It is gravely unfortunate that, by default, WhatsApp isn’t compatible with tablets (still). However, there are ways to work around this. Some of the solutions involve complex maneuvers (such as rooting your device), but I've found one method which is simple and works. Here is our guide for how to install WhatsApp on a tablet.
Please note: this will create a new WhatsApp account unique to your tablet. If you want to spoof or takeover your account from your mobile device, I will outline a method for this at the end of the article.
- Got questions about WhatsApp? Visit our WhatsApp app profile page for the answers!
Requirements: To create a WhatsApp account, you will need a phone number. If you use your current phone number, you will lose the WhatsApp account on your smartphone and it will instead be transferred to your tablet. This is why you must purchase a new SIM card to get a new number. This is the cheapest, quickest, and most effective way to get WhatsApp on your tablet. Just insert your new SIM card into your handset and copy all of your contacts across to your new SIM before you start the procedure. You will be able to re-insert your old SIM card again once you're done.
- Download the WhatsApp.apk from the WhatsApp website on your tablet. In order to do this and to not be redirected straight to the Google Play Store, either use Chrome or Firefox as your browser and then request the Desktop site. From there, click on the Android download and the .apk file will be downloaded to your tablet. (Alternatively, you can just download it on your PC and then transfer it to your tablet via USB, or email.)
- Ensure that you’re able to install from Unknown Sources. To check if you are, go to Settings > Security > Unknown Sources on your tablet. This will allow .apks that aren’t downloaded directly from Google Play to be installed on your devices. ALWAYS make sure you know what you’re downloading and installing if you are going to have this setting enabled long-term. Otherwise, uncheck Unknown Sources as soon as you're done with this process.
- Install the WhatsApp .apk on your tablet.
- Enter the app and follow the instructions. When it asks for a number to authorize the application, enter in your new number. While it won’t authenticate automatically, you will receive a text message with a code that you can use to authorize the app.
- Once authorized, set-up your WhatsApp account as per normal.
- Voila! WhatsApp on your tablet!
As I said above, this will install WhatsApp as a brand new account on your tablet (your friends will obviously need to know your new SIM card number too). If you are only looking to transfer a WhatsApp account from your current device to your tablet, just use your normal phone number. The authorization will follow the same steps, but your account will be transferred over and it won't be active on your smartphone anymore. If you want to transfer your WhatsApp chat history, we've got you covered on that front too.
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