Whatsapp with a Mac?

[Mikeo1938]

I understand that one can use Whatsapp with a Mac via an iPhone.
But is it possible (without a lot of fiddling and hassle) to use Whatsapp as a stand-alone via an MPB 10.13.6?
I do not have an iPhone.
Thanks in advance.
M

 

[pigoo3]

I understand that one can use Whatsapp with a Mac via an iPhone.
But is it possible (without a lot of fiddling and hassle) to use Whatsapp as a stand-alone via an MPB 10.13.6?
I do not have an iPhone.

In case how Whatsapp works is not fully understood...this article seems to do a fairly good job of it:

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-use-whatsapp-from-your-computer/

Although Whatsapp is compatible with iPhones (the article doesn't mention iPhones)...you don't have to have an iPhone.

- Nick

 

[badshoehabit]

I WhatsApp friends with Android and Windows phones all the time, from both my iPhone or MBP. Can't load it on iPad unfortunately.

Link to App store https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/whatsapp-desktop/id1147396723?mt=12

 

[Mikeo1938]

Thanks for the replies.
It's just that I had this idea that you need an iPhone in addition, perhaps for the initial set-up. (But I don't have an iPhone.)
However, from what's been said, it seems I can just download the app and use Whatsapp from the MPB.
Not yet tried but will do so ASAP.
Renewed thanks.
M

 

[badshoehabit]

That's correct. Don't know where you are but my phone package (Three, UK) allows messages and phone calls via WhatsApp to come out of my (very generous) allowance if I'm not connected to wifi. It's wonderful for sending photos without MMS charges. You can do voice calls but I find that problematic from the MBP whereas using my phone (or anyone phoning me) for them is great. There's also the ability to record a voice message and send it. Terrific app when out of home country.

 

[Mikeo1938]

OK - Thanks for the tip.
M

 

[Mikeo1938]

Using WhatsApp on MPB without involving a phone (?)

Just got around to investigating Whatsapp for Mac and have downloaded the app to my MPB.
However, I can't get beyond the first stage, which is insisting on the use of a phone.

The on-screen message says:

* Open WhatsApp on your phone.
* Tap menu or Settings and select WhatsApp web
* Point yr phone to this screen to capture the code

However, I don't have an iPhone (or any other smartphone).
My wife has an iPhone but I don't want to link the Whatsapp on my MPB to her iPhone ... and neither does she!
I'd like to use WhatsApp from the MPB without any linking to a phone ... is this possible?

Thanks in advance for help.

M

 

[IWT]

Mikeo

I'm sort of passing the buck here; but why not go onto the WhatsApp site: https://www.whatsapp.com

They have explanations on how to set things up on all devices including Macs. They also have a FAQ site and a Help feature.

However, there is one comment under the "Download WhatsApp to your Mac" which says: "WhatsApp must be installed on your phone". That seems to be the bottom line answer you are seeking?

Ian

 

[Raz0rEdge]

WhatsApp is an app designed for your phone. You need a phone number to register your account. Once registered, you can use the app on your phone or through a PC with the desktop app. When you launch the desktop app, first time ( and at some interval) you will be required to authenticate the app with the one running on your phone. You will see a QR code that you will scan with the WhatsApp on your phone to grant the desktop app access.

However, the desktop app isn't bypassing your phone to send/receive messages, rather it is using your phone to do that work for itself. So the desktop app is just a wrapper around your phone. If you turn your phone off or if the phone isn't reachable, the desktop app is useless.

 

[Mikeo1938]

Thanks again for the replies.
As I say, I don't have an iPhone or any other smartphone.
On the other hand, I could use my wife's iPhone to get past the first hurdle and thus set up the app on my MPB.
However, I absolutely don't want a situation whereby I am somehow eavesdropping on her Whatsapp messages; and vice versa.
Once things are set up, will the Whatsapp on the MPB be totally independent of my wife's Whatsapp? Hers is already operating via her iPhone.
I'm getting the feeling that the above will NOT be the case and that the Whatsapp for the MPB is intended (and will only work) for someone who has a smartphone and wishes sometimes to send and receive Whatsapp messages via a laptop. Is this indeed the case?
Thanks in advance.
M

 

[Raz0rEdge]

Thanks again for the replies.
As I say, I don't have an iPhone or any other smartphone.
On the other hand, I could use my wife's iPhone to get past the first hurdle and thus set up the app on my MPB.
However, I absolutely don't want a situation whereby I am somehow eavesdropping on her Whatsapp messages; and vice versa.
Once things are set up, will the Whatsapp on the MPB be totally independent of my wife's Whatsapp? Hers is already operating via her iPhone.
I'm getting the feeling that the above will NOT be the case and that the Whatsapp for the MPB is intended (and will only work) for someone who has a smartphone and wishes sometimes to send and receive Whatsapp messages via a laptop. Is this indeed the case?
Thanks in advance.
M

Read my reply above and you'll get your answer. What you are suggesting is NOT possible. If you don't have a phone of your own, WhatsApp is NOT a viable option for you.

 

[Mikeo1938]

OK - all is clear.
It was wishful thinking on my part.
Thanks very much.
M

 

[IWT]

WhatsApp is linked to the phone on which is installed and, obviously that phone's number.

After installation on the phone, it can be installed on a Mac; but it only works though the phone and its number. It cannot work independent of the phone.

See it this way if you like: the phone acts as a conduit to the Mac. It is to and from the phone that the messages are sent/received; and from the phone passed to the Mac or received from the Mac.

So, if you use your Wife's phone (and its number obviously), it is to and from her phone that all messages will be sent and received - then conveyed to/from your Mac.

NB. If I've read your statement above correctly:

I absolutely don't want a situation whereby I am somehow eavesdropping on her Whatsapp messages; and vice versa.

;

it implies that your wife already has WhatsApp on her phone. I cannot imagine a situation - meaning I think it's impossible - to have 2 WhatsApps on her phone, effectively linked to the same number.

Ian

 

[Mikeo1938]

Yes, thanks Ian.
I've also come to that conclusion and have abandoned the idea of Whatsapp ... pity but there it is.
M

 

[ferrarr]

What is it you are trying to do?

Edit: See this, https://alternativeto.net/software/whatsapp/