WeChat is developed by Tencent and is one of the most widely used messaging apps, especially popular in China and among Chinese-speaking communities worldwide. Beyond text, voice and video messaging, it includes features such as Moments for sharing photos and updates with contacts, and Mini Programs, small apps that run inside WeChat itself. The WeChat desktop client links to your mobile account and mirrors your chats on a computer.
What Makes WeChat More Than a Messaging App
WeChat grew beyond a simple messaging app by adding features that keep users inside the app for more of their day. Mini Programs let developers build lightweight apps that run directly inside WeChat, while Moments gives the app a social feed layer, and the desktop client keeps all of it synced with the account on your phone.
WeChat Features
- Text & Voice Messaging — send messages, voice notes and media to individuals or groups.
- Voice & Video Calls — free calls over an internet connection to other WeChat users.
- Moments — a social feed for sharing photos, videos and status updates with contacts.
- Mini Programs — lightweight apps that run inside WeChat without separate installation.
- Desktop Client Sync — mirrors your mobile conversations for messaging from a computer.
- Group Chats — organize conversations with multiple contacts at once.
- File Sharing — send documents, photos and videos directly in chat.
How to Install WeChat on Desktop
- Open the official download page using the button on this page to get the genuine Tencent installer.
- Install WeChat on your phone first and create or sign in to your account.
- Download the desktop app for Windows or macOS from the official page.
- Scan the QR code shown on desktop with the WeChat app on your phone to log in.
- Start messaging from the desktop client once linked to your mobile account.
Is WeChat really free?
Free. WeChat is free to download and use for messaging and calling other WeChat users.
How to download WeChat safely
Use the request button on this page and we will email you the current link for www.wechat.com — the publisher's own website — so you receive the authentic build. We do not host, mirror, patch or repackage this software in any way.
Avoid third-party "download manager" sites offering WeChat. They commonly wrap the genuine installer in their own bundler, which is how adware and browser hijackers get onto a machine that the user believed was clean.
Alternatives to WeChat
Other free communication software worth comparing before you decide:
Viber
Free messaging and calling app with a synced desktop client.
WhatsApp Desktop
The desktop companion app for WhatsApp messaging and calls.
Telegram Desktop
Cloud-based messaging app with large group and channel support.
Frequently asked questions
Is WeChat free?
Yes, downloading and using WeChat for messaging and calls is free.
Can I use WeChat on desktop without a phone?
The desktop client is designed to link to a mobile account and mirror it, so an active mobile account is normally required.
What are WeChat Mini Programs?
Small lightweight apps that run inside WeChat itself, letting users access services without installing separate apps.
Is WeChat available outside China?
Yes, WeChat is used internationally, though some features can vary by region.
What is WeChat Moments?
A social feed feature where users share photos, videos and status updates visible to their contacts.
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People also search for
The terms visitors use to find this page. Each one lands here because it describes the same program.
Searches from India
WeChat is identical worldwide — these are search phrasings, not different downloads. Every one of them gets the same official build from www.wechat.com.
