Although it may seem unbelievable, there is still a kind of gap between the smartphone and the desktop computer. Over time, manufacturers and app developers alike have created different tools that serve as bridges to connect both devices, but they are generally not very intuitive, and when we want something basic like receiving WhatsApp notifications on the PC, we don't know where to start. That's when Pushbullet comes to the rescue, one of the best options for viewing all kinds of notifications on the desktop, and in some cases, responding from there.
Accessing WhatsApp on the computer is not that complicated, to be honest. Facebook's mothership offers an option through WhatsApp Web, or the desktop app that aims to reduce our dependence on the smartphone. Another possibility is to use WhatsApp on PC with the help of BlueStacks, ideal for emergency cases when the smartphone gives up.
But what happens when we want to receive WhatsApp notifications on the PC, and by the way, any other app with messages and alerts? Many of those apps cannot connect to our desktops, unless we use a kind of bridge for notifications. That is Pushbullet's job, which has been with us for several years, but not everyone knows it.
How to Receive WhatsApp Notifications on PC with Pushbullet
- The first step is to download the mobile app for Android (its developers were forced to abandon iOS in January 2020) and install it. Pushbullet requires at least Android 5, and receives frequent updates.
- Then, we open the app, give permission to the necessary functions, and use Google credentials to confirm. There is no escape from this, and I recommend using the same account associated with the device to avoid conflicts.
- Third, we download and install the desktop app. Although there is the option to use Pushbullet as an extension for Firefox and Chrome, the dedicated application works very well. We enter Google credentials again, and the link between both devices should be confirmed.
- To definitively check Pushbullet's operation, we go to the Mirroring section of the mobile app, and tap the Send a test notification option. If everything goes well, the notification will appear on Windows immediately.
Obviously, receiving WhatsApp notifications on the PC is just one of the many functions available under Pushbullet:
- Sending and receiving SMS (yes, those still exist)
- Reply to messages from other apps beyond WhatsApp (e.g., Facebook Messenger)
- Share and transfer both links and files, between devices and friends
- Get a log of all notifications, including missed calls
- Delete notifications from the desktop, and delete them automatically on the smartphone
In other words, Pushbullet behaves like a kind of remote control for our smartphone or tablet. It also has a certain social component, which allows us to access featured news feeds. The free version of Pushbullet has some limitations (for example, a maximum monthly sending of 100 messages), but nothing that ruins the experience. Download a copy!
Official site and download: Click here
