How to download and install WhatsApp on Mac
WhatsApp for Mac is free and comes from WhatsApp’s website or the Mac App Store. Here is how to install it, link it to the WhatsApp on your phone and allow calls and screen sharing.
- macOS 12.1 or later
- One file for Apple Silicon and Intel
- Free
Or the installer straight from the developer’s server:
The links go to the developer’s website (whatsapp.com, web.whatsapp.com). MacWashing is not affiliated with the developer and keeps no installers.
Open Terminal (Applications › Utilities) and run:
brew install --cask whatsappHomebrew downloads the app from the developer’s server, checks the file and puts the app in Applications.
No Homebrew yet? How to install Homebrew: one command from brew.sh.
Website or App Store
WhatsApp offers the same app in two places: as a download on its website and in the Mac App Store. The App Store version updates with your other apps. Either way it is one app for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. You also need WhatsApp on your phone: the Mac is linked to it.
WhatsApp for Mac needs macOS 12.1 or later. Download it only from whatsapp.com or the App Store. On an older Mac, use WhatsApp Web at web.whatsapp.com in your browser.
How to install WhatsApp
- Open the downloaded WhatsApp
.dmgin your Downloads folder. - In the window that opens, drag WhatsApp to the Applications folder.
- Eject the WhatsApp disk: click the eject button next to it in the Finder sidebar.
- Open WhatsApp from Applications and click Open when macOS asks about an app downloaded from the internet.
From the App Store, search for WhatsApp Messenger, click Get, then Install. It appears in Applications by itself.
Link WhatsApp to your phone
- Open WhatsApp on your Mac: it shows a QR code.
- On an iPhone, open WhatsApp and go to Settings › Linked Devices › Link a Device. On Android, tap ⋮ › Linked devices › Link a device.
- Unlock with Face ID, your fingerprint or passcode if your phone asks.
- Point the phone’s camera at the QR code on the Mac screen.
- Wait a few minutes: the phone sends your recent chats to the Mac.
The phone stays the main device: the Mac keeps an encrypted copy of your recent messages, and codes for signing in arrive only on the phone.
What to set up after the first launch
macOS asks for each permission the first time WhatsApp needs it. If you clicked Don’t Allow by mistake, turn it on in System Settings › Privacy & Security:
- Microphone and Camera: turn on WhatsApp for voice and video calls.
- Screen & System Audio Recording: turn on WhatsApp to share your screen in a call, then quit and reopen WhatsApp.
- Opening at login. If you don’t want WhatsApp to start with your Mac, turn it off in System Settings › General › Login Items.
- The installer. Move the
.dmgfrom Downloads to the Trash once WhatsApp runs.
If WhatsApp won’t install or open
- «WhatsApp is damaged and can’t be opened». The download was incomplete. Delete it and download it again from WhatsApp’s website.
- WhatsApp doesn’t start on an older Mac. Check your macOS version in About This Mac: it needs macOS 12.1 or later.
- The phone won’t read the QR code. Close notifications covering it, turn up the screen brightness and hold the phone straight in front of the screen.
- Nothing helps. Remove WhatsApp completely and install it again: see how to uninstall WhatsApp on Mac.
Alternatives to WhatsApp
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Questions and answers
Is WhatsApp for Mac free?
Yes. The app, messages and calls cost nothing. Your internet provider may charge for data.
Can I use WhatsApp on a Mac without a phone?
No. Your account is registered on a phone, and the Mac is linked to it with a QR code. After that the Mac keeps working even when the phone is off for a while.
Which is better, the App Store or the website version?
Both are WhatsApp’s own app and work the same. The App Store version updates together with your other apps. The website version is handy if you don’t use the App Store.