How to get WhatsApp on iPad – an easy and safe guide
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue.
IF you love WhatsApp you may want to have it on more than just your smartphone.
Follow our easy guide below to download WhatsApp on your iPad.
How to get WhatsApp on your iPad
The great thing about WhatsApp is you only really need WiFi or data and a compatible device to use it.
One of the drawbacks is there isn't actually an official WhatsApp app for iPad.
The good news is there is a workaround for this if you already have WhatsApp on your phone.
Go to Safari on your iPad and type in .
This page should display a QR code and some instructions.
Go to WhatsApp on your iPhone, click "Settings" and then "WhatsApp Web/Desktop".
You'll then see an option called "Scan QR Code".
Click this and then scan the QR code that you can see on your iPad screen.
The page should then reload as your WhatsApp and you can continue your conversations on a bigger screen.
There are a few small limitations like not being able to send voice notes and not getting notifications via Safari.
WhatsApp – a quick history
Here's what you need to know...
- WhatsApp was created in 2009 by computer programmers Brian Acton and Jan Koum - former employees of Yahoo
- It's one of the most popular messaging services in the world
- Koum came up with the name WhatsApp because it sounded like "what's up"
- After a number of tweaks the app was released with a messaging component in June 2009, with 250,000 active users
- It was originally free but switched to a paid service to avoid growing too fast. Then in 2016, it became free again for all users
- Facebook bought WhatsApp Inc in February 2014 for $19.3billion (£14.64bn)
- The app is particularly popular because all messages are encrypted during transit, shutting out snoopers
- As of February 2020, WhatsApp has over 2billion users globally
TOP STORIES IN TECH
In other news, we rounded up some Facebook Messenger games you can play with friends remotely.
Find out how to disinfect your iPhone without breaking it.
And, here's how to record an iPhone screen.
What are your thoughts on WhatsApp? Let us know in the comments...
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at [email protected]