You Can Now Chat With WhatsApp On Your Desktop

The mobile messaging app that has become ubiquitous among international chatters now can be accessed from your web browser.

WhatsApp on Wednesday unveiled a new browser-based desktop chat option, calling the feature an “extension” of its smartphone apps. The web experience “mirrors” conversations from your mobile device, said WhatsApp.

The company’s desktop solution, however, is somewhat convoluted. To use it, you have to open https://web.whatsapp.com in Google Chrome and scan the QR code inside your WhatsApp smartphone app. Then, you must keep your phone connected to the Internet and make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp.

There’s one big caveat, too: you can’t connect WhatsApp to your browser if you have an iPhone.

Facebook announced in February of last year it would purchase WhatsApp in a deal that closed in October for $19 billion in cash and shares. The app has more than 600 million active users.