WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion users worldwide. It allows you to easily connect with friends, family, coworkers, and more through end-to-end encrypted messages, calls, video chats, and more. While WhatsApp is most commonly used on smartphones, you can also access it on your computer using WhatsApp Web or the desktop app for Windows or Mac. However, you may sometimes want to blur or obscure your WhatsApp screen on your PC for privacy reasons. Here are some tips on how to blur or hide your WhatsApp screen on desktop.
Why Would You Want to Blur WhatsApp on PC?
There are a few key reasons why you may want to blur or obscure your WhatsApp screen on desktop:
- Privacy – If someone is looking over your shoulder at sensitive messages or photos, blurring the screen hides the content.
- Avoid distractions at work – Blurring WhatsApp during work hours can remove the temptation to check messages.
- Hide inappropriate content – If there is inappropriate content in a WhatsApp chat that you don’t want others seeing.
- Pranks – Blurring the screen and pretending you have a secret chat can be fun between friends or partners.
The ability to quickly blur the WhatsApp screen gives you more control over privacy. You can conveniently obscure messages at the click of a button.
How to Blur WhatsApp Web
If you use WhatsApp Web to access WhatsApp through your browser, there are a couple easy ways to blur the screen:
Use a Browser Extension
Browser extensions like GoBlur for Chrome allow you to quickly blur any browser tab with the click of a button. Just install the extension, open WhatsApp Web, and click the extension icon to blur the tab. You can also set a custom hotkey to toggle blurring on and off.
Use Browser DevTools
You can use your browser’s built-in developer tools to apply a CSS blur filter over the WhatsApp Web interface:
- Open WhatsApp Web in your browser.
- Right click anywhere and click “Inspect Element” to open DevTools.
- In the Styles or Computed tab, find the body tag.
- Add this code to the body tag:
filter: blur(5px);
This will apply a 5px blur to the entire WhatsApp screen. Increase the pixel value to make the blur stronger.
How to Blur WhatsApp Desktop App
For the WhatsApp desktop app for Windows or Mac, you can use a few different approaches to add a blur effect:
Use Desktop Utility Apps
Apps like Windows 10 Blur (Win10Blur) or hazeover for Mac allow you to quickly blur any window with a hotkey. Just set up the app, launch the WhatsApp desktop app, and use the hotkey to toggle blurring.
Use Virtual Webcam Apps
Virtual webcam apps like CamTwist (Mac) or OBS Studio (Windows/Mac) let you add filters and effects to your entire desktop. You can add a blur filter and select WhatsApp as the source to blur just the WhatsApp window.
Cover with Other Windows
You can temporarily cover the WhatsApp window with other app windows to obscure the content. Quickly open other programs and resize/position their windows over your WhatsApp screen.
Extra Tips for Blurring WhatsApp on PC
Here are some additional tips when blurring WhatsApp on desktop:
- On Windows, pressing Alt + PrintScreen will screenshot (and blur) only the currently active window.
- You can set a keyboard shortcut to quickly toggle blurring on and off.
- Lower blur pixel values will obscure details while still allowing you to see the interface.
- Test blurring apps/tools on other programs first to get comfortable using them.
- Close sensitive chats or use Disappearing Messages if you want messages to auto-delete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is blurring WhatsApp on PC secure?
Blurring your WhatsApp screen on PC can help visually obscure messages and images from onlookers, but keep in mind it does not technically enhance the security of your chats. For true message security, enable WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption.
Can I selectively blur parts of the WhatsApp screen?
With some advanced configuration, you may be able to selectively blur certain portions of the WhatsApp screen using virtual webcam apps. But most blurring methods will affect the entire screen. Selectively covering parts of the screen with other windows is an easy manual option.
Will blurring WhatsApp reduce resource usage?
Blurring does not typically reduce PC resource usage or processing power needed by WhatsApp. The app will continue running fully even while visually blurred on your end. Using Disappearing Messages can limit storage usage over time.
Can I automate blurring WhatsApp when I lock my computer?
You may be able to link a blur filter to your computer’s lock screen using certain desktop utility apps. This could automatically blur WhatsApp when locking your computer. Check individual app capabilities for automation options.
Is there a way to blur WhatsApp conversations on my phone as well?
Blurring WhatsApp on mobile works best with specific privacy screen protectors or adjustable phone cases. Some Android launchers may also have blur effects. On iPhone, you can ask Siri to quickly open a different app over WhatsApp. But mobile blurring options are limited.
Conclusion
Blurring your WhatsApp screen on desktop is easy to achieve using browser extensions, developer tools, desktop utilities, virtual webcams, or manual window covering. This can help obscure messages from onlookers for privacy reasons. Just keep in mind blurring does not technically enhance security. Be careful about sensitive info visible on your computer. With the right tools, you can conveniently blur WhatsApp anytime with a click or hotkey. How and when you use screen blurring depends on your specific privacy concerns and situation.