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WhatsApp With Screen Readers

by | Nov 10, 2023 | Internet | 0 comments

Overview

WhatsApp is a freeware, cross-platform, centralized instant messaging (IM) and voice-over-IP (VoIP) service owned by United States tech conglomerate Meta Platforms. It allows users to send text, voice messages and video messages, make voice and video calls, and share images, documents, user locations, and other content. WhatsApp’s client application runs on mobile devices, and can be accessed from computers. The service requires a cellular mobile telephone number to sign up.

WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over 2 billion active users in over 180 countries. It is especially popular in developing countries, where it is often used as a primary means of communication.

WhatsApp is known for its ease of use, reliability, and security. It uses end-to-end encryption for all messages and calls, meaning that only the sender and receiver can read or listen to them. WhatsApp also offers a number of other security features, such as two-factor authentication and disappearing messages.

In addition to its basic messaging and calling features, WhatsApp also offers a number of other features, such as:

  • Groups: WhatsApp allows users to create groups of up to 512 people to chat with. Groups can be used for a variety of purposes, such as staying in touch with family and friends, planning events, or collaborating on projects.

WhatsApp is a powerful and versatile messaging app that can be used for a variety of purposes. It is easy to use, reliable, and secure. If you are looking for a messaging app to stay in touch with friends and family, or to communicate with colleagues or clients, WhatsApp is a great option.

 

1. Accessing WhatsApp on Desktop

You can use WhatsApp in two ways:

Option 1: WhatsApp Web

  • Open a browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.).
  • Go to: https://web.whatsapp.com
  • Screen reader will announce the WhatsApp Web page with a QR code.

Option 2: WhatsApp Desktop App

 

2. Linking Your Phone

1) Open WhatsApp on your phone.

2) Go to Linked Devices:

  • Android: Menu (three dots) → Linked Devices
  • iPhone: Settings → Linked Devices
  • 3) Select Link a device and scan the QR code on your computer.

3. Interface Overview

After login, the main sections are:

  • Search bar– Find contacts or groups
  • Chat list– Shows recent conversations
  • Chat area– Displays messages
  • Message input box– Type messages
  • Attach button– Send files
  • Voice message option

4. Basic Navigation (Screen Reader)

  • Tab / Shift + Tab– Move forward/backward
  • Arrow Keys– Navigate chats or messages
  • Enter– Open chat or activate option
  • E– Jump to message input box
  • Escape (twice)– Exit a chat

5. Sending a Message

  • Go to the chat list using Tab.
  • Use Arrow keys to select a contact or group.
  • Press Enter to open the chat.
  • Reach the message input box (Tab or press E).
  • Type your message and press Enter to send.

6. Reading Messages

  • Navigate to chat list using Tab/Shift + Tab.
  • Use Arrow keys to select a chat and press Enter.
  • Move to message area using Tab.
  • Use Arrow keys to read messages.

7. Message Options

  • Select a message using Arrow keys.
  • Press Shift + F10(or Applications key).
  • Choose options like Reply, Forward, Copy, Delete, or Star.

8. File Handling

Download a File

  • Navigate to the file message.
  • Tab to Downloadand press Enter.
  • File saves in the Downloads folder.

Move File to Another Location

  • Open File Explorer (Windows + E).
  • Go to Downloads folder.
  • Select file → Press Ctrl + X.
  • Open desired folder → Press Ctrl + V.

Attach (Send) a File

  • Go to message box.
  • Tab to Attachand press Enter.
  • Choose file type (Document, Photos, Audio).
  • Select file and send.

9. Chat Information & Media

  • Open a chat.
  • Shift + Tab to reach chat header (contact/group name).
  • Press Enter to open Chat Info.

Inside Chat Info:

  • Media, Links and Docs
  • Starred Messages
  • Mute Notifications
  • Disappearing Messages
  • About / Status

Navigation

  • Use Tab and Arrow keys to explore.
  • Press Enter to open items.
  • Use Shift + F10 for more options.

10. Common Features in Chat Info

Media, Links and Docs

  • Browse shared images, documents, and links.
  • Use Arrow keys to navigate and Enter to open.

Starred Messages

  • View important saved messages.

Mute Notifications

  • Choose duration (8 hours, 1 week, Always).

Disappearing Messages

  • Set messages to auto-delete (24 hours, 7 days, 90 days).

11. Settings and Other Options

Access through the Menu (three dots):

  • Profile – Edit name, photo, about
  • Privacy – Manage last seen, read receipts, blocked contacts
  • Notifications – Control alerts and sounds
  • Appearance – Light/Dark mode (Desktop app)
  • Linked Devices – Manage connected devices
  • Help – FAQs and support
  • Keyboard Shortcuts – View all shortcuts
  • New Chat / New Group
  • Archived Chats
  • Starred Messages
  • Log Out

12. Logging Out

  • Go to Menu using Tab.
  • Use Arrow keys to select Log outand press Enter.

Keyboard Shortcuts

These shortcuts work reliably with screen readers like NVDA and JAWS:

  • Navigation & General
  • Ctrl + N – Start a new chat
  • Ctrl + Shift + N – Create a new group
  • Ctrl + F – Search chats
  • Ctrl + Shift + F – Search messages in current chat
  • Ctrl + Tab – Move to next chat
  • Ctrl + Shift + Tab – Move to previous chat
  • Ctrl + 1 / 2 / 3… – Jump to specific chat position
  • Chat Actions
  • Ctrl + E – Archive chat
  • Ctrl + Shift + M – Mute chat
  • Ctrl + Shift + U – Mark as unread
  • Ctrl + Backspace – Delete chat
  • Message Actions
  • Enter – Send message
  • Ctrl + Enter – New line in message
  • Interface & Help
  • Ctrl + , (comma) – Open Settings
  • Ctrl + Shift + / (or Ctrl + /) – Open keyboard shortcuts