Apple officially ended support for High Sierra years ago, and developers like Meta (WhatsApp) eventually stop supporting these "vintage" systems to ensure they can use the latest security and calling features. The current Mac app is built using , which specifically requires newer versions of macOS to function. Download WhatsApp Desktop for Mac - Free - older version
If you're still running macOS 10.13.6 (High Sierra) , finding a working version of the WhatsApp desktop app is a bit of a challenge. While the app is a productivity essential for many, the compatibility wall for older systems is getting higher. The Current Compatibility Reality As of early 2026, the official WhatsApp for Mac app generally requires macOS 11.0 (Big Sur) or higher
If you want a dedicated app experience without the official WhatsApp restrictions, consider multi-protocol messaging apps that still support High Sierra: download whatsapp for mac 10.13.6
If you are comfortable with the Terminal, Homebrew can install older casks.
While not recommended for long-term security, some third-party repositories host older versions of the WhatsApp Desktop .dmg file that were originally compatible with macOS 10.13. Apple officially ended support for High Sierra years
If you prefer a dedicated window rather than a browser tab, some third-party apps "wrap" the web version into a standalone application. Note that these are not official Meta products:
If you absolutely require a native .dmg installer that launches like a traditional app, you need the . While the app is a productivity essential for
✨ : Don't waste time looking for a direct installer for 10.13.6. Stick to WhatsApp Web for the most secure and reliable experience on High Sierra.
| Your Priority | Best Method | | :--- | :--- | | | Method 1: WhatsApp Web (in Firefox) | | Native App Feel | Method 2: Legacy Desktop v2.2146.12 | | Minimal Setup Time | Method 1 – just use your browser | | Future-proof (no expiry) | Method 1 |
As of April 2026, the official WhatsApp Desktop app is only compatible with macOS 11 (Big Sur) or later. Because macOS 10.13.6 (High Sierra) is a much older system, the latest version of the app from the official WhatsApp download page or the Apple App Store will not install.