Contrary to popular belief that Chromebook is a glorified browser, Google’s lightweight desktop OS brings a lot more to the table. You can now run Android apps, Linux apps on Chromebook, and even lightweight Windows 10 apps on Chromebooks. Chrome OS is also set to get Android 11 support in the next few months. Among Android apps, WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, and users want to use it on their Chromebooks. So we have compiled a quick guide to install and use WhatsApp on a Chromebook. And without further ado, let’s jump to the steps.
Before we begin, keep in mind that you need a Chromebook that comes with Android app support. You can no longer install and use WhatsApp on a Chromebook without native Android app support — either through ARC Welder or Linux container. However, with the new multi-device support on WhatsApp, you can independently use WhatsApp on even school-issued Chromebooks through the browser. So to get a detailed idea about the steps, let’s dive in.
- Install WhatsApp Android App on Chromebook
- Use WhatsApp on Chromebook Without Play Store Support
- Use WhatsApp on Chromebook with Multi-Device Support
How to Install WhatsApp Android App on Chromebook
If you have not enabled Google Play Store on your Chromebook, open Settings and click the “Turn on” button next to Google Play Store under the “Apps” section.
Voila, that’s it. You can now use WhatsApp on your Chromebook, and it’s the same as the smartphone app that you already use on the daily. You get access to all the popular features, including WhatsApp Status, WhatsApp disappearing messages, and a lot more.
If you want to install and use WhatsApp on your Chromebook and phone at the same time without having to log out from your smartphone, this method is for you. You will be able to use WhatsApp on the Chrome browser and this method does not require Play Store support. So basically, even school-issued Chromebooks will be able to use WhatsApp, however, you will need a smartphone to pair with the Chromebook. Also, you should have an active internet connection on your smartphone for the syncing process to work.
That’s all you need to do to use WhatsApp on Chromebook without logging out from your Chromebook. This way, you can use WhatsApp on both of your devices simultaneously.
Recently, WhatsApp has added the ability to use WhatsApp on multiple devices without having to rely on your primary smartphone for messaging syncing. This basically means that you can independently install and use WhatsApp on a Chromebook without requiring WhatsApp to be always active. And the best part is that end-to-end encryption is still maintained even with multi-device support.
