Receive SMS and WhatsApp chats via PC
Facebook messages or WhatsApp chats - with the free "DeskNotifier Free" app you can keep an eye on your Android phone via PC and can even send SMS messages about it. We explain how the tool works. There is now an official PC solution for WhatsApp users.
Receive WhatsApp chats on the PC
- WhatsApp can officially be used via a web interface on the PC. For this you need the Chrome browser and an Android phone with the current WhatsApp version.
- In the WhatsApp settings on your Android phone, click on "WhatsApp Web" and scan the corresponding QR code of the website.
- Then you can also chat on the PC. To do this, your smartphone must be switched on and have an active internet connection.
Install DeskNotifier on the Android
Alternatively, you can also work with the "DeskNotifier" application. The program supports both WhatsApp and SMS. First install DeskNotifier on the Android phone.
- You have to "accept" the numerous required authorizations so that SMS can also be called up and sent from the desktop.
- In addition, the app must be activated in the input help, which you initiate with »Yes« when you start the app for the first time.
- In the following dialog, tap on »Desknotifier« and then move the slider to the right so that the function is activated. If you would like to use the service regularly, activate the "Start with phone" option in the app.
- Then scroll down in the dialog to the section »Wifi Status« and note the IP address shown.
Install Windows software on the PC
You can download the PC counterpart to the Android app for free here at CHIP.
- Then save and unzip the ZIP file, start »setup.exe« and decide in the process by clicking »Yes« whether the tool should be loaded when the system is started.
- The first time you start the program, you need to set up the connection. To do this, change the "Select connection method" combo box to "WIFI" and switch to the "Wifi" tab below. Here you add the previously determined IP address from the smartphone.
- After you have confirmed the dialog with »OK«, DeskNotifier reports the connection establishment in the notification area of the task bar.
Write SMS via PC
In future you will be notified there when information such as WhatsApp or Facebook messages arrive on the smartphone.
- You can also write text messages more conveniently using the PC keyboard. To do this, right-click on the DeskNotifier icon in the notification area and select the context command »Write SMS«.
In the next practical tip, we will clarify the question of whether WhatsApp chats can be deleted afterwards.