WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users. It allows users to send messages, photos, videos, documents and make voice and video calls for free. WhatsApp can be used on smartphones by downloading the app, as well as on desktop and laptop by accessing WhatsApp Web.
There has been some confusion between WhatsApp’s “Linked devices” and “WhatsApp Web/Desktop” features. At a glance, they may seem similar as they both allow you to access WhatsApp on other devices besides your phone. However, there are some key differences between the two.
What is Linked devices?
Linked devices is a relatively new feature introduced by WhatsApp in 2020. It allows you to link up to 4 additional devices to your WhatsApp account. These linked devices can access and use your WhatsApp account independently, even when your main smartphone is not connected to the internet.
Some key points about Linked devices:
– Up to 4 additional devices like laptops, tablets or secondary phones can be linked.
– Devices can be linked by scanning a QR code from your main smartphone.
– Messages and calls are still end-to-end encrypted.
– If your main smartphone is offline, the linked devices remain connected and can be used.
– If main smartphone is offline for >14 days, linked devices will be disconnected.
– Linking the same device on multiple accounts is not allowed.
– To unlink a device, it must be logged out from that device.
What is WhatsApp Web/Desktop?
WhatsApp Web/Desktop is a platform that allows you to use WhatsApp from a desktop browser. It needs to connect to your smartphone to work.
Some key points about WhatsApp Web/Desktop:
– It is accessed by going to web.whatsapp.com or downloading WhatsApp Desktop app.
– Your phone needs to be connected to the internet for it to work.
– You need to scan a QR code from the browser using your phone’s camera.
– Messages are synced between your phone and computer in real-time.
– Calls need to be answered on the phone, not computer.
– If phone is offline for >14 days, WhatsApp web will disconnect.
– You can use Web/Desktop on up to 4 devices simultaneously.
Key Differences
While both Linked devices and WhatsApp Web allow accessing WhatsApp from other devices, there are some notable differences:
| Feature | Linked Devices | WhatsApp Web/Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Internet requirement on phone | Not required. Linked devices work independently. | Phone needs to be connected to internet. |
| Max devices | Up to 4 devices. | Up to 4 devices. |
| QR code scan required | Only when linking new device. | Everytime for each device. |
| Calls and messages | Can be done from linked device independently. | Need to be answered on the phone. |
| Unlinking devices | Can be remotely logged out from phone. | Devices automatically disconnect. |
As we can see, Linked devices don’t rely on your phone after linking and act independently. WhatsApp Web/Desktop needs the phone to be online at all times to sync messages.
Conclusion
In summary:
– Linked devices allow up to 4 additional devices to use WhatsApp even when your phone is offline after linking.
– WhatsApp Web/Desktop mirrors WhatsApp on your phone but requires the phone to be connected to internet.
– Key differences are the internet requirement, QR code linkage, calling abilities and unlinking process.
– Linked devices function independently, while WhatsApp Web/Desktop rely on your phone to work.
So in conclusion, Linked devices and WhatsApp Web/Desktop are similar in some aspects but have some fundamental differences in how they work. Linked devices offer more flexibility to use WhatsApp seamlessly across multiple devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use WhatsApp Web without my phone?
No, WhatsApp Web requires your phone to be connected to the internet to sync messages between devices. If your phone goes offline, WhatsApp Web will disconnect after some time.
Can I link the same device to multiple accounts?
No, you cannot link the same device to multiple WhatsApp accounts as per their policy. Each device can only be linked to one account at a time.
Is WhatsApp Web end-to-end encrypted?
Yes, messages and calls made from WhatsApp Web are end-to-end encrypted, just like on your phone. The encryption keys are synced from your phone to the web browser session.
Can I make calls on Linked Devices?
Yes, you can make and receive WhatsApp calls on linked devices independently, even without your primary phone connected. However, for WhatsApp Web you need the phone connected.
How do I link a new device to my WhatsApp account?
Open WhatsApp on your phone > Tap on Linked Devices > Link new device > Scan the QR code shown on screen using the device’s camera you wish to link.Confirm linking and you’re done.
Pros and Cons of Linked Devices vs WhatsApp Web
Pros of Linked Devices
– No dependency on primary phone to function
– Can message and call from linked device independently
– More reliable connectivity
– Only need to link once, no repetitive QR scans needed
– Remote logout capability from phone
Cons of Linked Devices
– Limited to only 4 additional devices
– Cannot use same device on multiple accounts
– Takes up one of the limited Web/Desktop slots
Pros of WhatsApp Web/Desktop
– Easy to set up and get started
– Messages and calls synced in real-time with phone
– Wide browser and platform support
Cons of WhatsApp Web/Desktop
– Requires phone to be connected at all times
– No calling support except via phone
– Needs repetitive QR code scans for each session
– Cannot remotely log out specific devices
Should I use Linked Devices or WhatsApp Web?
If you primarily want to use WhatsApp on your computer or tablet even when your phone is not connected, Linked Devices is the better option.
However, if you only occasionally need WhatsApp access on your computer and want real-time sync with your phone, WhatsApp Web is a quick and easy way to achieve that.
For maximum flexibility, you can also use both Linked Devices and WhatsApp Web concurrently as they do not interfere with each other. Just remember Linked Devices take precedence for connectivity when phone is offline.
Ultimately it depends on your specific usage patterns and needs. Evaluate whether you need independent messaging ability or real-time sync, and choose the option that best suits your requirements.
How to resolve Linked Devices vs WhatsApp Web conflicts
In some cases, using Linked Devices and WhatsApp Web together can cause conflicts due to simultaneous connectivity from multiple devices. Here are some tips to resolve them:
– Carefully check which devices are active or causing issues. Log out of those not in use.
– Ensure your phone has an active internet connection for WhatsApp Web to function properly.
– Relink a Linked Device if it has connectivity problems to refresh the link.
– Check Linked Devices listed under WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices on your phone. Remote logout if needed.
– Scan QR code again on WhatsApp Web if sync issues arise. This refreshes the session.
– Prioritize usage – use Linked Devices when phone offline. Use WhatsApp Web when phone online for real-time sync.
– Update WhatsApp to the latest version on all devices in case of bugs causing conflicts.
– If all else fails, logout of Web and unlink all devices, then carefully relink and reconfigure as needed per your usage.
Following these tips should help avoid and resolve any intermittent conflicts arising from simultaneous WhatsApp access on multiple devices. With some thoughtful setup, you can use both options seamlessly.
Conclusion
In closing, Linked Devices and WhatsApp Web serve related but distinct purposes. Linked Devices offer independent messaging ability from up to 4 devices while WhatsApp Web provides real-time sync and mirroring with your phone.
Understanding the key differences in dependencies, connectivity needs, calling support and unlinking methods is important to choose the right option as per your usage patterns. With proper configuration, you can also use both options together for maximum flexibility.