How to Use WhatsApp on Your Apple Watch

There's no official version, but you can still enjoy WhatsApp functionality

By
Michael Archambault
Michael Archambault
Michael Archambault
Writer
  • New York Institute of Technology
Michael Archambault is a technology writer and digital media specialist. His work has appeared in Mobile Nations, Amazon’s Digital Photography Review, PetaPixel, and other outlets.
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Updated on March 18, 2024
Reviewed by
Ryan Perian
Ryan Perian headshot
Reviewed by Ryan Perian
  • Western Governors University
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

What to Know

  • Go to Settings > Notifications > WhatsApp > turn on Allow Notifications.
  • Next, open the Watch app, select Notifications, and turn on WhatsApp.

This article explains how to receive WhatsApp notifications and send and receive messages on an Apple Watch. Instructions apply to WhatsApp for iPhones with iOS 9 and later.

Get WhatsApp Notifications on Apple Watch

WhatsApp doesn't include an official app for Apple Watch. You're limited, therefore, to the basics—receiving message notifications on your Apple Watch and responding by choosing from a list of simple, quick replies.

Here's how to receive WhatsApp Messenger notifications on your Apple Watch.

  1. On your iPhone, open Settings.

  2. Go to Notifications.

  3. Scroll down and select WhatsApp.

    WhatsApp Notification settings on iPhone

  4. Turn on the Allow Notifications toggle switch.

  5. Select Show in Notification Center and Show on Lock Screen.

    Notification settings for WhatsApp on an iPhone

If you like, also turn on Sounds, Badges, and Banners.

Now that these settings are turned on, configure your Apple Watch to mirror notification alerts from WhatsApp:

  1. On your iPhone, open the Watch app.

  2. Go to Notifications.

  3. Scroll down to WhatsApp and turn on Notifications.

    Notification settings in the iOS Watch app

  4. You'll now receive WhatsApp notifications on your Apple Watch.

The functionality is limited. You can't start a new message, use voice messaging, or type a reply. You can choose from a list of simple reply options, such as, Hello, What's up, OK, or On my way.

Chatify for WhatsApp on Apple Watch

Chatify puts WhatsApp on your wrist. Use it to send and receive WhatsApp messages, view chat images, listen to voice messages, view emojis and stickers, and see when contacts are writing back. The app also offers a $4.99 upgrade to Chatify Premium, which unlocks additional features such as faster download speeds and expanded search capabilities.

To set up Chatify on your Apple Watch, ensure that your Apple Watch is paired with your iPhone correctly and updated to the latest version. Log in to WhatsApp on your iPhone.

Chatify for WhatsApp is not an official WhatsApp application created by Facebook. As with all third-party applications, use caution when sharing your information.

  1. Download Chatify for WhatsApp from the App Store on your iPhone.

  2. Open Chatify on your Apple Watch. You'll be presented with a QR code to scan using WhatsApp.

  3. Open WhatsApp on your iPhone and select Settings > WhatsApp Web/Desktop > Scan QR Code.

  4. With your iPhone camera, scan the QR code that displays on your Apple Watch.

  5. WhatsApp messages now appear on your Apple Watch. You can also reply directly from your wrist.

    WhatsApp messages on an Apple Watch via Chatify

Dozens of applications in the App Store perform the same function as Chatify. If you're not satisfied with it, or you're scared off by user reviews, pick an alternative application. All use the same set of APIs to work behind the scenes on your iOS device. WatchChat is a $2.99 app with excellent reviews. WatchUp supports voice messages, images, and emojis.

Other WhatsApp Options for Apple Watch

You can use the App Store on the Apple Watch to find other programs that may work with WhatsApp. Without an official app, however, you should be careful to only install things from reputable sources.

FAQ
  • How do I use WhatsApp on an iPad?

    There's no WhatsApp iPad app, but the web interface functions as a workaround. Launch Safari on the iPad and go to WhatsApp's website, then open WhatsApp on your iPhone. Go to Settings > WhatsApp Web/Desktop, and scan the QR code to start seeing WhatsApp messages on your iPad.

  • How do I use WhatsApp on a computer?

    To use WhatsApp on a computer, go to WhatsApp Web, or download the desktop WhatsApp app and select your OS download link (you'll see a QR code). In the WhatsApp mobile app, go to Chats > More (three dots) > WhatsApp Web and scan the QR code. Close WhatsApp on your phone and use it from your computer.

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