Actually, WhatsApp only works on smartphones. With a few tricks, you can also use the messenger service on iPad and Android tablets. We have the instructions.
The WhatsApp messenger is only available for smartphones in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store – tablets are not officially supported. This is because most iPads and Android tablets do not have their own SIM card with a phone number, which is actually necessary for WhatsApp verification. However, there are several ways to bypass this lock. And we will show you below.
WhatsApp on iPad
You cannot use WhatsApp on iPad with your own number. However, it is possible to sync your WhatsApp account with your smartphone (iPhone/Android). That would mean that the messages are forwarded from the smartphone to the iPad and can also be answered from there.
It’s a bit awkward to read, but the real WhatsApp application is only available for the iPhone in the Apple App Store. There are still two ways to still use WhatsApp on iPad (and iPod Touch):
1. WhatsApp via browser
- Open the WhatsApp web page via your browser: web.whatsapp.com
- In order for the correct page to appear, you must open the desktop site. To do this, tap on the share icon (box with an up arrow) and select the option “Request desktop site”
- Open WhatsApp on the smartphone and select the “WhatsApp Web” entry in the app menu
- Scan the QR code with your smartphone, the WhatsApp web service will then start automatically
Hints: Voice messages cannot be recorded via the browser, but they can at least be played back. And unlike on PC, you don’t get notifications about new messages.
2. WhatsApp via a third-party app from the App Store
There are a number of apps in the App Store that also use the WhatsApp web service, but are more convenient to use and offer additional functions such as notifications:
Also interesting: 4 alternatives to WhatsApp and Telegram
WhatsApp on Android tablet
If you have an Android tablet, you can get WhatsApp working in two different ways: with your own landline number or with a TextNow phone number. Here we explain how to use WhatsApp on your smartphone without a SIM card.
1. Couple WhatsApp with your own landline number
- Download WhatsApp directly through the WhatsAppdownload page down
- Install and open the application (installation of apps from unknown sources must be allowed, instructions for this can be found here)
- Enter your own landline number as the telephone number
- Request the verification code by phone
- Pick up the landline phone and write down the code
- Enter the code, WhatsApp will then start automatically
2. Activate WhatsApp with a Text Now phone number
- Load the TextNow app down from the Google Play Store
- Create an account and choose a phone number
- Download whatsapp over whatsapp download page
- Install and open the application
- Enter your TextNow number
- Request the verification code by phone
- Switch to the TextNow app and answer the call
- Write down the code that is given and enter it in the appropriate field in the WhatsApp application
- WhatsApp automatically recognizes the code and then starts
Hints: The TextNow phone number is tied to the use of the TextNow app. Calls must be made or messages sent from time to time in order for the number not to expire. However, the calls and messages are free.