After waiting for 7 years, you can finally use your computer to chat on WeChat. The web version is online. However, iPhone users should not be too busy to be happy just yet.
The gospel in front of the computer is still a belated make-up lesson
On February 21, WeChat officially launched its web version service. Users can finally test MBTI for free on a computer browser, log in by scanning the QR code with their mobile phone, and then use the chat function. This is undoubtedly good news for those office workers who work in front of the computer for more than 8 hours a day. Data shows that Chinese netizens use computers for an average of 3.5 hours a day, and the launch of the WeChat web version will directly cover these 250 million user groups.
The long-overdue path to cross-platform
The opponent has been planning for many years
Considering that LINE has already launched a computer version in 2012, and Skype has focused on cross-platform communication since its birth, the launch of the web version of WeChat does show an extremely slow pace. As of January 2026, WeChat's monthly active users have reached 800 million. However, before that , users could only use the main functions on their mobile phones. Data owned by the market research organization QuestMobile shows that during the period when users are working in front of the computer every day, more than 40% of people need to use their mobile phones to reply to messages at the same time.
User needs force function development
Someone revealed that it was someone from Tencent. In the past two years, the number of feedback requests for the PC version through customer service channels has exceeded 3 million times. Especially after remote working becomes popular in 2025, this demand suddenly surges, actually rising by 200%. As for the WeChat team, they finally launched the web version after the Spring Festival in 2026. The choice of this time point was also based on the expectation that the resumption of work after the year will bring about an explosion in demand for office scenes.
What are the restrictions on how to use the web version?
Complete login in three steps
In the latest version of the WeChat mobile app, users have to find the function called "Scan" and then scan the QR code on the web page. The whole process only takes about 10 seconds, and then the chat history can be synchronized on the computer browser. The current web version supports mainstream browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, which cover 95% of computer users on the market.
Currently unavailable for iPhone users
There are restrictions on Apple iOS system permissions, resulting in iPhone users currently unable to use web version functions. This problem is related to the iOS system's restriction mechanism for third-party applications running behind the scenes. The WeChat team revealed that they are communicating with Apple about solutions, but there is currently no specific timetable. As of January 2026, the number of active iPhone users in China will reach approximately 230 million, and these users can only continue to wait.
The communications overlord with 700 million users
Amazing user growth
On January 7, 2026, the number of monthly active users of WeChat exceeded the key limit of 800 million, an increase of 100 million compared with last year. This shows that 1 out of every 9 people in the world uses WeChat. The number of messages sent via WeChat every day reached 35 billion, an increase of 16.7% from the beginning of 2025. After being acquired by the parent company for US$19 billion, WeChat's user base has continued to expand, and it has become the mobile communication software with the largest number of users in the world.
Secure encryption takes the first step
In November last year, WeChat added point-to-point message encryption to the iOS version. The technology was developed with well-known security companies. Security experts say that this encryption method ensures that only the sender and receiver can read the message content, and even the server cannot decrypt it. This feature currently protects the daily communication security of more than 300 million users.
Voice call function is coming soon
Screenshots of new features exposed in advance
In December last year, foreign technology media took the lead in exposing screenshots of the WeChat voice call function on mobile phones. What the screenshot shows is that the design of the new function is extremely simple. There is an option to connect a Bluetooth headset with one click in the call interface, and you can also quickly reply to text messages during the call. What's even more considerate is that the system will automatically record the duration and date of calls with each friend, making it easier for users to view the call history related to them.
The release date is still unknown
Although screenshots of the function have leaked out, WeChat officials have not yet announced the detailed release time of the voice call function. Industry insiders have analyzed that this feature may be launched with a system update in the second quarter of 2026. Considering that WeChat has 800 million users, the launch of any new features must undergo rigorous testing to ensure that the server can withstand the sudden increase in call requests.
The CEO personally invited the experience to the platform
The founder strongly recommends the web version
WeChat CEO Jan Koum posted an article on his personal social account, inviting users to experience the new web version features. He claimed that the team is always committed to achieving the goal of allowing users to switch between different devices without hindrance, and the launch of the web version is a crucial step in achieving this goal. Koum emphasized that although the mobile version is still a key part of WeChat, the computer version will bring users more experience with flexibility in usage scenarios.
User feedback channels are fully opened
WeChat has officially opened a special feedback channel for the web version. Users can directly submit any problems they encounter during the application. On the first day of launch, more than 500,000 users experienced the web version and submitted nearly 20,000 pieces of feedback. The technical team is optimizing based on this feedback and plans to update the version once a week to fix problems.
When you usually use a computer, do you use your mobile phone to reply to WeChat at the same time? You are welcome to share your usage habits in the comment area, like and forward it to let more friends know about this new feature.
