Instant messaging apps like WhatsApp are meant for using on smartphones. However, if you are relying on keyboard shortcuts, then using WhatsApp on your computer makes messaging faster. In our earlier article, we have provided the complete list of emoji shortcuts for WhatsApp web and desktop. This guide covers the most useful WhatsApp Desktop shortcuts for Windows and Mac, organized in categories so that you can quickly find what you need. Remember, these shortcuts work on the desktop apps and not on the web interface.
Using WhatsApp Desktop
If you haven’t used the desktop app before:
- Install WhatsApp app from Mac App Store or Microsoft Store and launch the app.
- You will be shown with a QR code along with the instructions to scan from your iOS or Android mobile.
- Go to “Settings / Menu > Linked Device” on your mobile app and tap on “Link device” button.
- Scan the QR code from desktop app to link the devices and start using the desktop app.
Note that it is also possible to use your phone number to login to the desktop app without scanning the QR code.
WhatsApp Desktop Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts on WhatsApp Desktop let you jump between chats, format messages, start new conversations and quickly access settings. Though most shortcuts are similar across Windows and Mac apps, here are some of the differences in the keys:
- Control key on Windows usually corresponds to Command key on Mac.
- Alt key on Windows aligns with Option key on Mac.
Below are the full lists grouped under various categories:
Navigation Shortcuts
These help you move around the app quickly.
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Open new chat | Control + N | Command + N |
| Open next chat | Control + Tab | Command + Tab |
| Open previous chat | Control + Shift + Tab | Command + Shift + Tab |
| Search chats | Control + F | Command + F |
| Close current chat window | Esc | Esc |
| Open profile and settings | Control + , | Command + , |
| Toggle dark mode | Control + Shift + D | Command + Shift + D |
Message Formatting Shortcuts
WhatsApp supports Markdown-style formatting. These shortcuts work while typing inside the message box.
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Bold | Control + B | Command + B |
| Italic | Control + I | Command + I |
| Strikethrough | Control + Shift + X | Command + Shift + X |
| Monospace | Control + Shift + M | Command + Shift + M |
Message Actions
These make sending, editing, and managing messages easier.
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Send message | Enter | Enter |
| Insert line break instead of sending | Shift + Enter | Shift + Enter |
| Archive chat | Control + Shift + A | Command + Shift + A |
| Delete chat | Control + Shift + D | Command + Shift + D |
| Pin chat | Control + Shift + P | Command + Shift + P |
| Mute chat | Control + Shift + M | Command + Shift + M |
| Mark as unread | Control + Shift + U | Command + Shift + U |
| Search within chat | Control + Shift + F | Command + Shift + F |
| Forward message | Control + Shift + F | Command + Shift + F |
| Copy message | Control + C | Command + C |
| Paste | Control + V | Command + V |
| Cut | Control + X | Command + X |
Media and Attachment Shortcuts
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Open file attachment menu | Control + Shift + U | Command + Shift + U |
| Open emoji panel | Control + E | Command + E |
| Open GIF panel | Control + G | Command + G |
| Open sticker panel | Control + S | Command + S |
Note: Depending on your app version, emoji, GIF, or sticker shortcuts may behave differently.
Call Controls (Voice and Video)
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Start video call | Control + Shift + V | Command + Shift + V |
| Start voice call | Control + Shift + C | Command + Shift + C |
| Mute during call | Control + Shift + M | Command + Shift + M |
| Turn camera on or off | Control + Shift + O | Command + Shift + O |
| End call | Esc | Esc |
Note:You can jump to chats, messages, or contacts instantly by pressing Control or Command + F, then typing a keyword. Also, use bold formatting for emphasis, italics for tone, and monospace for sharing code or technical snippets.
