Since its launch in 2009 and then Mark Zuckerberg’s acquisition in 2014 — WhatsApp has come a long way. It is one of the most used instant messaging platforms in the world and is not coming slow any way near future.
It has become such a staple in our lives. People love to use this platform on their mobile devices, computers, tablets, and even Chromebooks.
If you cannot figure out how to use WhatsApp on your Chromebooks, then we can help you install and use the WhatsApp app.
You can install WhatsApp on your Chromebook by simply launching the Google Play Store (if your Chromebook supports it) and downloading the Android version of WhatsApp. Similarly, you can also navigate the web version of WhatsApp on your Chromebook browser and link your device to use WhatsApp on Chromebook.
Let’s explore how to install WhatsApp on Chromebook and what to do if your device does not support Google Play Store or Android apps.
How To Use WhatsApp on Chromebook?
In 2011, the world witnessed the first Chromebook, which was supposed to be the budget-friendly substitute for MacBook and Windows Laptops.
Interestingly, Chromebook does not run on Windows or Mac operating systems as it has the Google operating system.
What’s more intriguing is that Chromebook can work as your laptop and be transformed into a tablet (a few models) with on-screen keyboards.
We can talk on and on about Chromebooks; let’s limit our conversation and get to the point.
You can use the Android WhatsApp Messenger app and also the web version of WhatsApp on your Chromebook.
Let’s start with how to install the WhatsApp app on Chromebook first.
Unlike Windows or macOS, ChromeOS does not have a dedicated WhatsApp app, so you need Google Play Store to get the Android version of WhatsApp messenger.
Install WhatsApp on Chromebook
It should be clear by now that you need to install the Android version of WhatsApp on your Chromebook to use it. You can, however, anytime use the web version of WhatsApp as well on your Chromebook browser.
It is important to note that not all Chromebooks support Google Play Store.
Generally, all the Chromebook (unless specified like Google OS Flex) devices launched in or after 2019 support Android apps and Google Play Store.
Similarly, since 2016, many Chromebook launches support Google Play Store and Android Apps.
Click on this link to check whether your Chromebook supports or is about to support the Android apps and Google Play Store.
When you install the WhatsApp app on your Chromebook, you have to disconnect it on your Android phone as you cannot run WhatsApp with the same phone number on both devices.
To Install WhatsApp App on Chromebook, go like this:
Please note that you can skip step #1 if you already have Google Play Store enabled on your Chromebook. If not, then follow all these steps.
Step #1: Enable the Google Play Store
To enable the Google Play Store, follow these steps:
- Click on the time at the bottom right of your screen.
- Click on “Settings.”
- Select “Apps” from the left panel.
- Scroll down the list on the main screen to navigate the “Google Play Store” option, then select “Turn on.”
- A new window will open with the “Google Play Terms of Service,” enable the permissions and select “Accept” to set up Google Play Store to download Android Apps.
If you do not see “Google Play Store” here, your device does not support it.
Step #2: Open Google Play Store
Now, select the Launcher or the app drawer and navigate to the Google Play Store.
Step #3: Install WhatsApp
Type “WhatsApp” into the search bar on Google Play Store and hit the search button. Next, tap on the “Install” button to download it.
Step #4: Set Up Your WhatsApp
Now, hit the Launcher again and tap the installed WhatsApp app there.
Set up your WhatsApp account by entering your phone number to get OTTP on it to verify. After verification, enter your profile name and picture to begin WhatsApping.
After setting up your account, WhatsApp will work exactly how it works on your Android devices. You can make video and audio calls and send text, voice messages, links, documents, and multimedia.
What To Do if Your Chromebook Does Not Support Android Apps or Google Play Store?
If your Chromebook does not support your Android app or Google Play Store, then you can use the web version of WhatsApp.
- Navigate to webs.whatsapp.com on your Chrome browser.
- Open the WhatsApp app on your mobile device.
- Tap the “Settings” tab at the bottom.
- Select “Linked Devices.”
- Tap the “Link a Device” button.
- Place your mobile phone towards your Chromebook screen and scan the QR code.
This way, WhatsApp from your device will launch on your Chromebook browser.
Additional Information
You can also sideload Android apps using the Linux command or Developer Mode on your Chromebook. When you sideload apps, you can get the apps from their Android APKs to install them without Google Play Store.
The catch here is that it is unsafe for your device because of malware in some of these APKs.
Plus, not all Chromebooks support Linux. Similarly, Developer Mode can void your Chrome’s warranty as it is more like a jailbreak.
Quick Round-Up
The latest Chromebooks allow users to use the Google Play Store and Android apps the way they use them on their Android devices.
So, you can download the Android app of WhatsApp from the Google Play Store on your Chromebook and use it.
If your Chromebook does not support Google Play Store, you can always use the web version of WhatsApp and link your device to your Chromebook.
