WhatsApp Linux puts WhatsApp Web in a native desktop window with the integrations a real messaging app is expected to have: close-to-tray, unread badges, desktop notifications and autostart. Built with Electron, packaged for x64 and arm64.
- Real WhatsApp Web in a native window (Electron, Chromium engine)
- Close to tray — keep receiving messages with the window closed
- Unread badge on the tray icon and on supported taskbars/docks
- Desktop notifications — click one to bring the window forward
- Launch at login — starts hidden in the tray
- Window size, position and zoom level persistence
- External links open in your default browser
- Same-origin popups (image/attachment viewers) stay in-app
- x64 and arm64 builds, deb / rpm / AppImage / Flatpak
Grab a package from the Releases page.
| Format | Architectures | Install |
|---|---|---|
.deb |
x64, arm64 | sudo apt install ./whatsapp-linux_<version>_amd64.deb |
.rpm |
x64, arm64 | sudo dnf install ./whatsapp-linux-<version>.x86_64.rpm |
.AppImage |
x64, arm64 | chmod +x whatsapp-linux-<version>-<arch>.AppImage && ./whatsapp-linux-<version>-<arch>.AppImage |
.flatpak |
x64, arm64 | flatpak install ./whatsapp-linux-<version>-<arch>.flatpak |
Exact file names are listed on the release page.
Pair the app once by scanning the QR code with WhatsApp on your phone (Settings → Linked devices → Link a device). The session persists across restarts.
Requirements: Node.js 24+ and npm.
git clone https://github.com/done6666/whatsapp-linux.git
cd whatsapp-linux
npm ci
npm start # run in development
npm run dist # build deb, rpm, AppImage and flatpak packages-
Ubuntu GNOME: works out of the box (Ubuntu AppIndicators extension is enabled by default).
-
Vanilla GNOME / other distros: install and enable the AppIndicator extension, then restart your session:
sudo apt install gnome-shell-extension-appindicator gnome-extensions enable appindicatorsupport@rgcjonas.gmail.com -
If no tray is available, the app detects it at startup: closing the window then quits the app instead of hiding it, so you are never left with a hidden process.
Tray icon does not appear
On GNOME, tray icons require the AppIndicator extension (see above). KDE Plasma, XFCE, Cinnamon and MATE support tray icons out of the box.
Notifications arrive but clicking them does nothing
Make sure a notification daemon is running (all major desktop environments ship one). Clicking a notification shows and focuses the window even when it was hidden to the tray.
Sandbox error when running from source
The Electron binary downloaded during development needs correct ownership on its sandbox helper:
sudo chown root:root node_modules/electron/dist/chrome-sandbox
sudo chmod 4755 node_modules/electron/dist/chrome-sandboxThis is not needed for the packaged deb/rpm/AppImage/Flatpak builds.
Is this an official WhatsApp client? No. This is an independent wrapper that displays web.whatsapp.com. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Meta.
Do voice and video calls work? Yes — calls, voice messages and media sharing work through the embedded Chromium engine.
Where is my session stored?
Locally, in the Electron user data directory (~/.config/WhatsApp Linux/). Nothing is sent
anywhere by this app beyond what WhatsApp Web itself does.
Can I use multiple accounts? Not yet — multi-account support is on the roadmap.
Issues and pull requests are welcome! See CONTRIBUTING.md.
This project is an unofficial client and is not affiliated with, associated with, authorized by, or endorsed by WhatsApp LLC or Meta Platforms, Inc. WhatsApp is a trademark of Meta Platforms, Inc. Use of the WhatsApp service remains subject to the WhatsApp Terms of Service.
MIT © 2026 done6666