Android emulator to use WhatsApp

[amethyst]

I need some guidance here. I don't have a smartphone but apparently one can get WhatsApp going using an android emulator on your PC. So I'm looking for a lightweight android emulator, I've seen a few massive download sizes for these emulators. Any ideas which will work with Puppy or any other solutions?

[Grey]

Any ideas which will work with Puppy or any other solutions?

When my nephew asked me to run Plants vs Zombies 2 on the computer, I even wanted to try it myself. But it turned out that the best implementations of emulators are made for Windows.

Linux...
I've tried these:
Android Studio
chromeos-apk
In VM:
Android-x86
Bliss

Best of all is Studio. But the system requirements are quite high and it is difficult to configure.

[rockedge]

I think even WhatsApp run in an Android virtual machine will not work correctly without being linked to a phone running WhatsApp.

I really wish one could do it. But the virtual machine Android needs a phone number to actually work it seems. Maybe there is a work around!

[amethyst]

Yes, was wondering how this will work. Register your cell number with the app, connect your phone to your PC in PC mode (so you can use the data loaded on your phone). When you get a call you answer your phone (which is connected to your PC) like you would normally answer a call?

[rockedge]

Yes exactly. I am using it right now via the WhatsApp browser desktop! My son lives in Germany and is his main choice of communication.

I opened up https://web.whatsapp.com/ on the computer then with my phone's camera focused on the QR code supplied on the browser after I chose "Link Device". This connected a Fossapup64 running a @mikewalsh Google-Chrome-portable. To disconnect the computer and browser I can press a button on the WhatsApp running on the phone.

This arrangement is working well and it's a big help being able to use WhatsApp directly in Fossapup64 and using the system's keyboard.

[bigpup]

This may help you:
How to Install and Use WhatsApp Desktop Client in Linux
https://itsfoss.com/whatsapp-linux-desktop/
.
.

[amethyst]

Okay but I still need an emulator because I don't have a smartphone.....

[ljlj]

installing android apps on linux with
archon

Installing Android Apps on Linux with ARChon
https://www.linux.com/training-tutorial ... ux-archon/

[Grey]

Installing Android Apps on Linux with ARChon
https://www.linux.com/training-tutorial ... ux-archon/

Judging by the description, this is the same chromeos-apk by Vlad, but an older version.

[williwaw]

Okay but I still need an emulator because I don't have a smartphone.....

hmm .... you would then need to take a pic of your desktop QR code with the emulator......
just curious what feature of whats app you wish to utilize
there might be an easier way.

[rockedge]

@amethyst I don't think there is a way to run WhatsApp without a phone number and a phone that is connected the network. The Android virtual machine or emulator will run WhatsApp only with a cell phone dongle or some phone account. as well. The bottom line is you need a functioning phone to do the authentication needed for the desktop app(s) to work.

Maybe you'll find a way without a phone! (I hope so)

[amethyst]

@amethyst I don't think there is a way to run WhatsApp without a phone number and a phone that is connected the network. The Android virtual machine or emulator will run WhatsApp only with a cell phone dongle or some phone account. as well. The bottom line is you need a functioning phone to do the authentication needed for the desktop app(s) to work.

Maybe you'll find a way without a phone! (I hope so)

I think you may get messaging working without a phone. It seems the emulators are very big and needs huge resources to run. My machine will struggle. I think I am giving up on this idea.