using WhatsApp desktop with VoiceOver

By Tayo, 22 April, 2023

Forum
macOS and Mac Apps

Hi:

I trying to figure out how to use WhatsApp desktop on my Mac. Everything in the app is clearly labelled, but finding messages is a bit of a chore. Has anyone else had success with using VoiceOver with WhatsApp desktop?

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Comments

By Manuel on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 - 07:24

Hi, First of all, make sure to use the new catalyst version of WhatsApp for Mac. It's currently in beta, but works as fine as the iPhone version of WhatsApp because it's no longer Electron-based.

When using the Catalyst version, you have three main areas:

  • Toolbar: The toolbar contains buttons like new chat, profile picture button, the currently selected chat, a search and a info button
  • Sidebar: This contains two elements: Chats and archived (Not labeled correctly yet, but you can jump to the views more easily when going to Menu Bar > View, keyboard shortcuts are also available)
  • Table: this table contains the chats. Select one and press VO-Space to open it.

After a chat is opened, you have another table right after the vertical splitter. This table contains all the messages of the opened chat. After the table, you find the buttons for sending media, the message text field, the stickers/GIFs and the voice message button.

You can download the beta from here

By Dominic on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 - 07:24

This might seem good for my 2017 MacBook Air which I’m planning on putting in for retirement after the end of school grade 8 this year, if it can last that long
But can I use WhatsApp the top with the same account as my iPhone?

By Tayo on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 - 07:24

I was struggling to make VoiceOver work with the electron-based version. whanks so much for this.

By Manuel on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 - 07:24

Hi,
Yes, you can use the same account. You have to scan the QR Code and then you are logged in. All the messages are synced to your phone over te air. All just works.

By Dominic on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 - 07:24

How do I scan the QR code
Especially when I don’t even know where the QR code is

By Tayo on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 - 07:24

Is a similar public beta available for iPad? I do have test flight but never saw a mention of a beta.