Master WhatsApp on Your Mac: A Complete Guide to Setup and Use

This article explains how to download and set up the free WhatsApp desktop application for Mac and the basic usage of the app. The instructions apply to macOS Sonoma 14.2 or later.

How to Download WhatsApp Desktop for Mac

You have two ways to download and install the WhatsApp desktop app for the Mac. You can get the app from the Mac App Store or the WhatsApp website. Both app versions are the same, so you can use whichever method is best for you.

Download WhatsApp From the App Store

To get WhatsApp from Apple, open the App Store on your Mac and follow these steps.

1. Type “WhatsApp” in the Search box on the top left and press Return.

2. When you see WhatsApp Messenger in the list of results, select it.
   

3. Optionally review the description and choose Get to download the app to your Mac.

4. Enter your password, or use Touch/Face ID, to authorize the download if prompted.

Download WhatsApp From the Website

If you’re browsing the internet or using WhatsApp’s web version, you can download WhatsApp for the Mac from the website.

1. Visit WhatsApp on the web and either select the green Download button on the top right or pick Download in the top navigation and then Download once more on the subsequent screen.

2. Follow any prompts per your web browser to grant permission for the download.
   

3. Open the Downloads folder for the web browser you’re using and select the WhatsApp installer file.

4. When the installer opens, drag the WhatsApp icon to the Applications folder icon.

5. Close the installer window if necessary.

How to Set Up WhatsApp on Mac

To use WhatsApp on your Mac, you must have the app installed and set up on your mobile phone first. Then, follow the steps below.

1. Open WhatsApp on your mobile phone and tap Menu or Settings at the bottom, depending on your device.
   

2. Select Linked Devices.

3. Tap Link a Device and grant camera access if prompted.

4. Open the Applications folder on your Mac and select WhatsApp to launch the app.

5. Click Get Started on the WhatsApp welcome screen.

6. You’ll see a QR code along with instructions to capture the code.

7. Use your mobile device to capture the QR code in the WhatsApp window on your Mac.

8. You should see a brief “logging in” message and your Mac display as a linked device on your mobile phone. You can then close WhatsApp on your mobile device.

9. Choose how you would like to see notifications for WhatsApp on your Mac by enabling the toggles and selecting Done.
   

   You’ll then see the main WhatsApp screen where you can start communicating with your contacts.

How to Use WhatsApp on Mac

To control communications, perform actions, and navigate WhatsApp desktop on macOS, you can use the app window, Mac menu bar, or a combination of both.

Use the WhatsApp Tabs

You’ll see the same tabs in WhatsApp on Mac as in the mobile app, although displayed along the left side of the app window instead of the bottom of the screen.

• Chats: Start a new message or continue a previous conversation.
• Calls: Make a voice or video call and view your call history.
• Status: View items disappearing after 24 hours or channel updates.
• Archives: Review your archived items and unarchive them if needed.
  
• Starred Messages: See your starred messages and their connected conversations.
• Settings: View your account or adjust your notification, chat, privacy, and storage preferences.
  

Use WhatsApp With the Menu Bar

In keeping with other apps you use on macOS, you can navigate and perform actions in WhatsApp using the Mac menu bar.

• WhatsApp: See the app’s version number, open the Settings, check for updates, and quit WhatsApp.
• File: Start a new chat or call, open a recent item, use the search, or close the window.
• Chat: Hide a chat, see a contact’s details, and archive, pin, or mute a conversation.
• Call: Mute the microphone, turn off the camera, show the participants, or choose a connected device.
• View: Open one of the tabs, view your profile, see the previous or next chat, or change the text size.

Standard macOS menus, including Edit, Window, and Help, are also available to undo or redo actions, minimize or maximize the windows, search the menus, and access the WhatsApp Help Center.

With WhatsApp desktop for Mac, you can keep up with chats and calls without searching for your mobile phone.