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5 minute hack: how to use WhatsApp on iPad

Our Whatsapp on iPad guide will let you banter away on a bigger screen in no time

Esat Dedezade
How-to-get-WhatsApp-on-your-iPad

Want to learn how to use WhatsApp on iPad? You’re not alone. The end-to-end encrypted chat service is used by over two billion users a month. With a bunch of newly announced features that include voice status updates and a private audience function, it’s no surprise that WhatsApp is one of the most popular global messaging apps out there.

The convenience of using it on your iPad is a welcome bonus for power users and novices alike. But while there’s no official WhatsApp app for the iPad (yet), there’s a simple workaround that will let you chat away on your Apple tablet without resorting to any complicated hacking.

Is there a WhatsApp iPad app?

At the time of writing, there’s no official WhatsApp app available for iPad users. There is some hope though — back in 2021, there were reports of a team working on a dedicated WhatsApp for iPad app (WABetaInfo, via Macworld):

As things stand though, there have been no further developments, and the iPad remains WhatsApp-less. There is, however, a native WhatsApp for Mac app available in public beta, so a dedicated iPad version isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.

With that said, there’s still an easy way for you to still use WhatsApp on your iPad without the need to download an app, and we’ve outlined the steps below:

How to use WhatsApp Web on your iPad

WhatsApp Web is a browser-based WhatsApp client which lets you use the messaging service from, well, a browser.

We definitely, definitely don’t use it at work to send memes to our mates (because that would be unprofessional), but it is theoretically a great way to keep in touch with everyone when you’re on a PC.

You can actually use WhatsApp Web on your iPad too:

1. Hit up web.whatsapp.com, and hold down the refresh button in Safari’s URL bar, and then Request Desktop Site.

2. See that QR code? You’re going to want to scan it with your phone. Open up WhatsApp on your handset, go to Settings, Linked Devices, Link a Device, and scan the QR code.

3. That’s all you have to do – it’ll automatically link the web client to your phone, and you can message away on your iPad as normal.

4. It’s well worth pinning the WhatsApp Web page to your home screen too, for instant future access. Just hit the Share button, Add to Home Screen, and you’re all done.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that notifications for new messages won’t work, so mind you don’t miss any critical meme updates.

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About

Esat has been a gadget fan ever since his tiny four-year-old brain was captivated by a sound-activated dancing sunflower. From there it was a natural progression to a Sega Mega Drive, a brief obsession with hedgehogs, and a love for all things tech. After 7 years as a writer and deputy editor for Stuff, Esat ventured out into the corporate world, spending three years as Editor of Microsoft's European News Centre. Now a freelance writer, his appetite for shiny gadgets has no bounds. Oh, and like all good human beings, he's very fond of cats.