To log in to WhatsApp, there are several methods depending on the device and context:
Logging in on a Smartphone
- WhatsApp accounts are primarily linked to your mobile phone number.
- To log in, install WhatsApp on your Android or iOS device.
- Enter your phone number and verify it by entering the SMS confirmation code sent to you.
- You can optionally enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for added security by setting a PIN and linking an email address for recovery and alternative login
Logging in via WhatsApp Web on a PC
- Go to https://web.whatsapp.com in your browser.
- Open WhatsApp on your phone, go to Settings > your profile > "Linked Devices" or "Code scannen" (Scan code).
- Use your phone to scan the QR code shown on the PC screen.
- This links your WhatsApp account to the browser session, allowing you to send and receive messages on your computer.
- Note: Your phone must stay connected to the internet for WhatsApp Web to work
Alternative Login via Email (New Feature)
- WhatsApp now supports linking an email address to your account for login and recovery purposes.
- This is useful if you cannot receive SMS codes or want to log in on a second device without a phone number.
- To activate, open WhatsApp on your phone, go to Settings > Account > Email Address.
- Enter your email, verify it with a six-digit code sent to that email.
- Once set up, you can use email as an alternative authentication method alongside or instead of SMS verification
Summary
- Primary login is via phone number and SMS code.
- WhatsApp Web login requires scanning a QR code with your phone.
- Optional Two-Factor Authentication and email login enhance security and provide alternative access methods.
This covers the main ways to log in to WhatsApp on different devices and the latest options for secure access
