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.

Subscribe to TIME

The Leadership Brief. Conversations with the most influential leaders in business and tech.

Please enter a valid email address.

* The request timed out and you did not successfully sign up. Please attempt to sign up again.

Sign Up Now

An unexpected error has occurred with your sign up. Please try again later.

Check the box if you do not wish to receive promotional offers via email from TIME.

You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you!

For your security, we've sent a confirmation email to the address you entered. Click the link to confirm your subscription and begin receiving our newsletters. If you don't get the confirmation within 10 minutes, please check your spam folder.

Contact us at letters@time.com.