How to Master WhatsApp Desktop

1 Pair with your mobile

When you first open WhatsApp, you’ll see a QR code. Use the WhatsApp mobile app to scan this in. On an iPhone, do this by going to Settings > WhatsApp Web/ Desktop > Scan QR Code and pointing the rear camera at your Mac’s screen.

2 Stay signed in

The WhatsApp welcome screen contains a checkbox marked ‘Keep me signed in’. Choose this to keep your mobile connected to WhatsApp Desktop. Your mobile device must remain connected to the internet.

3 Start chatting

Once you’re signed in to WhatsApp, you’ll see the interface is very similar to the one on your mobile. Click on existing conversations on the left, and chat using the text box at the bottom right. Press ® to send messages.

4 Create a new message

If you want to compose a new message to a WhatsApp contact, click the new message button at the top left. Select your chosen WhatsApp contact and enter a message in the text box as outlined above.

5 Manage profile settings

Click on your profile image to view your profile details. Move the pointer over the photo and click to remove it, or to take or upload another. Click the Edit icon (a pencil) next to Your Name or the About section to amend those details.

6 Change notifications

By default, WhatsApp Desktop will display a pop-up notification each time someone sends a message to you. To change this, click the downwards-pointing arrow, and choose Settings in the menu. Click Notifications to modify their setup.

7 Change wallpaper

Once again, click the downwardspointing arrow, choose Settings, and this time click Chat Wallpaper. Move the pointer over the swatches on the left to preview that colour in the conversation on the right, and click one to select it.

8 Archive/ delete chats

In the view that shows chats on the left and the selected one on the right,

click a chat in the list. You can choose to archive it, or delete it altogether. Alternatively, select Pin Chat to keep that conversation at the top of the list.

9 Log out

If you chose earlier to stay signed in, anyone with access to your user account on your Mac will be able to view and send messages. When you’ve finished, click the downwards-pointing arrow again and choose ‘Log out’ to protect your privacy.