In this tutorial you will learn how to install and use WhatsApp on Android tablet, so that you can enjoy this wildly popular messaging service on the larger screen of your tablet.
We are showing below two methods of installing WhatsApp on an Android tablet that we tried successfully. You can take a look at both the methods and choose the one that suits you the best.
The first method involves directly installing WhatsApp on your Android tablet via a WhatsApp APK file, while the second method uses WhatsApp Web feature.
WhatsApp on Android Tablet Using APK File
The first method to get WhatsApp messaging system going on your Android tablet requires you to download WhatsApp APK file from WhatsApp’s official website.
Since, you will be installing the APK file from WhatsApp’s website and not from Google Play Store, your device will consider the file as a Third Party Application and warn you about the dangers of installing applications from unknown sources.
1. Visit WhatsApp’s download page and download WhatsApp.apk file
Open Chrome browser on your tablet and visit www.whatsapp.com/android/.
Once the page loads, click on the Download Now button.
You might see a warning “This type of file may harm your computer; do you want to keep whatsapp.apk anyway”
Tap on ‘OK’ to download the whatsapp.apk file to your tablet.
2. Open WhatsApp.apk file to start installation of WhatsApp on your tablet
Now, open Chrome browser on your tablet, tap on the 3-dot icon > tap on Downloads from the dropdown.
On the downloads screen, tap on the WhatsApp.apk download to open it up.
3. Allow Unknown Sources
Once you click on the whatsapp.apk download, you will be presented with “Install Blocked” pop-up warning. Click on Settings option in the pop-up window.
On the next screen, scroll down and tap on Unknown sources located under “Device Administration” section
On the pop-up that appears, tap on OK to allow installation of third party apps on your Android device.
Note: As you can see in the pop-up, Installing third party apps can make your device vulnerable to attacks. However, in this case you are installing the APK file from WhatsApp’s official website.
4. Exit Settings
Now exit settings by clicking on the back button on your tablet and you should find yourself back on the download center.
5. Click on whatsapp.apk Again to Finish Installation
Now click on whatsapp.apk again and this time you will be prompted to click on Next to complete the installation.
6. Setup WhatsApp
Next, open WhatsApp and complete the setup. For this process you will need to provide WhatsApp with a phone number so that WhatsApp can send you a confirmation SMS.
To setup WhatsApp on Android tablet without phone number, you can make use of our guide – How to Use WhatsApp Without Phone Number or SIM.
As you can see above, you may see a message – “SMS verification failed Please try Voice Verification” – Click on CALL ME to receive an automated phone call from WhatsApp.
Note down the verification code sent by WhatsApp and verify your Phone Number by entering the verification code on the next screen.
7. Ready to Roll!
Once you have successfully verified your Phone number, you are all set and ready to use WhatsApp on your Android Tablet.
Send a message to one of your Contacts using WhatsApp, in order to check and make sure that WhatsApp messaging system is working on your tablet.
WhatsApp on Android Tablet Using WhatsApp Web
The second method involves using WhatsApp Web feature to use WhatsApp on Android Tablet.
This method is suitable for those who do not want to install any third-party Apps or download APK files from other websites.
WhatsApp Web feature was introduced by WhatsApp to enable its popular messaging system on Windows PC and Mac computers. However, it can also be used on an Android tablet.
WhatsApp Web basically creates a mirror image of your WhatsApp account as it appears on your phone on the larger screen of your PC (in this case your tablet).
Hence, this method requires you to already have WhatsApp installed on your smartphone. Once, you have downloaded and Installed WhatsApp on your phone, you can follow the steps below to get WhatsApp going on your Android Tablet.
1. Install Chrome or Firefox browser
WhatsApp Web does not work on Internet Explorer, for this reason make sure that your tablet either has Chrome or Firefox browser installed on it.
2. Go to WhatsApp Website
Now, open Chrome browser on your tablet and type https://web.whatsapp.com/ in the address bar.
3. Switch to Desktop Version
Once you hit enter, you will be taken to the mobile version of WhatsApp’s website. This is because you are trying to reach the site from a tablet. You need to switch to the desktop version in order to access WhatsApp Web which is designed for PC’s.
Tap on the 3-dot icon located at the top right corner of your screen and tap on ‘Request Desktop site’ in the slide down menu
You will now be taken to the Desktop version of the website.
4. QR Code on the Screen of your Tablet
Once you reach the Desktop version of WhatsApp, you will see a QR code on the screen of your tablet and you will be prompted to scan the code using your phone.
5. Scan the QR Code Using your Phone
Open WhatsApp on your Phone, tap on Settings > WhatsApp Web. Next, scan the QR code as it appears on the screen of your tablet using your phone.
6. Done! – Try Sending a Text Message
Once you have scanned the QR code, you are ready to use WhatsApp messaging system on the large screen of your Android Tablet.
You can test by sending a message using WhatsApp to any of your Contacts.