While there is no WhatsApp application for Linux distributions like Ubuntu, several highly effective ways exist to get it running on your desktop. From simple browser-based shortcuts to feature-rich third-party clients, you can stay connected without needing to pick up your phone. 1. The Recommended Method: WhatsApp Web as a PWA
If you prefer package managers:
The safest and most straightforward way to use WhatsApp on Ubuntu is through or Microsoft Edge as a Progressive Web App (PWA). How to set it up: Open Google Chrome and go to web.whatsapp.com . Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner. Go to Save and share > Install WhatsApp Web . whatsapp linux ubuntu
For years, the relationship between popular proprietary messaging applications and the Linux operating system has been tenuous at best. While Linux users enjoy unparalleled control over their systems, they often find themselves marginalized by software developers who prioritize Windows and macOS. WhatsApp, the world’s most popular messaging platform with over two billion users, is a prime example of this disconnect. Historically, using WhatsApp on Ubuntu Linux was a exercise in frustration, involving unstable workarounds. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years. Today, running WhatsApp on Ubuntu is not only viable but efficient, thanks to the maturation of web technologies and the development of community-driven tools. While there is no WhatsApp application for Linux
Ubuntu users no longer need to feel like second-class citizens. The official WhatsApp for Linux (beta) works reasonably well for daily use, though it remains a web-wrapper at heart. For most people, the browser version is still the fastest, most reliable option — but having an official .deb package is a welcome sign that Meta finally acknowledges Linux exists. The Recommended Method: WhatsApp Web as a PWA
Before the official client, projects like and Franz (now called Ferdium) filled the gap. These still work well:
This creates a standalone window and a desktop icon that feels like a native app.