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How to Install WhatsApp on Ubuntu Linux

Richard

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This tutorial provides a guide on how to install and use Whatsapp on a Linux computer via two methods: installing the unofficial client, Whatsdesk, or using the Whatsapp web client on a web browser. Both methods require a QR code to be scanned by the user’s smartphone to sign in.

This brief tutorial shows students and new users how to install and use WhatsApp for Linux on Ubuntu 20.04 | 18.04 LTS desktop.

Want to use WhatsApp in Ubuntu Linux? Surprisingly, WhatsApp doesn’t have a Linux desktop client. WhatsApp supports both Windows and macOS platforms but not Linux.

With WhatsApp, you can get fast, simple, secure messaging and calls for free on phones worldwide. If your only option is to connect via a desktop computer, then only Windows and macOS platforms are supported.

If you have a Linux machine, you’re out of luck with the official desktop client.

There are Linux apps that may give you almost the same WhatsApp experience as Windows and MacOS platforms. But they’re not officially supported by WhatsApp.

If you can’t get a dedicated WhatsApp desktop client for a Linux machine, you can use a WhatsApp web client supported on popular web browsers.

Install Whatsdesk

Whatsdesk is an easy-to-use unofficial WhatsApp client for Linux. Instead of waiting for an official WhatsApp desktop client for Linux systems, install Whatsdesk.

Whatsdesk works the same way WhatsApp web works, except it provides a dedicated desktop client for Linux machines.

You can install Whatsdesk on Ubuntu from the Snap package manager. Snap should already be installed on Ubuntu 18.04 and up. However, if you’re running previous versions, run the commands below to install Snap.

sudo apt update 
sudo apt install snapd

To install WhatsApp-for-Linux, simply use the following command:

sudo snap install whatsapp-for-linux

That will do it.

After installing, go to the Activities Overview ==> dashboard and search for WhatsApp. That will bring up WhatsApp for Linux.

Open and begin using it.

Click the link to the right to reload the QR code to sign in using your smartphone.

Use WhatsApp from the browser.

If having a dedicated Linux app isn’t essential to you, you can simply use your web browser in Linux to use WhatsApp from your computer.

Open your web browser and go to WhatsApp Web, and you will see a QR code. Scan the code using your smartphone to sign in.

To scan the QR code presented to you, open the WhatsApp app from your Android or iOS device and go to Menu (three dots on the top right) > WhatsApp Web.

Scan the QR code to sign in.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

This post showed you how to install and use WhatsApp on Ubuntu. If you find any errors above, please use the comment form below to report.

Richard Avatar
Richard
Richard, the owner and lead writer at Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast passionate about simplifying complex IT topics. His years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations have honed his ability to provide practical insights and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He’s deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions. He enjoys watching football, cheering for the Minnesota Vikings, and spending time with his family when he’s not writing or managing Geek Rewind.

Comments

  1. emma Avatar
    emma

    thanks, I appreciate your work and recognize your efforts and friendship for open source sofware

    Reply
  2. Founder of Jiusoft Avatar
    Founder of Jiusoft

    Whatsapp Multi-Device beta is not working in WhatsDesk!

    Reply

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