Kik is a popular messaging app that lets you connect with friends, family, and other Kik users all over the world. You can send text messages, photos, videos, sketches, GIFs, stickers, and more.
Kik is available on mobile devices, but did you know you can also use Kik on your computer? This guide will show you how to download, install, and use the Kik app on your Windows PC or Mac computer.
Getting Kik on Your PC
To use Kik on your computer, you’ll first need to download the Kik app. Here’s how:
Head to kik.com and click the Download Kik button.
Click the Windows or Mac download link based on your computer’s operating system.
Once downloaded, open the install file and follow the instructions to install Kik on your PC.
Launch the Kik app on your computer.
Setting up Kik for PC
The first time you open Kik on your computer, you’ll need to set up your account. Here’s how:
Click the Start New Chat button in the upper right corner.
Enter your name or select the option to take a selfie to generate an icon.
Enter your birthdate and select your gender.
enter the email address where you want to receive Kik notifications.
Click the Verify Email button. Check your email inbox for a verification code from Kik.
Enter the verification code and click the Submit Code button.
Click the arrow button to approve Kik’s terms of service and data collection.
You’re all signed up! Your Kik username is displayed at the top of the screen.
Exploring the Kik App
Now that your Kik account is set up, let’s explore the main features of the app:
Home Screen: This is where you’ll see a list of your recent conversations, Suggested Public Chats you can join, and options to start a new chat or search for people.
New Chat: Click the Start a New Chat button to send a message to someone new by entering their Kik username, email, or phone number. You can also scan a QR code shared by another user to instantly chat with them.
Search: Use the Search bar to find your friends or interesting Public Chats based on topic keywords. Check the trending hashtags for popular group chat topics.
Settings: Click your username at the top to access a menu where you can adjust notification settings, block users, manage your account, and much more.
Kik Chat Features
When you open a conversation with someone, you’ll see a lot of great ways to communicate with them beyond just texting:
Smiley Face Menu: Click the smiley face icon to access fun emoticons, emojis, GIFs, and stickers to jazz up your chats.
Camera: Send a selfie, photo, or video by clicking the camera icon. You can also create and share doodles!
File Share: Click the paper clip icon to attach and send images, videos, contacts, and other files.
Chat Settings: Customize settings for each conversation like chat themes, nicknames, and more.
Mentions: Type @ followed by a friend’s username to send them a notification in a group chat.
Those are the core features for using Kik on your PC. The app interface is very similar between the computer and mobile versions. Let’s look at some other key Kik tips and tricks below!
More Tips for Using Kik
Here are some other useful things to know for getting the most out of Kik on your computer:
Logging In: After installing Kik, simply launch it on your PC and you’ll be logged in automatically based on the account you set up initially.
Linking Devices: You can link your Kik account across multiple devices like your phone and computer so your chats are synced and you can pick up conversations anywhere.
Group Chats: Click the + icon in a chat to add additional participants and create a group for chatting with multiple friends at once. Kik also offers public group chats for exploring common interests.
Video Calls: While in a one-on-one chat, you can click the video camera icon to start a live video call with the other person.
Notifications: Click your name, then Settings > Notifications to customize exactly how (and how often) you get notified of new Kik messages on your computer.
Block Users: Right click on a chat with someone to Block or Report them if needed. This prevents unwanted contact.
Find more cool Kik features in the Settings menu. There are options for customizing your interface, finding bots, and more!
As you can see, it’s really easy to use Kik on your PC with all the key features the mobile app has.
The computer version provides a bigger screen and keyboard for faster messaging while still giving you access to extra media sharing and all the fun ways to chat on Kik.
Troubleshooting Common Kik Issues
While Kik strives to provide a seamless chat experience, you may occasionally run into some common annoyances or errors when using Kik on your PC. Here are some quick solutions:
“Message not delivered” error: Ensure you have a steady internet connection. If that’s not the problem, the recipient may have temporarily lost connection or blocked you.
Media not sending: You may need to verify your email address or phone number if prompted to unlock media attachments.
App crash or freeze: Try restarting your computer and the Kik app. You can also reinstall if needed.
Missing messages: Check that your messages are properly syncing between devices. Clearing app cache or restarting your router could help.
Let us know in the comments if you have any other Kik for PC issues come up and we’ll do our best to help!
Kik for PC Alternatives
While Kik provides a solid messaging experience, you may be looking for some alternative chat apps to use on your computer. Here are a few options depending on your needs:
WhatsApp Web: Access your WhatsApp chats directly in your web browser rather than using a separate app.
Messenger.com: Chat with your Facebook friends and connections through Facebook’s messaging portal on the web.
Telegram Desktop: A separately installed app with desktop notifications, uncompressed media, and other special features.
Discord: An all-in-one voice and text chat app for gamers that’s also great for joining topic-based servers.
Slack: A powerful business communication platform for companies and teams, also used for personal group chats.
Google Chat: For anyone using Gmail, Chat in your browser is a simple way to stay connected without installing anything.
WeChat Web: Use this version of China’s top messaging app right in your browser.
There are pros and cons to each of these Kik alternatives when used on PC. Some offer more features, connections to existing contacts, or enhanced security.
Others simply provide a different user interface or experience. Explore to see which works best for you!
That covers the key details you need to know about using Kik on your PC or Mac computer.
Whether you’re new to the app, or switching from mobile, we hope this guide helped you easily get started chatting with friends through Kik for desktop. Let us know any other questions in the comments below!