WhatsApp Web in India: Everything you need to know [Aug 2023]
With over 487 million WhatsApp users and more than 15 million WhatsApp Business App users in India, WhatsApp is undoubtedly a widely used customer communication channel for businesses. Other than the basic messaging features, commerce tools like WhatsApp Catalog and WhatsApp Pay have been released in India much earlier than in other countries. This makes it even more important for businesses to fully understand all the essential features, such as WhatsApp Web and Desktop, to ensure that the workflow is seamless and customers are pleased with the quality of their service.
What is WhatsApp Web?
WhatsApp Web is a web-based extension of the mobile application, which allows users to access their WhatsApp account on their computer. It's compatible with most browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. All you need is a stable internet connection, and you can access WhatsApp Web from anywhere in the world.
How does WhatsApp Web work?
To use WhatsApp Web, you need to visit the WhatsApp Web website and follow the instructions below:
Open the WhatsApp app on your phone.
Go to “Settings”, and click on "Linked Devices".
Click on the "Link a Device" button on your phone.
Scan the QR code on the computer page to log in.
Once you've logged in, you can use WhatsApp Web on your computer to chat with customers. The functions are the same as those on the WhatsApp app, and you can send voice messages, images, and videos, among other files. You can even print screen and paste the image on your WhatsApp Web chatbox to quickly show customers some images from your screen.
Follow the steps above to log in to your WhatsApp Business account on the WhatsApp Desktop App.
What is WhatsApp Desktop?
WhatsApp Desktop is a standalone application that you can download and install on your desktop or laptop. The app syncs with your mobile device, allowing you to use WhatsApp on your computer without the need for a browser. It's compatible with Windows and Mac OS.
Download WhatsApp Desktop from the official website.
How to use WhatsApp Web and Desktop for your business?
WhatsApp Web and Desktop can be valuable tools for businesses in India. Here are some ways you can use it for your business:
Customer support: with WhatsApp Web and Desktop, you can offer customer support from your computer to manage and respond to customer queries more efficiently as you work from your desk.
Group chats: you can create and manage group chats for your customer contacts on WhatsApp Web and Desktop.
File sharing: you can share files, documents, and images saved on your computer with your customers and team members on WhatsApp Web and Desktop.
Multiple logins for the same WhatsApp Business account: you can have 4 extra devices linked to the company’s WhatsApp Business account, even though only one phone can be connected. This allows your teammates to reply to other customers at the same time using the company’s WhatsApp number.
Find out more about how to use WhatsApp on multiple devices.
Limitations of using WhatsApp Web and Desktop for your business
While WhatsApp Web and Desktop can be useful for businesses, they also have some limitations. Here are a few:
No standalone account
You cannot use WhatsApp Web and Desktop without a mobile account. This means that you need to have a smartphone with WhatsApp installed to use these platforms.
Limited number of devices
Only one phone and 4 linked devices can be connected simultaneously for 1 WhatsApp number. Hence, if you’re a growing business in India, it is recommended that you use WhatsApp Business API from a BSP like SleekFlow. This way, all your team members can access and reply through the same WhatsApp Business account on their phones using the mobile app.
Security risks
Using WhatsApp Web and Desktop can pose security risks, especially if you use public computers or share your computer with others. You should always log out of WhatsApp when you're done using it and avoid sharing sensitive information over the platform.
WhatsApp Web shortcuts
WhatsApp Web also provides many convenient keyboard shortcuts that allow you to complete certain actions faster. Here are some commonly used keyboard shortcuts:
Ctrl + N: Create a new chat
Ctrl + Shift + ]: Next chat
Ctrl + Shift + [: Previous chat
Ctrl + E: Search contacts
Ctrl + Shift + M: Mute/unmute chat
Ctrl + Backspace: Delete selected chat
Ctrl + Shift + U: Mark chat as read
Ctrl + Shift + N: Create a new group
Multiple logins on WhatsApp
Starting in 2021, WhatsApp supports multi-device login, which allows users to use up to 4 linked devices and 1 phone simultaneously. You can use WhatsApp on different devices such as computers, tablets, and phones at the same time without interrupting the use on other devices.
In addition, multi-device login also provides higher security because each device will get its encryption key. This means that even if someone unauthorized accesses one of your devices, they cannot access your WhatsApp account.
If you want to enable the WhatsApp multi-device login feature, simply go to the "Settings" menu and select "WhatsApp Web/Desktop" or "Linked Devices" to start using this feature. With the multi-device login feature, you will be able to use WhatsApp to communicate with customers in India more conveniently without worrying about device limitations.
Unlimited logins on WhatsApp
Note that a phone number can log in to a maximum of 5 devices. This can still be difficult for larger customer service teams to handle all customer requests. For multi-device logins, you will still need to keep your WhatsApp active on the phone regularly to avoid being logged out automatically on your WhatsApp Web after a few weeks. If you want to save on human resources and time costs, using the WhatsApp Business API is even more appropriate!
The WhatsApp Business API allows unlimited logins on the same WhatsApp Business account in India. It also enables customer service teams to easily manage multiple communication platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and other social media platforms. Moreover, you can improve customer experience and satisfaction for your business in India through automatic contact segmentation, customer data integration, and better analysis.
Find out all you need to know about WhatsApp Business API for your business in India.
How to offer premium customer experience on WhatsApp via SleekFlow
Other than being able to manage multiple communication channels with teams, SleekFlow also has many features to help your business in India improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Access your WhatsApp Business account anywhere
With the mobile app and web app available in India, SleekFlow allows you to log in to your WhatsApp Business account anywhere and anytime, as long as you have internet access. You also do not have to worry about being logged out automatically when you’re halfway through chatting with customers.
WhatsApp auto replies and chat buttons
Businesses can use SleekFlow's auto reply feature in India to respond to customers' messages based on pre-set templates or automated processes. These automation features can save your customer service costs while reducing customer wait times and improving customer experience and satisfaction.
There are also WhatsApp interactive messages such as chat buttons which you can use to increase customer engagement when you broadcast promotional messages or collect customer feedback.
WhatsApp chat labeling
SleekFlow's chat label function in India makes it easier for businesses to broadcast messages to customers. By categorizing customers according to priority and setting up personalized broadcast messages, businesses can send relevant messages to customers at designated times, such as sending birthday promotion discount codes to customers or distributing coupons during Diwali.
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