- Start with the internet when WhatsApp desktop is not working
- Quick fixes for WhatsApp desktop connection problems
- Check your phone when WhatsApp desktop is not working
- Make sure your computer meets the WhatsApp desktop requirements
- Calls not working on WhatsApp desktop
- When a WhatsApp desktop feature seems to be missing
- Unofficial WhatsApp desktop apps are not the answer
- A simple order to try when WhatsApp desktop is not working
- When to contact WhatsApp about desktop problems
- Frequently asked questions
If WhatsApp desktop is not working, check your internet first, since WhatsApp says poor connection is the most common cause. Then restart the computer, try another network, log out and link again, and make sure your phone has been used within the last 14 days.
When WhatsApp desktop stops working in the middle of a working day, it's usually one of a short list of causes. Messages won't send, photos won't upload, the app logs you out, or calls have no sound. I've gone through what WhatsApp's help centre says about each problem, in the order I'd check them, so you can stop poking around and get back to your chats.
Start with the internet when WhatsApp desktop is not working
WhatsApp's help centre says the most common reason people have trouble sending and receiving chats, or uploading and downloading photos and videos, is a poor internet connection. The same goes for hearing or recording audio, including audio for Status.
So before you touch any settings, check that the computer is online. In the browser version, WhatsApp Web, a yellow icon next to the message Computer not connected means you may not have an active internet connection. If your connection is down, WhatsApp says to contact your internet provider.
Quick fixes for WhatsApp desktop connection problems
If the computer is online with a strong signal and WhatsApp still struggles, the help centre suggests these steps:
- Log out and log back in. You can do this from the app's Settings, or from your phone under Linked devices.
- Restart the computer. WhatsApp suggests turning it off, waiting for 30 seconds and turning it back on.
- Try a different Wi-Fi network or use a hotspot. Office and university campus Wi-Fi can cause connection issues.
- If you manage your own network, set it to allow traffic to WhatsApp's web addresses. WhatsApp says this can resolve problems on networks that block it.
For the browser version only, the help centre also says to refresh the page and clear your browser cache and cookies, and it points you to your browser's own support site for how. Those two steps don't apply to the installed desktop app.
Check your phone when WhatsApp desktop is not working
WhatsApp desktop is a linked device, so it depends on your phone in a few ways. Per the help centre, linked devices work without your phone being online, but they'll log out if your phone is unused for over 14 days. They're also disconnected automatically after 30 days of inactivity. If your desktop app asks you to scan a code again, this is the likely reason.
Open WhatsApp on your phone, then check the Linked devices list. If your computer isn't there, link it again. If it's listed but misbehaving, tap it, choose Log out, and set it up fresh. My notes on the everyday WhatsApp settings cover other account checks worth doing at the same time.
Make sure your computer meets the WhatsApp desktop requirements
- Windows: WhatsApp's help pages list Windows 10 64-bit version 1903 and newer versions.
- Mac: the app is available for macOS 11 or later.
- Other systems: use WhatsApp Web in a supported browser.
For WhatsApp Web, the help centre says you can use the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera or Safari. It won't work with some older browsers, including Internet Explorer. If you're on an older system that can't run the desktop app, the browser version is the official fallback.
Calls not working on WhatsApp desktop
Calls have their own checklist. WhatsApp says that to make or receive calls on Windows you'll need an active internet connection, an audio output device and a microphone for voice and video calls, and a camera for video calls. You also need to give WhatsApp permission to use your microphone and camera in your computer's settings.
The help centre also recommends a headset for the best audio, since using separate external speakers and a microphone might cause an echo. If a call has no sound, check which microphone and speaker your computer is using first.
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When a WhatsApp desktop feature seems to be missing
Sometimes the app is working fine and a feature just isn't there. WhatsApp lists a few things that linked devices don't support yet: viewing a live location, creating and viewing broadcast lists, and using business Flows. Chat history on a linked device can also look incomplete. The help pages mention a known issue where some linked devices don't show up to one year of chat history, and say you can still see everything on your primary phone while it's being fixed.
It's worth knowing this before you assume something's broken. If you run client chats from a laptop and a broadcast list is missing, the phone is where to look.
Unofficial WhatsApp desktop apps are not the answer
If you've tried a lookalike app because the official one gave you trouble, stop using it. WhatsApp's help centre says linking your account to unofficial apps or websites, now or in the past, may result in a temporary or permanent account ban, and could expose the account to spam and scams. Stick with the official WhatsApp apps and WhatsApp Web. If chats look incomplete after a move, my guide to a WhatsApp backup that is stuck covers the phone side.
A simple order to try when WhatsApp desktop is not working
| Step | What to do | Why, per WhatsApp's help centre |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check the internet and try another network | Poor connection is the most common cause |
| 2 | Restart the computer | WhatsApp suggests off for 30 seconds, then on |
| 3 | Log out and link again | The official way to disconnect a linked device |
| 4 | Open WhatsApp on your phone | Linked devices log out if the phone is unused for over 14 days |
| 5 | Check Windows or macOS version | The app has minimum system requirements |
| 6 | Use WhatsApp Web as a fallback | The official option for unsupported systems |
When to contact WhatsApp about desktop problems
If you've been through the list and the desktop app still won't connect, contact WhatsApp through its help centre or the help section inside the app on your phone (menus vary by app version). Say which system you use, which version of the app you have and what happens when it fails. I wouldn't give anyone your registration code, even if they say they're from WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Why is WhatsApp desktop not working?
WhatsApp's help centre says poor internet connection is the most common reason for problems sending, receiving or uploading. Other causes are an expired link to your phone, an unsupported system or a network that blocks WhatsApp.
Why does WhatsApp desktop keep logging me out?
Linked devices log out if your phone is unused for over 14 days and are disconnected after 30 days of inactivity. Open WhatsApp on your phone regularly and link the computer again if needed.
Does WhatsApp desktop work if my phone is off?
Yes. WhatsApp says linked devices work without your phone being online, within the limits of the 14 day login rule.
What are the system requirements for WhatsApp desktop?
Windows 10 64-bit version 1903 or later, or macOS 11 or later. Other systems can use WhatsApp Web in a browser.
What can I do if the desktop app has no sound on calls?
Check your microphone, speakers and camera permissions, and use a headset. WhatsApp says separate external speakers and microphones might cause an echo.
