WhatsApp has consistently remained the most popular messaging app on Android and iOS. From sending instant messages to making full-fledged video calls and processing payments, there is a lot WhatsApp is capable of. However, there’s one platform that the Facebook-owned messaging service has not paid a lot of attention to, and it’s the iPad. So if you are someone who is tired of waiting for an official WhatsApp for iPad app, we are here to make things easier for you. We have created a complete guide to teach you how to set up and use WhatsApp on your iPad right away. So charge up your iPad and get ready to use WhatsApp on it.
How to Use WhatsApp on iPad in 2021
The guide not only teaches you how to use WhatsApp on your iPad but contains some other points, including the limitations you might encounter during use as well. If you would rather read about them first, use the table below to jump to that section.
Does WhatsApp Work Natively on iPad?
While WhatsApp is available on Android, iOS, and PC, it is currently not available for the iPad officially. The App Store listing is only for iPhone users and as such iPad users cannot use WhatsApp. For that to change, WhatsApp will need to launch an official iPad version of the app. However, don’t fret, as you can still get WhatsApp up and running on your iPad without any complications. Keep on reading to find out how to make it happen.
Will WhatsApp Ever Come to Apple iPad?
Yes, Whatsapp could soon have a native iPad app. A while back, prominent WhatsApp tipster WABetaInfo revealed the possibility of the iPad having a standalone WhatsApp app. This report was fueled by WhatsApp’s multi-device support, the details of which we will discuss below.
Apparently, the reason it’s taking time is that WhatsApp needs to properly port the end-to-end encryption (and other core features) before an iPad app is made available to users. However, as things stand, there is a strong possibility that WhatsApp will get a dedicated iPad app soon.
How to Set up and Use WhatsApp on iPad
Users wanting to use WhatsApp will be glad 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 on Safari to make this happen right now. It requires a one-time setup, which will ensure you can send and receive WhatsApp messages from the iPad. However, that requires your phone to be online at all times for it to function.
Furthermore, WhatsApp’s Multi-Device Beta allows users to use the same WhatsApp account across multiple devices without the primary device being connected to an Internet connection. So if you are part of the multi-device beta, you can use your iPad independently without relying on your phone. Go through our in-depth tutorial to learn how to use WhatsApp on multi-devices without the primary phone being online at all times.
However, do be aware that multi-device support is not available to everyone yet. So if you can’t access that feature, you will need to keep your phone online. Now without further ado, let’s begin setting up WhatsApp on the iPad without the multi-device feature. This method work for both iPhone and Android. So regardless of your platform, follow them below:
1. Open Safari on your iPad and go to WhatsApp Web (web.whatsapp.com). The website will display a QR code, which you 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 OS and not opening the desktop website by default. To see the QR code, you will then need to press the ellipsis (three-dot icon) icon at 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 the three-dot icon at the top right and select Linked Devices from the dropdown list.
3. Regardless of whether you are in the multi-device beta or not, tap the Link a Device button and pass the biometric check. Your camera will then open up.
4. Position your phone’s camera on the QR code displayed on the iPad’s screen to scan it. WhatsApp will scan it immediately and log you into WhatsApp Web on the iPad.
5. You will now see WhatsApp working on your iPad with all the chats and their settings.
Congratulations, you just got WhatsApp working on your iPad. You can freely chat and use it without worries. And don’t worry, if you close the Safari tab, WhatsApp will remember your log in 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. WhatsApp will stop working if you do so.
Create a Home Screen Shortcut for WhatsApp on iPad
While you may now love using WhatsApp on your iPad, we do realize you still need to open Safari every time to access it. While there is no way around it until WhatsApp launches an official app, what we can do right now is create a home screen shortcut and make our lives 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 the ellipsis icon (three dots) on the top right corner of the address bar.
2. From the list of options that appears, scroll down and tap ‘Add to Home Screen‘.
3. Next, tap the Add button at the top right on the pop-up box that appears.
4. And you are done. Safari will now lead you to the iPad Home Screen, where you will see the Whatsapp icon. Tapping it will take you to WhatsApp on iPad even if the Safari tab has been closed.
Now that you have WhatsApp up and running on your iPad, you can use all the features available in the web version of the messaging app with ease. You can not only text people but also send them images, documents, and voice messages like you would do otherwise. Moreover, you can even view WhatsApp Status and use the dark theme in WhatsApp Web.
Third-Party Apps to Use WhatsApp on iPad
We recommend sticking to the above method as it’s not only the easiest but also a free method to use WhatsApp on your iPad. However, if you are inclined towards using a third-party app to get the job done, you can find many on the App store. Now be aware these apps use the same WhatsApp web framework and create their own overlay around it. However, if you are the type of iPad user who loves dedicated apps, you will need to wait for the official one.
For iPad users still wanting to check out a third-party option, we recommend the three selections below:
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 steps of QR code scanning as explained above. However, it will make your life easier by opening WhatsApp in the form of an app, thereby only requiring users to scan and get started in a jiffy. However, do be aware that since this acts as a companion app, there will be periodic lag that might take away from your experience.
Get Messaging for WhatsApp on iPad (Paid, $2.99)
2. Whats Web App +
This companion app for WhatsApp on the iPad boasts encrypted app protection and multiple account management. So if you are a user who wants to log in with multiple WhatsApp numbers, this might be the one for you. Whats Web App+ even gives users access to a neat Status creator with templates and other customizations. However, do be aware that you will see in-app advertisements from time to time and must pay a fee to get rid of them.
Get Whats Web App + (Free, supports in-app purchases)
3. Messenger for WhatsApp ++
Another third-party app to get WhatsApp on the iPad, Messenger for WhatsApp++ is another lightweight addition to the list. Like 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, which allow users to set up reminders to respond to specific conversations. You can even create Birthday reminders to ensure you don’t forget to wish your friends or family members.
Get Messenger for WhatsApp ++ (Free, supports in-app purchases)
Are There Any Limitations to Using WhatsApp on iPad?
While the WhatsApp experience on iPad is decent even without the app, there sure are some limitations. Here are some you should expect while going ahead and using it.
1. Occasional Lag
During your day-to-day operation, you might encounter a touch of lag or two. Since we cannot use WhatsApp’s native app on the iPad right now, this is completely natural. So if you are the type of user who wants to have a lightning-fast response, you better stick to your phone.
2. Different Contacts List
WhatsApp on the iPad will pull the list of contacts and conversations from your phone and not from your iPad. It is not something you can circumvent as of now.
3. Needs an Existing Account
You will need an existing WhatsApp account on your mobile to install and use WhatsApp on the iPad. Furthermore, if you are not part of the multi-device beta, you will need to stay signed in with your phone to use the messaging app.
4. No Voice & Video Calling
While WhatsApp has started testing voice and video calling on its desktop app for Mac and Windows, you can’t access these features on the web version. So yeah, you will not be able to voice or video call your friends and family even if you start using WhatsApp on an iPad via the workaround explained above.
Use WhatsApp on Your iPad in a Few Easy Steps
We hope this guide will be useful in helping you figure out how to set up and use WhatsApp on your iPad. There sure are some limitations to the experience right now, but it will become a whole lot better once the native iPad app and multi-device support arrive on WhatsApp. If you are content with using the messaging app on your phone, try these best WhatsApp tips and tricks to further your experience. And well, if you are privacy-conscious and want a cross-device messaging app, we suggest you ditch WhatsApp altogether? Go ahead and check out these best WhatsApp alternatives. Need help in setting up WhatsApp on your iPad? Ask your questions in the comments below, and we will help you out.