WhatsApp is a desktop messaging app for Mac that lets you send messages, make calls, and use your chats on a larger screen.
What is WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is a social communication app for messaging and calling from your Mac. It helps people stay in touch with friends, family, classmates, and coworkers by bringing their WhatsApp chats to the desktop. The app supports text messaging, voice and video calls, group conversations, and screen sharing, making it useful for both personal and everyday work communication. Messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted, and the desktop app works as a linked device for your WhatsApp account. On Mac, it is designed for users who want easier typing, desktop notifications, and access to conversations while working on a computer.
Key features
- Send and receive individual and group messages from your Mac
- Make voice and video calls, including international calls
- Join group conversations and manage chat activity on a larger screen
- Share your screen during calls when you need to show something live
- Receive desktop notifications for new messages and calls
- Use linked devices to stay connected across your phone and computer
Review app leftovers with diCleaner
Inspect caches, support files, containers, and login items before cleaning.
Safety overview
Status: Mostly safe
This app is a mainstream communication client from WhatsApp LLC and its network access, notifications, microphone, camera, and contacts-related permissions are consistent with messaging and calling features. Because it handles private conversations and media, you should review notification previews on shared Macs and grant camera or microphone access only if you use calls. If you encounter a copy installed from an unexpected source or with a different developer signature than WhatsApp LLC, remove that copy and reinstall from the official download page or the Apple App Store.
Recommendation: Keep WhatsApp if you use the service on your phone and want desktop messaging or calling on your Mac. If you no longer use WhatsApp, removing the app will stop desktop notifications and local access to linked chats on this Mac without affecting your main account on your phone.
Common paths
/Applications/WhatsApp.app
Cache paths
~/Library/Caches/net.whatsapp.WhatsApp
Support paths
~/Library/Application Support/WhatsApp
Preference paths
~/Library/Preferences/net.whatsapp.WhatsApp.plist
Container paths
~/Library/Containers/net.whatsapp.WhatsApp
Share your experience
Be the first to share your experience.