phone should still have WhatsApp updated to the latest version.
Even though your phone doesn’t need to stay online, it’s good to keep it charged and safe.
Turn on two-step verification for better security.
If you’re using WhatsApp Web on a public or shared computer, always remember to log out when you’re done.
After 14 days of inactivity, WhatsApp Web will log out automatically.
That’s it! You’re now all set to use WhatsApp Web without needing your phone every time — or even without a phone number in some cases.
