How to Get WhatsApp on iPad Explained

WhatsApp logo in front of the new iPad models press image
Credit: Apple / Meta

WhatsApp logo in front of the new iPad models press image
Credit: Apple / Meta

Keeping up-to-date on your social media is important, but sometimes you want everything on your tablet too. But, considering that WhatsApp relies on your phone number, you may be wondering how to install WhatsApp on iPad.

WhatsApp has the potential to be one of the best apps for iPad, giving you access to contact your friends and family without any pesky text message charges. So, if you're looking to add it to your iPad library, here's how to do it, if you even can.

How to Get and Install WhatsApp on iPad

Unfortunately, WhatsApp isn't available natively on the iPad. There's an ongoing beta test currently, that allows you to test WhatsApp for iPad via TestFlight, but it's invite-only and has been going since September 2023.

Meta is aware of the demand for WhatsApp on iPad, which is why the company released the beta version of WhatsApp for the Apple tablet in September 2023. However, there's been no confirmation of a full release for the app yet.

Unfortunately, if you're wanting one of the best iPhone apps on your iPad, you'll be disappointed to hear that you can't do it. At least, not yet. However, there's a minor workaround that will let you access a different version of Meta's social media platform - WhatsApp Web.

WhatsApp Web gives you the website version of the app, giving you a lite version of the platform. Unfortunately, you won't get notifications, which is a bit annoying. That being said, if you're wanting WhatsApp on iPad solely to catch up with people, this should be a good workaround.

  • Go to Safari on your iPad
  • Head to WhatsApp Web
  • Open WhatsApp on your smartphone
  • Head to the Settings tab
  • Select 'Linked Devices'
  • Scan the QR code on WhatsApp Web, and pair devices
  • WhatsApp Web is now available on your iPad

While this is a great workaround for a lack of WhatsApp support on iPad, it's no substitute for the real thing. Hopefully, the iPadOS version of the app will arrive sooner rather than later.

That's how to get (a version) of WhatsApp on iPad. Hopefully, you can catch up on all of your messages on your tablet now, but let's hope that Meta releases a native version soon.