WhatsApp has consistently remained the most popular messaging app on Android and iOS. From sending instant messages to making full-fledged video calls to processing payments, WhatsApp has a lot to do. However, there is one platform that the Facebook-owned messaging service does not pay much attention to, and that is the iPad. So, if you are someone who is tired of waiting for an official WhatsApp app for iPad, we are here to make things easy for you. We’ve created a complete guide to teach you how to install and use WhatsApp on your iPad right away. So charge your iPad and get ready to use WhatsApp on it.
How to Use WhatsApp on iPad in 2022
The guide not only teaches you how to use WhatsApp on your iPad, but also includes other points, including limitations you may encounter while using it. If you prefer to read about them first, use the chart below to jump to that section.
Does WhatsApp Work Natively on iPad?
While WhatsApp is available on Android, iOS and PC, it is not officially available for iPad at the moment. The App Store listing is for iPhone users only and thus iPad users cannot use WhatsApp. For this to change, WhatsApp launch an official iPad version of the app. However, do not worry, because you can get WhatsApp up and running on your iPad without any problems. Read on to find out how to make this happen.
Will WhatsApp Ever Coming to the Apple iPad?
Yes, Whatsapp may soon have a native iPad app. A while ago, leading WhatsApp information resource WABetaInfo revealed the possibility of the iPad having a standalone WhatsApp app. This report was fueled by the multi-device support of WhatsApp, the details of which we will discuss below.
Apparently, the reason it takes time is because WhatsApp needs to properly carry end-to-end encryption (and other core features) before an iPad app is available to users. However, as the situation stands, there’s a strong possibility that WhatsApp will get a dedicated iPad app soon.
How to Install and Use WhatsApp on iPad
Users who want to use WhatsApp will be pleased to know that they don’t have to wait for the official app to start using WhatsApp on their iPad. You can use WhatsApp’s web client in Safari to make this happen right away. Requires a one-time setup that will allow you to send and receive WhatsApp messages from iPad. However, this requires your phone to be always online for it to work.
Additionally, WhatsApp’s Multi-Device Beta allows users to use the same WhatsApp account on multiple devices without the primary device being connected to an Internet connection. So if you’re part of the multi-device beta, you can use your iPad independently without relying on your phone. Check out our comprehensive tutorial to learn how to use WhatsApp on multiple devices without the main phone always online.
However, keep in mind that multi-device support is not yet available to everyone. So, if you cannot access this feature, you will have to keep your phone online. Now, without further ado, let’s get started with the installation of WhatsApp on iPad without the multi-device feature. This method works for both iPhone and Android. So, whatever your platform is, follow these:
1. Open Safari on your iPad and go to WhatsApp Web (web.whatsapp.com). website Show QR codeYou need to scan using the app on your smartphone.
note: If you don’t see a QR code, it means your iPad is using an older operating system and is not opening the desktop website by default. You will have to press the key to see the QR code. the three dots (three dots icon) icon in the top right, tap on ‘Request desktop site‘ and open WhatsApp Web once again.
2. Now, open WhatsApp on your Android or iOS smartphone. Tap . ellipsis icon in the top right select and Connected Devices from the drop-down list.
3. Tap , whether you’re in the multi-device beta or not. Connect a Device Press the button and pass the biometric control. Then your camera will open.
4. Place your phone’s camera over the QR code displayed on the iPad’s screen to scan. WhatsApp will immediately scan and log into WhatsApp Web on iPad.
5. You will now see WhatsApp running on your iPad with all chats and settings.
Congratulations, you’ve got WhatsApp working on your iPad. You can chat and use freely without worry. Don’t worry, if you close the Safari tab, WhatsApp will remember your login information the next time you open it. However, if you are not part of the multi-device beta, do not let your phone go offline as the WhatsApp web app pulls data from it. If you do this WhatsApp will stop working.
Create Home Screen Shortcut for WhatsApp on iPad
Now we realize that even though you love using WhatsApp on your iPad, you have to open Safari every time to access it. While there is no way around this until WhatsApp launches an official app, here’s what we can do right now: create home screen shortcut and makes our life easier. Follow the steps below to create a WhatsApp shortcut on your iPad.
1. Open the WhatsApp Web tab in Safari on your iPad. Then tap . ellipsis icon (three dots) in the upper right corner of the address bar.
2. Scroll down the list of options displayed and click ‘Add to Home Screen‘.
3. Next, tap . Add Press the button in the upper right corner of the pop-up box that appears.
4. And you’re done. Safari will now take you to the iPad Home Screen where you will see the Whatsapp icon. Tapping it will take you to WhatsApp on iPad even with the Safari tab closed.
Now that you have WhatsApp running on your iPad, you can easily use all the features available in the web version of the messaging app. Not only can you text people, you can also send them pictures, documents, and voice messages as you would otherwise. Moreover, you can view WhatsApp Status and use dark theme on WhatsApp Web.
Third-Party Apps to Use WhatsApp on iPad
We recommend sticking with the above method as it is not only the easiest but also a free method to use WhatsApp on your iPad. However, if you tend to use a third-party app to get the job done, you can find plenty in the App Store. Note that now these apps use the same WhatsApp web framework and create their own skins around it. However, if you’re the kind of iPad user who loves custom apps, you’ll have to wait for the official one.
For iPad users who still want to check out a third-party option, we recommend the following three selections:
1. Messaging for WhatsApp on iPad
This third-party WhatsApp app is the most popular on the App Store, with a ton of positive ratings. This paid app goes through the same QR code scanning steps as described above. However, it will make your life easier by opening WhatsApp as an app, thus requiring users only to scan it and get started right away. However, be aware that since this acts as a helper app, there will be periodic delays that can distract from your experience.
Get Messaging for WhatsApp on iPad (Mercenary$2.99)
2. What is a Web Application +
This companion app for WhatsApp on iPad has encrypted app protection and multi-account management. So if you are a user who wants to login with multiple WhatsApp numbers, this might be for you. Whats Web App+ even gives users access to a neat Status maker with templates and other customizations. However, keep in mind that you will occasionally see in-app ads and you will have to pay a fee to get rid of them.
Get Whats Web App + (freesupports in-app purchases)
3. Messenger for WhatsApp++
Another third-party app for installing WhatsApp on iPad, Messenger for WhatsApp++, is a light addition to the list. As before, you need to scan a QR code to set it up. Additional features include locking the app to protect your chats and chat reminders that allow users to set reminders to respond to specific conversations. You can even create Birthday reminders to make sure you don’t forget to wish your friends or family members.
Get Messenger for WhatsApp++ (freesupports in-app purchases)
Are There Any Limitations to Using WhatsApp on iPad?
While the WhatsApp experience on iPad is fine even without the app, there are certain limitations. Here are some things to expect when going ahead and using it.
1. Occasional Delay
During your day-to-day operations, you may encounter a touch of lag or two. This is completely natural as we can’t use WhatsApp’s native app on iPad at the moment. So, if you’re a user who wants lightning-fast responses, you’d better stay connected to your phone.
2. Different Contacts List
WhatsApp on iPad will pull list of contacts and conversations from your phone and not from your iPad. It’s not something you can get over right now.
3. Needs an Existing Account
To install and use WhatsApp on iPad, you will need an existing WhatsApp account on your mobile. Also, if you’re not part of the multi-device beta, you’ll need to sign in to your phone to use the messaging app.
4. No Voice and Video Calls
While WhatsApp has started testing voice and video calling in its desktop app for Mac and Windows, you cannot access these features in the web version. So yes, even if you start using WhatsApp on an iPad via the workaround described above, you won’t be able to voice or video call your friends and family.
Use WhatsApp on Your iPad in Few Easy Steps
We hope this guide helped you understand how to set up and use WhatsApp on your iPad. There are some limitations to the experience at the moment, but the native iPad app and multi-device support will be much better when it comes to WhatsApp. If you’re happy using the messaging app on your phone, try these best WhatsApp tips and tricks to advance your experience. Well, if you’re privacy conscious and want a cross-device messaging app, we recommend quitting WhatsApp altogether. Go ahead and check out these best WhatsApp alternatives. Need help setting up WhatsApp on your iPad? Ask your questions in the comments below and we’ll help you out.
